ALWAYS BESIDE THOSE WHO SERVE
HONORING THE BOND BETWEEN K9S AND THEIR HANDLERS
Project Always Beside You is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting military, service, and law enforcement K9s in times of need. From emergency medical care to equipment and memorial support, we stand by their side—because loyalty goes both ways.
SERVING K9 HEROES AND THEIR HANDLERS
Project Always Beside You is a non-profit organization devoted to caring for military working dogs, service animals, and law enforcement K9s when they need it most.
Whether it’s covering medical expenses, aiding in retirement transitions, or supporting their human partners, we stand ready to help. Inspired by personal loss and driven by love and loyalty, our mission is to honor the service and sacrifice of these incredible teams—because no hero should be left behind.
USMC SSGT Christopher Diaz
9/4/1984 - 9/28/2011
SSD P068 Dino
2/01/2008 - 12/05/2020
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends"
John 15:13
ALWAYS BESIDE YOU
Project Always Beside You is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization as of November 2020. Project Always Beside You was founded by the Diaz Family, a Gold Star Family and is led by a Marine Veteran, Salvador Diaz, Jr. The organization was inspired by the help they received by other organizations like this one, when their adopted dog, SSD P068 Dino took ill, and in Dec 2020 crossed the rainbow bridge.
SSGT Christopher Diaz was a third generation Marine. Before his deployment to Afghanistan, he was selected to attend an advanced training program for several months in Israel. Israel is where he and Dino were partnered up. After completing the course, SSGT Christopher Diaz was one of only a handful of dog handlers in the Marine Corps to have the qualifications he possessed. His skills lead him to being chosen to support Reconnaissance and Special Forces.
Dino was retired from the Marine Corps on 7 June 2014 and adopted by the Diaz Family. Dino was adopted after the loss of his handler, SSGT Christopher Diaz, KIA 28 Sept 2011 in Helmand Province Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On Sept 28 2011 in Afghanistan, SSGT Diaz died doing what he loved. He was helping a Marine in a time of need when he was fatally struck by an IED. Christopher lives on through his children Mia and Jeremy. SSGT Diaz's name lives on in stories and memories of all those who had the opportunity to know him, and for that his family is proud. SSGT Diaz's name will be remembered alongside many Americans, neighbors, friends and relatives that have given the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.
OUR MISSION
Providing financial assistance for K9 and handlers when they experience unexpected hardships. Our support extends to K9 and handlers who are active duty military, veteran or retired and their families; including those working in a government service-related positions.
MISSION METHODS
We provide direct support through:
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Covering emergency medical expenses for retired K9s
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Assisting with placement and transport when K9s are adopted by veterans
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Supplying essential equipment to law enforcement K9 units
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Funding memorials for MWDs, CWDs, and K9 law enforcement teams
MISSION SCOPE
Our reach extends across the United States, with a focus on serving military and service-related K9 teams in need. From urgent medical care to end-of-service transitions, our mission covers both practical support and emotional recognition—ensuring these heroes, both canine and human, are never forgotten.
K9 & HANDLER SPOTLIGHT
FALLEN HANDLERS
CPL | DAVID M. SONKA | MAY 4, 2013 | US MARINE CORPS | |
SSGT | CHRISTOPHER DIAZ | SEP 28, 2011 | US MARINE CORPS | |
CPL | MAX DONAHUE | AUG 7, 2010 | US MARINE CORPS | |
CPL | KORY D. WEINS | JUL 6, 2007 | US ARMY | |
SGT | ADAM L. CANN | JAN 5, 2006 | US MARINE CORPS |