K9 Bane Hero Foundation
Some heroes leave pawprints not only on the streets they protect, but on the hearts of everyone they touch.
K9 Bane and his handler, Detective Holly McManus, became the first K9 team for the St. Francis Police Department in Wisconsin, serving their community with unwavering loyalty, courage, and love for nearly seven years. When Bane retired, he finally got to enjoy the peaceful life he had earned — surrounded by the people who loved him most.
In June 2022, Bane was diagnosed with Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), a cruel and terminal disease similar to ALS in humans. Knowing their time together was limited, Detective McManus made it her mission to ensure Bane’s story would live on forever. Through determination, love, and the support of many, she raised funds to cover all of Bane’s medical care and created a lasting tribute for the community — the K9 Legacy Monument, honoring his life, service, and sacrifice.
From that love, the K9 Bane Hero Foundation was born — a promise that no handler and no hero would have to walk the difficult road of illness and retirement alone. The foundation helps working K9s and their families navigate health, comfort, and dignity in their later years, while also working toward a future free from hereditary diseases like DM. Because every hero deserves to be remembered… and every hero deserves a legacy.
On May 9, 2024, Bane traded his wheels for wings — but his spirit, his story, and his impact will live on forever. !
As the final hours of 2025 slipped away, the K9 Bane Hero Foundation welcomed Zax into their family — a moment that meant more than words can express.
Kyle and I adopted K9 Zax, a brave and loyal 6-year-old German Shepherd who faithfully served his community for three years before retiring in July 2024. Though his working days ended, his story was far from over. Zax is not just a retired K9 — he is family, he is a protector, and he is a hero who deserves comfort, dignity, and love in every chapter of his life.
Because of this, any Blue Line gear sold will go directly to the Foundation’s site to help Zax and his fellow K9 officers — heroes who gave everything in service and now need our support in return.
Thank you for standing with these incredible dogs. Thank you for honoring their service. And thank you for helping us give them the care, peace, and legacy they deserve. 💙🐾
