Kristi Hoss Schiller, a dynamic social entrepreneur and civic volunteer, has made it her mission to transform law enforcement through her non-profit, K9s4COPs.
Accompanied by her loyal K9 partner, Liza, a KNPV-trained Belgian Malinois, Schiller tackles the financial hurdles faced by police agencies in acquiring trained K9s—often costing between $15,000 and $45,000. She has successfully donated highly trained K9s to local and state law enforcement, ensuring these essential partners are accessible to those who need them most.
Schiller’s story of how K9s4COPs came to be is not just inspiring; it reflects her profound impact on communities worldwide. Police Magazine recently caught up with Schiller to talk about her journey in the police K9 world.
Who inspires you?
Schiller: “The men and women who put on uniforms every day. Law enforcement officers, first responders, farmers, nurses, and teachers are the closest things we have to superheroes on earth. I am deeply moved by those who give of themselves, expecting nothing in return.”
What motivates you to approach each day with the energy you bring to K9s4COPs and K9s4KIDs?
Schiller: “The knowledge that every K9 we place could save a life, prevent a tragedy, or make a community safer. It's that responsibility and the opportunity to support law enforcement, schools, and the people who protect us that fuels me every day. Knowing that the work we do can have a direct impact on public safety keeps me focused and driven, no matter the challenges.”
“I live by the three G's: Gratitude, Graciousness, and Giving Back. I feel incredibly blessed watching my daughter, Sinclair, grow into an amazing young woman, knowing that she carries the values I have worked hard to instill in her. I believe that our purpose in life comes from what we give to others. Every day, I remind her how lucky we are to live in the greatest country in the world. Life presents us with new gifts each day, and sometimes those gifts come in the form of obstacles. Looking back, what I once saw as life-altering challenges, I now understand were shaping my journey. Those experiences that seemed like roadblocks were actually paving the way forward, each offering a lesson in disguise.
I tell Sinclair daily, 'If you can, then you must. Nothing can stand in your way.'“
“Charity comes in many forms—whether it’s writing a check, donating money, connecting others through your network, or giving your time. Each act leaves a meaningful mark on the world. Whenever K9s4COPs receives an application from a department or an ISD seeking our help, I consider it a true honor. I’ve always believed that when someone gives you their time, it’s the most valuable gift they can offer.”
How has your life changed since founding K9s4COPs in 2011?
Schiller: “It might sound cliché, but I honestly can’t remember life before becoming part of my law enforcement family. Every chapter in my life has brought its own rewards, but building K9s4COPs from the ground up has been the most challenging and fulfilling work I’ve ever done. I’m meticulous by nature, so I strive to excel in every role I take on. Aside from being a mom, K9s4COPs and K9s4KIDs have become my true life’s purpose.”
Of all the roles you play, which is your favorite?
Schiller: “Balancing so many roles keeps life anything but ordinary. In 2021, I experienced six strokes—five in my carotid artery and one in my brain stem. I’ve never been a smoker or a drinker, so it hit me out of the blue. It turns out I was born with a hole in my heart that waited decades to make itself known. That experience completely transformed my perspective, deepening my gratitude for every role I take on, but especially for the opportunity to serve others and make a meaningful impact.”
“When it comes to K9s4COPs, I’m incredibly lucky to have a family of officers on my law enforcement board who are my true heroes. They keep me grounded as we continue to grow. These officers have been more than just colleagues—they’ve been like guardian angels and therapists along the way. Dep. Ted Dahlin, whom the Foundation was founded in honor of, has stood by me through every wild idea, never faltering in his support. Our motto, 'Blek Gave All That Started It All,' serves as a constant reminder that Blek’s sacrifice paved the way for everything we do. His legacy lives on in every K9 we place.”
“Blek’s sacrifice left a profound mark on me. He died as a true hero, giving his life to protect his handler and the community, a loss that ultimately led me to create K9s4COPs—an organization that has since placed hundreds of K9s in law enforcement agencies, ensuring the legacy of service and protection lives on.”
“Then came Sgt. Stuart Red from the Houston Police Department and Sgt. Chris Moore from the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, both of whom have played crucial roles in advancing the mission of K9s4COPs.”
“We run on a lean budget, with everything we raise going directly back into placing K9s. With just two paid employees, we operate at full throttle, using every bit of energy and every opportunity we’re given to make the most impact possible.”
What has changed the most since you started K9s4COPs?
Schiller: “Back in 2011, we only had a few dogs out on patrol, and now we have close to 400 K9 teams making a difference! Our K9s have helped take over eight billion dollars’ worth of contraband off the streets, confiscated over 150,000 firearms, and contributed to over 200,000 felony arrests. I can’t express how proud I am of these officers and the tools we’ve been able to give them. I’ve had to set my phone to silent from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. because otherwise, I’d get calls and texts from K9 teams across the country all night long. Waking up to news of a major bust always gives me chills.”
“It seems like just yesterday my daughter was in Kindergarten (now attending Emory University), and I was sitting in the carpool line, scribbling down the street value of drug seizures with a crayon on a Big Chief tablet to track the impact of each K9. Then, it feels like I stepped into a phone booth, threw on some magical Wonder Woman cuffs, and suddenly, I was the voice for K9 law enforcement. Now, we’re putting out daily press releases on K9 successes and drug busts. One of our most meaningful moments was when we donated K9 Liberty to France after a RAID K9 was lost to a suicide bomber. And being a fan favorite at the 125th annual Rose Parade, with the theme 'Dreams Do Come True,' was unforgettable.”
“It feels like we’ve accomplished so much, but I know there’s still so much more ahead of us. We haven’t hit our peak yet.”
“When things started to take shape, I never could have imagined how the national media’s support would grow and create such an incredible path for us. The outpouring of love and backing from Steve Harvey, People Magazine, the NFL, and NBC News was beyond anything I expected. I vividly remember standing at the French Embassy when the Ambassador presented K9s4COPs with an award, and I turned to Ted and said, 'This can’t be real—this is all because of you and Blek.' When we later received the highest honor from the FBI, I was once again in awe of how far we had come.”
“I had the privilege of speaking at the Capitol in Washington, DC, about the crucial role K9s play in ensuring the safety of our communities and schools. It was surreal to have Congress genuinely interested in what we had to say. K9s have a voice, and I’m proud to help translate that message. In between knocking on doors and asking for donations to keep everything running, these are the cards I’ve been dealt, and I’m determined to play them. It’s been a true blessing, and I have complete confidence in my ability to raise awareness. The vocational aspect is something I’m still learning every day, but as a seasoned risk-taker, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”
Why do you feel K9s should protect our schools instead of guns?
Schiller: “I strongly believe that bringing guns into schools is not the solution. Although I hold a concealed handgun license, am an NRA member, and enjoy shooting sports, I do not support the idea of teachers carrying firearms. It’s a disaster waiting to happen. Eventually, a gun could fall into the wrong hands from a teacher’s bag or desk, and I know many parents, myself included, would seriously consider pulling our children out of those schools. This would open the door to a host of other issues, from socially disconnected young adults to a severe lack of structured education.”
“A well-trained K9 provides a much better solution—a safe learning environment where children can feel secure without the looming fear that guns create. Both children and dogs are incredibly perceptive when it comes to sensing fear, and I am uncomfortable with the idea of people carrying guns around my child unless they are completely prepared for that responsibility. In conversations with other parents, I’ve sensed the same unease. As parents and taxpayers, we shouldn’t place this burden on our kids or our underpaid educators when there are more effective alternatives available.”
How does K9s4COPs help protect the country’s school children?
Schiller: “Since K9s4COPs was founded, we’ve helped protect over two million children each day in schools. Our K9s and their handlers sweep thousands of lockers and vehicles each school year, interacting with the students they safeguard. They provide security without the anxiety and danger that guns would bring.”
“Beyond the enhanced safety of having a trained police dog on campus to protect our children, these four-legged officers and their handlers offer valuable outreach by connecting with students during school assemblies, events, and crime prevention presentations. Every K9s4COPs officer also serves as a K9s4KIDs ambassador. Even those not specifically assigned to schools frequently visit campuses in their communities, providing students with the opportunity to learn about the role of a K9 officer, witness exciting demonstrations of the dogs in action, and meet the officers and K9s who patrol their neighborhoods to keep them safe.”
“These K9s do more than just protect them. They help create a calmer, more focused environment for students. A relaxed school atmosphere fosters more engaged and less anxious students, contributing to a safer and more positive learning experience.”
How can agencies connect with K9s4COPS?
Schiller: K9s4COPs is committed to being part of a solution that works to keep communities, schools, and children safe. To help support K9s4COPs, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, please visit K9s4COPs.org, call 979-825-9900, or email info@k9s4cops.com
