Acerca de
PAT CERIO
Founder
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Pat's passion for animals began early in life. Growing up with dogs and horses and working on a dairy farm, he learned the value in all animals.
In the beginning of 1990, Pat swore an oath protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, from all enemies, foreign and domestic and joined the United States Air Force. From late 1990, until the summer of 1991, Pat was deployed to the Middle East for Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Desert Calm, serving in the capacity of Security Forces and QRF teams.
Pat separated from active duty in 1994 and took a full time position in the NY Air National Guard.
In 1996, Pat swore a different oath to the US Department of Justice. Pat spent the next 23 years honorably serving in many roles. Pat's years of service to the United States, in his many capacities, was not without sacrifice. War takes its toll. Pat found comfort in his dogs.
KIM CERIO
Co-Founder
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Kim’s passion for all things dogs started early in childhood. She had several dogs growing up and loved training all the neighborhood dogs.
Kim began her professional dog training career in 1999 at a large training facility outside of Chicago. This began her lifelong passion of training and competing with dogs and coaching owners/handlers.
In 2004, Kim entered the Chicago Police Academy. She then discovered her 2nd passion: policing.
Kim served the people of Chicago for 11 years. She spent most of her career in the roughest of neighborhoods and specialized units. She holds the unique honor of being the only female police officer, in the history of the Chicago Police Department, to have received the Carter Harrison Award for Bravery, the city’s highest honor.
After moving to Texas, Kim went on to serve the citizens of Hurst, Texas from 2015 to 2019. Like so many of her brothers and sisters in blue, in departments across the United States, Kim's dedication to CPD and HPD did not come without a price. At times throughout her career, and in retirement, she has struggled with traumatic events, things she experienced, and the mental and physical toll of law enforcement.
The constant in her life, that helps her through the rough days is her dogs. Kim is always open and honest in saying, “if it were not for my dogs, I would not be here today."
In 2016, when Kim and Pat relocated to Texas, they opened Texas K9 University. With the unwavering drive to give back, Buddy Up K9 was born. Their purpose is to help those who put their mental and physical health above those they swore an oath to protect and serve.
JOHN PEELER
Board Member
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John was born with a leash in his hand. His mother would have told you he always had a way with animals. Whether caring for them, or communicating with them. He has the gift. Growing up, John helped raise and train birds, horses, cows, the occasional feral cat, and of course, dogs.
John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2006. His love for animals followed him throughout his career. After 2 deployments, Iraq in 2008, Afghanistan in 2010, John landed at the Military Working Dog Program at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. In May 2012, John and his Military Working Dog, K9 Lex, deployed to Sangin Valley, Afghanistan, for Operation Enduring Freedom. His 3rd and final deployment. John and Lex formed a bond only understood by those who served alongside them.
Upon returning to the U.S., the pair was separated. Lex returned to the Lejune Kennels. John received orders to the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground. Here, John was an instructor for the K9 pre-deployment course.
Throughout the years, John and Lex would be reunited through training and events. Lex always knowing immediately, his Marine was home.
John separated from active duty in 2015. John continued his canine training through various venues, before joining the TSA Canine Training Center, at Lackland Air Force Base, as a Training Instructor, in 2017. In this role, John Continues to provide support to Law Enforcement agencies throughout the country.
John believes the bond between canine and human is unconditional. Simple. Essential.
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Scott Jerie
board member
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Bio Coming Soon
erin Cerio-phd lpc
Board Member
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Bio Coming Soon