Mission K9 Rescue provides assistance and support for Working Dogs worldwide. Our organization’s purpose for existence is to serve retiring and retired Military Working Dogs, Contract Working Dogs, and other Dogs who Serve as they may fit into our mission and scope.
“In 2016, Mission K9 Rescue helped reunite me with my retired Military Working Dog, Zora, by transporting her from Alaska, where we had been stationed together, to my home in Maryland. Over the years, Mission K9 has played a vital role in helping many of my fellow handlers reconnect with their retired partners and has generously supported medical care for these dogs in their well-earned retirement.”
~April
The United States War Dogs Association is a nonprofit organization of Former and Current US Military Dog Handlers and supporting members committed to promoting the long history of the Military Service Dogs, establishing permanent War Dog Memorials, and educating the public about the invaluable service of these canines to our country.
“When I was deployed to Afghanistan, getting essential K9 supplies was a real challenge. I reached out to Ron at the U.S. War Dogs Association with a list of what we needed — and just a few weeks later, we received boxes filled with gear and goodies for our dogs, plus some much-appreciated items for the handlers too! I've also enrolled several retired working dogs in their Rx Program, which has provided significant savings on veterinary medications.”
~April
April's Military Background
April proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Force, with nine of those years as a Military Working Dog Handler. Her distinguished career included assignments at Andrews Air Force Base, where she was selected for the elite Presidential K9 Team, supporting high-security missions for the President of the United States, Secretary of State, and other top-level officials. Her assignments took her around the globe, including Germany, Algeria, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar, where she contributed to critical national security and counterterrorism operations.
In preparation for her deployment to Afghanistan, April underwent advanced field medical training focused on canine care under fire. This included emergency procedures such as applying tourniquets to injured limbs, stabilizing internal injuries, and wrapping wounds for transport. She is also trained in administering pain medications and IV fluids en route to veterinary care, ensuring her K9 partners received the best possible support—even in the most extreme conditions.
Throughout her military service, April developed advanced skills in canine behavior, emergency veterinary care, and high-pressure operational readiness—experiences that now form the foundation of her work at Muddy Paws Dog Boarding and Obedience School.
About the Owner
Get to Know April
Muddy Paws Dog Boarding and Obedience School is proudly veteran-owned and operated by April Lorah. April’s professional journey with dogs began in 2004 when she became a Military Working Dog Handler in the United States Air Force. During her time in service, she gained extensive experience caring for and working with dogs and other small domestic animals. Her training included quarterly veterinary instruction, which equipped her to recognize and respond to potential medical emergencies. She also developed a strong ability to assess canine behavior and identify early signs of problem behaviors.
April earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2016, strengthening her foundation for running a successful business. In 2022, she graduated from the Dog Obedience Trainer program at Animal Behavior College and became an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator. Her professional background also includes training dogs—and now puppies—for the Department of Defense, helping prepare the next generation of Military Working Dogs.
At Muddy Paws, April oversees all daily operations and business functions. Her hands-on leadership and commitment to excellence are what drive her vision: to make Muddy Paws the premier civilian canine boarding and obedience training facility in South Texas.
