St. Francis' K9 Bane is getting his own foundation to help other service dogs and handlers

Erik S. Hanley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
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St. Francis Police Detective Holly McManus gives a smooch to her retired K9 Officer Bane during the K9 Legacy Statue dedication at St. Francis Police Department on Friday, July 7, 2023. The life-size bronze statue of retired K9 Officer Bane honors his life and service along with former and future K9 Officers serving the community.
St. Francis Police Detective Holly McManus gives a smooch to her retired K9 Officer Bane during the K9 Legacy Statue dedication at St. Francis Police Department on Friday, July 7, 2023. The life-size bronze statue of retired K9 Officer Bane honors his life and service along with former and future K9 Officers serving the community.

Less than two months after St. Francis’ famous K9 Bane was immortalized with a life-sized bronze statue, he’s getting his own foundation.

“Long story short, we are looking to help service K9s ― civilian, law enforcement, military, et cetera ― and their handlers when the time comes for them to retire or as they age and develop issues,” said St. Francis Police Det. Holly McManus, Bane's handler and owner.

McManus shared the news about the K9 Bane Hero Foundation on Bane’s social media pages Aug. 28.

“As of now, we're a legitimate corporation recognized by the state of Wisconsin,” The K9 Bane Facebook page read. McManus filed the 501(c)(3) paperwork on Aug. 27 and hopes to hear back within the next month.

Bane himself, who retired from the police force in 2020, was excited and shared the news with “hoomans” through a TikTok video translating his barks with subtitles.

Ideally, handlers could contact McManus when their dog is approaching retirement.

“We’ll arrange for and cover bills to diagnose and begin treatment on medical issues, including working with other nonprofits and businesses to supply equipment like wheelchairs and harnesses,” she said. “We would most likely pay for all initial treatments and tests.”

Bane himself is battling degenerative myelopathy, a nerve disorder similar to ALS in humans.

The foundation will also promote DNA testing for hereditary diseases.

Depending on funding, McManus hopes to provide agencies with working K9s.

Retired St. Francis K9 Officer Bane looks over his life-size bronze statue during the K9 Legacy Statue dedication at St. Francis Police Department on Friday, July 7, 2023. The life-size bronze statue honors his life and service along with former and future K9 Officers serving the community.
Retired St. Francis K9 Officer Bane looks over his life-size bronze statue during the K9 Legacy Statue dedication at St. Francis Police Department on Friday, July 7, 2023. The life-size bronze statue honors his life and service along with former and future K9 Officers serving the community.

The foundation’s first fundraiser is scheduled for Sept. 23 in Greendale during the “Back the K9” event hosted by Auntie Jennie’s Bakery, 5606 Broad St.

The K9 Bane Foundation motto: Every hero deserves a legacy.

“Our working K9s are so selfless and deserving,” McManus said. “Plus, we’re honoring my Bane.”

Contact Erik S. Hanley at erik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page, The Redheadliner, and follow him on Twitter @Redheadliner.

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New foundation named for St. Francis K9 Bane will help service dogs