Chief Camilla's Surgery Expenses
Donation protected
Camilla is a Belgian Malinois and also a Chief in the US Coast Guard who served as an Explosives Detection K-9 service dog for 10 years and retired on June 30, 2016. Recently, Camilla was diagnosed with Spleen and Liver Hemangiosarcoma and had to undergo surgery on Friday, January 27, 2017 to remove the 8.5lb malignant tumor attached to her spleen. The surgeons successfully removed both the tumor and spleen and after a day of recovery in the ICU, Chief Camilla is now at home with her family.
Chief Camilla has worked over 35 national special security events and was the only Coast Guard K-9 to respond to the Boston Marathon bombing. She logged more than 75 operational hours in the 5 days following the Boston Marathon bombing, and helped clear another bomb threat made outside the Boston courthouse during that time. Chief Camilla was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement during her years and was always ready for action, having completed more than 30 re-certification evolutions and 500 training hours.
However, Chief Camilla's handler Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas Heinen (we know him as “Nick”) is responsible for 100% of Camilla's medical bills. The initial consultations, ultrasounds, day of surgery, and an additional day of recovery in the ICU have grown to become a financial burden for Nick and his family. Chief Camilla also has multiple follow-up appointments in the days to come that Nick will be responsible for. Since Nick's family of 4 is currently on 1 income, we are asking for help with Chief Camilla's growing medical expenses.
Personally, Nick and Camilla were the K9 partners to my husband Jason Agar and our retired German Shepherd, Satu during our time at MSST NY. Our dog Satu would not have been nearly as successful in his career without Camilla’s mentorship and guiding example throughout their years of working together. Nick and Camilla are also the longest-serving K9 duo in US Coast Guard history.
Even though Chief Camilla has retired, she continues to mentor students at the Coast Guard’s Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. Camilla is more than just a retired Chief who helped protect others for over 10 years, she is also Nick’s best friend and loyal member of the Heinen family.
While we are so thankful that her surgery was successful, let’s thank Chief Camilla and Petty Officer Heinen for their service to our country and help with her growing medical expenses.
Chief Camilla has worked over 35 national special security events and was the only Coast Guard K-9 to respond to the Boston Marathon bombing. She logged more than 75 operational hours in the 5 days following the Boston Marathon bombing, and helped clear another bomb threat made outside the Boston courthouse during that time. Chief Camilla was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement during her years and was always ready for action, having completed more than 30 re-certification evolutions and 500 training hours.
However, Chief Camilla's handler Petty Officer 1st Class Nicholas Heinen (we know him as “Nick”) is responsible for 100% of Camilla's medical bills. The initial consultations, ultrasounds, day of surgery, and an additional day of recovery in the ICU have grown to become a financial burden for Nick and his family. Chief Camilla also has multiple follow-up appointments in the days to come that Nick will be responsible for. Since Nick's family of 4 is currently on 1 income, we are asking for help with Chief Camilla's growing medical expenses.
Personally, Nick and Camilla were the K9 partners to my husband Jason Agar and our retired German Shepherd, Satu during our time at MSST NY. Our dog Satu would not have been nearly as successful in his career without Camilla’s mentorship and guiding example throughout their years of working together. Nick and Camilla are also the longest-serving K9 duo in US Coast Guard history.
Even though Chief Camilla has retired, she continues to mentor students at the Coast Guard’s Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, South Carolina. Camilla is more than just a retired Chief who helped protect others for over 10 years, she is also Nick’s best friend and loyal member of the Heinen family.
While we are so thankful that her surgery was successful, let’s thank Chief Camilla and Petty Officer Heinen for their service to our country and help with her growing medical expenses.
Organizer and beneficiary
Sarah Agar
Organizer
Hanahan, SC
Nicholas Heinen
Beneficiary
