This fundraiser is in honor of retired Chula Vista police K-9, Titan.

Titan was a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois who served our community for 6.5 years as an apprehension and narcotic detection K-9 in patrol. Throughout his career, Titan worked bravely beside his devoted handler to protect fellow officers and the public, and helped remove hundreds of pounds of dangerous narcotics off the streets of San Diego.

Titan retired less than a year ago, in July of 2025, and like many retired K-9s, went home with his handler: the person who had trusted him with their life and made a lifelong commitment to care for him after service.

In retirement, his handler stepped fully into the role of Titan’s forever family, taking responsibility for his care, his comfort, and his well-being in every way. Together, along with their young family, they envisioned many happy years ahead: a peaceful retirement, time at home, and the chance to finally give Titan the life he had so fully earned after years of service.

That future was taken from them far too soon.

In his final weeks, Titan faced a sudden and devastating medical crisis. He underwent multiple emergency, life-saving procedures, including removal of stomach and intestinal blockages, treatment for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV/bloat), spleen removal, blood transfusions, and additional emergency interventions as complications arose.

Despite the tireless efforts of an outstanding veterinary team, and his handler’s unwavering determination to do everything possible, Titan sadly passed away.

He was laid to rest with full honors, having given everything in service.

The hard part, and the reason for this fundraiser:

Titan’s handler is now left carrying over $20,000 in medical expenses, incurred while fighting to save his partner’s life.

This is the reality of K-9 retirement.

When these dogs hang up the badge, the responsibility for their care shifts entirely to the handler and their families, even in moments of crisis and grief. The bond between a K-9 and handler doesn’t end at retirement, and neither does the commitment to protect them, no matter the cost.

That is where South County Canine Association (SCCA) comes in.

SCCA exists to take care of the K-9s who spent their lives taking care of us, and to support the families who stand by them through every stage, including the hardest ones.

Donations to this fundraiser will help offset the medical costs Titan’s handler incurred in his final fight, and support SCCA’s ongoing mission to ensure no handler carries this burden alone in retirement.

Every contribution, no matter the amount, is a meaningful way to honor Titan’s life, service, and sacrifice. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is another powerful way to show support.

Thank you for honoring K-9 Titan, and for standing behind the handlers and the families who never walk away from their K-9 partners.

With gratitude,

South County Canine Association (SCCA)

SCCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and donations may be tax-deductible.