ALWAYS BESIDE THOSE WHO SERVE
Honoring the Bond Between K9 Heroes and Their Handlers
Project Always Beside You supports military, service, and law enforcement K9s through medical care, equipment assistance, retirement support, and memorial programs. We stand beside the heroes who protect and serve our communities.
Honor & Memorials
Who We Are
Standing Beside Those Who Serve, On Every Step of Their Journey
Project Always Beside You is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military, service, and law enforcement K9s and their handlers. We provide critical assistance when it is needed most, including medical care, equipment support, and help during retirement and transition.
Founded by a Gold Star Family and inspired by service and sacrifice, our mission is to honor the deep, unbreakable bond between K9s and their handlers. We exist to ensure these teams receive the care, respect, recognition, and support they deserve throughout their lives and beyond service.
Our Mission
Supporting K9 teams when it matters most
We provide direct assistance to working dogs and their handlers through urgent care support, resources during transition, and recognition of service. Our focus is helping ensure these teams are never without support when challenges arise.
Legacy of Service
Honoring SSGT Christopher Diaz & SSD P068 Dino
Project Always Beside You is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization as of November 2020. Project Always Beside You was founded by the Diaz Family, a Gold Star Family and is led by a Marine Veteran, Salvador Diaz, Jr. The organization was inspired by the help they received by other organizations like this one, when their adopted dog, SSD P068 Dino took ill, and in Dec 2020 crossed the rainbow bridge.
SSGT Christopher Diaz was a third generation Marine. Before his deployment to Afghanistan, he was selected to attend an advanced training program for several months in Israel. Israel is where he and Dino were partnered up. After completing the course, SSGT Christopher Diaz was one of only a handful of dog handlers in the Marine Corps to have the qualifications he possessed. His skills lead him to being chosen to support Reconnaissance and Special Forces.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
Dino was retired from the Marine Corps on 7 June 2014 and adopted by the Diaz Family. Dino was adopted after the loss of his handler, SSGT Christopher Diaz, KIA 28 Sept 2011 in Helmand Province Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
On Sept 28 2011 in Afghanistan, SSGT Diaz died doing what he loved. He was helping a Marine in a time of need when he was fatally struck by an IED. Christopher lives on through his children Mia and Jeremy. SSGT Diaz’s name lives on in stories and memories of all those who had the opportunity to know him, and for that his family is proud. SSGT Diaz’s name will be remembered alongside many Americans, neighbors, friends and relatives that have given the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.
USMC SSGT Christopher Diaz (9/4/1984 – 9/28/2011) and SSD P068 Dino (2/01/2008 – 12/05/2020) represent a bond built on loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. Their story is the foundation of Project Always Beside You and continues to inspire our mission every day.
Make a Difference Today
Stand Beside Our Heroes
Support military and law enforcement K9s and their handlers by helping provide emergency care, resources, and assistance when it matters most. Every contribution helps protect the bond between those who serve together.