A New Chapter Begins — Welcoming K9 Sherman to Zambia

A Journey Across the World: Sherman’s Heroic Path

This summer, a once-forgotten dog stepped off a plane in Zambia and into a mission of a lifetime. His name is Sherman. Just a year ago, he was overweight, unkempt, and confined to a shelter kennel in Utah. Today, he’s charging through the Zambian bush as part of an elite anti-poaching team, using his extraordinary nose to protect elephants, giraffes, and wildlife from poachers.

From Forgotten to Fearless

Sherman’s early life was uncertain. After his owner passed away, he ended up on the streets and eventually spent over a year and a half in a Utah shelter. Confined to a kennel, with virtually no exercise, he became 20 pounds overweight. His size and thick, matted coat earned him the nickname “Sherman”, a nod to his Sherman tank–sized frame. Like many dogs in shelters, his future could have been bleak. But Sherman’s story was about to take a remarkable turn. Partnering with conservation working dog expert Megan Parker, he was carefully evaluated, trained in Montana, and prepared for a new life of purpose.

Megan began by giving Sherman what he had never had: freedom, play, and care. She brushed out bales of fur, let him run in the yard, and introduced him to toys. At first, he got winded quickly, but his joy was unmistakable at the sheer thrill of being outside, being seen, and being cared for.

As he lost weight and grew stronger, Sherman thrived in short, focused training sessions every day. His favorite part? Every kind of training. Soon, he mastered detecting gunpowder and even bear scat, skills that would

become crucial in his new mission.

Crossing Continents, Changing Futures

The next step was monumental: a journey from the U.S. to Mfuwe, Zambia, escorted by Dazzle Africa’s COO Amanda Dewey. This wasn’t just a flight; it was a global coordination effort, requiring veterinary care, paperwork, cross-state travel, and international approvals.

Finally, in September, Sherman and Amanda met members of the Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) team at the Lusaka airport, where he officially joined the Delta K9 anti-poaching team. From that moment, he became more than a rescued dog. He became a frontline protector of Zambia’s

wildlife.

Why Sherman’s Arrival Matters

At first glance, this might look like one lucky dog’s story. But Sherman represents something much bigger:

• Rescue dogs can be heroes. Instead of sourcing dogs from breeders, this program gives

  shelter dogs a second chance and a chance to save lives.

• Wildlife gains a new shield.

  Dogs like Sherman detect ivory, pangolin scales, bushmeat,

  and firearms that humans cannot easily find.

• Compassion strengthens conservation.

  Every successful mission proves that saving animals and protecting wildlife can go hand in hand.

Dazzle Africa: The Force Behind the Scenes

Sherman’s story might look simple: rescue, train, fly, protect. But it’s the result of a complex, multi-step process. Dazzle Africa’s role is to make the impossible possible:

• Bridging geographies. Connecting U.S. shelter rescues with frontline Zambian teams.

• Managing logistics. Ensuring every health clearance, flight, and handover goes

  smoothly.

• Mobilizing supporters. Turning stories like Sherman’s into action, fueling conservation with real resources.

• Strengthening local teams. Freeing CSL handlers to focus on protecting wildlife, while Dazzle Africa manages the rest.

Several inspiring Dazzle Africa donors mobilized to make this project possible, including Charlie Dewey, Carrye Massey, Gennady Bekasov, Gretchen Prins, and Terri Stevens alongside CSL supporters Angela & Norbert Freisenbruch. When you see Sherman thriving in Zambia, you see compassion in action and the power of humans working together to create change.

Photo Credit: Bobby-Jo Photography

Sherman’s work is only beginning. In the months ahead, he will:

• Support patrols tracking poachers.

• Detect contraband that would otherwise slip through checkpoints.

• Help CSL’s Delta K9 unit protect more wildlife, more effectively.

Every elephant spared, every pangolin saved, every giraffe family given another day in the wild, Sherman will have played a part. And by helping make his journey possible, so will you.

You can join Sherman's team at dazzleimpact.org/donate by mentioning K9 or Sherman in your donation notes.

The Story Continues

Sherman’s journey is proof that when creativity, compassion, and collaboration come together, lives are saved - both canine and wild alike. Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we’ll introduce Earl, a hero dog who spent a decade protecting Zambia’s wildlife and is now enjoying a well-deserved retirement.

Support the CSL Delta K9 Team