K9 Quilts of Honor at AQS QuiltWeek & Beyond

On May 21, 2024, AQS Vendor Coordinator Genesis Hawes and Executive Show Director Michelle Renee Hiatt visited the Paducah Police Department to meet an important retiree.

In honor of K9 Don's retirement, the K9 Quilts of Honor requested AQS help out with a very special quilt presentation.

A K9 Quilt of Honor recognizes Law Enforcement and Military K9s along with their handlers for their willingness to serve our community, and our country and stand in harm’s way. A K9 Quilt of Honor is presented when a K9 retires from service or is lost in the line of duty.

At the ceremony, Genesis read the following certificate to K9 Don and Sgt. AJ Parrish.

Presented Certificate:

In Honor of Your Service

   K9 Don

     and

Officer Parrish

Today, on behalf of our community, we are honored to present the K9 Quilt of Honor® to you.

This K9 Quilt of Honor is not a blanket; it is a priceless gift to you for the service you provided to our community.

There is a three-part message that goes with the K9 Quilt of Honor

1. This K9 Quilt of Honor will help tell the story of Don’s service
2. This K9 Quilt of Honor is honoring you for the willingness to serve our community and stand in harm’s way in the time of crisis
3. This K9 Quilt of Honor is to thank you for your service and sacrifice 

Quilters say every quilt has a story and this is part of yours. The story of your quilt starts here with a quilter who loves the Paducah community as much as you do. As of today, Officer Parrish, the story of this “K9 Quilt of Honor” becomes part of your story.

AJ, it is our hope that you will keep this K9 Quilt of Honor as a tangible reminder that the Paducah community is forever in your debt for your dedication and service. 

On behalf of Don, it is now my honor and privilege to present you with this K9 Quilt of Honor.

Many blessings to you, Linda Ross of Lake Wales, FL and Cheryl Perilloux of Paducah, KY. 

The quilt was presented to K9 Don and Sgt. AJ Parrish.

The K9 quilt was pieced by Linda Ross of Lake Wales, FL and quilted by Cheryl Perilloux of Paducah, KY. Cheryl is pictured above.

Take a look at the other K9s honored at AQS QuiltWeek this year and learn more about the K9 Quilts of Honor program.

K9 Kimber Honored at AQS QuiltWeek - Paducah 2024

K9 Kimber and Deputy Ben Green were honored by K9 Quilt of Honor at AQS QuiltWeek - Paducah this year. They were presented with a quilt honoring them for their willingness to serve our community and stand in harm’s way in times of crisis.

K9 Tygo Honored at AQS QuiltWeek - Branson 2024

K9 Tygo and Officer Brendan Gamble were honored by K9 Quilt of Honor at AQS QuiltWeek - Branson this year. They were presented with a quilt honoring them for their willingness to serve our community and stand in harm’s way in times of crisis.

Learn more about K9 Quilts of Honor with founder Carolyn Bluhm

Lauren Sullivant talks with Carolyn Bluhm to learn more about the K9 Quilts of Honor program and how she developed a quilt to honor the K9 dogs who are retired from public and military service. The dog panels and kits for the quilts are available to make quilts to honor to distribute in their local communities. Connect with them on their Facebook page or visit their website for more information.