Home of Heroes: A Sanctuary for Retired Working Dogs
Home of Heroes is the world’s first sanctuary dedicated to providing retired working dogs, especially demining K9 veterans, with the dignity, care, and love they deserve after a life of courageous service.
Founded in 2017 by Yulia Khouri and inspired by the heroic journey of a demining dog named Muriel, Home of Heroes rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes dogs who once served on the frontlines of landmine detection and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance. These brave souls have saved countless human and animal lives, and now it’s our turn to serve them.
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About Home Of Heroes
In 2017, founder Yulia Khouri received an urgent plea: a retired demining dog named Muriel, once a lifesaving force in Cambodia’s minefields, was about to be euthanized. She was 9 years old, had given her best years to service and was now considered too old to travel with her adopting family.
With no background in working dogs or military K9s, Yulia made a decision that would change everything: She adopted Muriel, gave her a home, and unknowingly sparked a movement.
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Muriel had spent her life clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) left behind after Cambodia’s conflicts. She had protected human lives with every step and every sniff. But like many working dogs around the world, her fate after retirement was uncertain. Inspired by Muriel’s story, and horrified by the reality that many service dogs are euthanized after they become “unfit for duty”, Yulia founded Home of Heroes in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
It became the first sanctuary in the world dedicated exclusively to the retirement, care, and celebration of demining dogs and other working K9 heroes.
Thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Animal Mama Hospital veterinary team and Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), all retired NPA demining dogs are now guaranteed a safe, loving retirement at Home of Heroes. Whether decommissioned due to illness, old age, or other reasons, these dogs are fully cared for, without limits on space, resources, or support
NPA has no financial obligations once the dogs are transferred, and Home of Heroes takes full responsibility for their lifelong care. Before Home of Heroes, retirement options were limited, and many dogs faced uncertain futures, including the risk of euthanasia. This MOU also establishes a strong, long-term partnership between NPA and Home of Heroes, ensuring that every retired demining dog has a secure, happy, and dignified life. Today, Home of Heroes is a sanctuary for over 40 retired demining dogs, and growing.
Since then, it has grown into a safe haven for over 40 retired demining dogs, providing:
“Just knowing that these dogs are never going to face euthanasia as their last resort because they will always be our dogs and they will always have Home of Heroes here as their final home.”
– Yulia Khouri, Founder
Home of Heroes continues to grow, fueled by the belief that service deserves peaceful place. What began with one rescued dog has become a global mission: proof that with compassion, change is possible.
Help rewrite the future for dogs who’ve already given us everything.
Home Of Heroes Team
Our dedicated team of ex-dog handlers, veterinarians, and volunteers work tirelessly to care for retired demining dogs, ensuring every hero dog lives with love, dignity, and comfort.
Uk Rotha
Dr. Andy Bacarra
Sam Seila
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Home of Heroes is the world’s first sanctuary dedicated to providing retired working dogs, especially demining K9 veterans, with the dignity, care, and love they deserve after a life of courageous service.
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