Our Origin Story
Baity with SSD Rona K459 on the Tigris River during an OIF deployment in Iraq. Photo by Matt Kinney
Semper K9 was founded in 2014 by Christopher and Amanda Baity, built on the belief that service does not end when the uniform comes off.
From 2000–2009, Christopher served in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Police Officer, Military Working Dog Handler, Special Reaction Team Member, Kennel Master, and Specialized Search Dog Team Leader. He deployed on three combat tours, one civilian combat deployment, and multiple overseas assignments. Along the way, he earned recognition as Top Dog at the Military Working Dog Handler’s Course and completed advanced training with the Israeli Defense Force’s Oketz Dog Program—an honor few Marines share.
Like many veterans, Christopher faced the challenges of transitioning home after years of high-tempo deployments. He recognized that his unique skillset as a Marine Corps dog trainer could be used to continue serving—this time by helping fellow veterans rebuild confidence, independence, and hope. Together with Amanda, who brought years of nonprofit leadership and a family-centered perspective, the couple created Semper K9 Assistance Dogs.
From the beginning, their mission was clear: rescue dogs from shelters, train them to become highly skilled service dogs, and provide them to disabled American veterans at no cost. Just as
importantly, they envisioned a program that included the whole family—because healing and resilience extend beyond the veteran to their loved ones.
Today, Semper K9 has grown into a nationally recognized nonprofit, celebrated for its innovative Family Integration Program and its life-changing impact on veterans across the country. Christopher’s dedication has been honored with awards including Red Bandanna Hero of the Year and Washingtonian of the Year. Yet for the Baity family, the greatest reward is seeing a veteran stand taller, breathe easier, and reconnect with life—thanks to a dog who understands them completely.
Semper K9 is more than an organization; it is a promise born from combat, resilience, and love of country—a promise to never leave a fellow veteran behind.
