K-9 officer Pely models for the camera at Mizner Park for the cover of the 2026 K-9 calendar produced by the Boca Raton Police Foundation. Zorro (left) and Ivan are behind the sign. Photo provided by Tristen Garrison
By Arden Moore
K-9 police officers are best identified for their skills in sniffing out explosives and narcotics, as well as following scent trails to track down fleeing suspects.
Some of these highly trained, badge-wearing canines also bring on smiles and applause by performing demos and doing meet-and-greets at schools, libraries and public events.
At the Boca Raton Police Department, the K-9s answering to the names of Ivan, Pely and Zorro can now add a new role: calendar canine stars. That’s because they strike poses in a variety of iconic Boca places for each month in a custom 2026 calendar produced by the Boca Raton Police Foundation.
“We were looking for a creative way to benefit the city’s police dogs and the idea of a calendar featuring our police dogs seemed a natural fit for this city,” says Bob Tucker, executive director of the Boca Raton Police Foundation. “The 2026 K-9 calendars are $35 each with proceeds benefiting the city’s K-9 unit.”
Let’s introduce these special calendar canines:
• K-9 officer Ivan, a German shepherd mix from Germany, is trained in tracking, narcotics detection and suspect apprehension. Ivan’s partner is Officer Sullivan Maguire.
• K-9 officer Zorro, a German shepherd, is originally from the Czech Republic. Since 2020, Zorro focuses on tracking, suspect apprehension and explosion detection. His partner is Officer Jimmy Jalil.
• K-9 officer Pely, a Belgian Malinois mix, comes from Hungary. He joined the department in 2024 and demonstrates skills in tracking, suspect apprehension and explosive detection. His partner is Officer Shawn Lyman.
Let’s dive into these calendar pages with images captured by professional photographer Tristen Garrison:
Ivan kicks off January by hanging next to a boogie board and sand bucket at the Dog Beach at Spanish River. He also dons a mortarboard in front of the Lynn University sign for May and majestically poses in front of the sign at Sanborn Square for November.
Zorro perches on a wide wall with a large red heart at Lake Boca for February. He looks ready to fetch balls at the pickleball courts at Patch Reef Park for June and sports a ghoulish grin amid Halloween decorations at Mizner Park for October.
Pely stretches out next to a shamrock-green hat on a bench at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus for March. He then dons blue goggles in front of speedboats at the police marine unit at Spanish River Park for August and welcomes Hanukkah and Christmas among decorations at the Town Center mall at Boca Raton for December.
This special 2026 calendar also honors the retired K-9 officer Dino, who protected the city for years before dying in August from cancer. He and his partner, Officer Lyman, the veteran member of the K-9 unit, are pictured on the inside page of the calendar.
The late, great Dino appears in three months for this calendar. He donned rabbit ears for the month of April at the Sugar Sand Park carousel, sat amid patriotic pinwheels at the Red Bridge at Camino Gardens for July, and stretched out next to a football helmet at the Flagler Credit Union Stadium at Florida Atlantic University for the month of September.
“Dino was a great dog to work with, and he excelled in detection work and patrol work in finding the bad guys,” says Lyman. “I get teary eyed when I see the tribute to Dino in this calendar.”
A calendar featuring the police dogs seemed a natural fit for this city.
“Boca Raton is a dog-loving community, and we knew this calendar would showcase four-legged heroes,” says Tucker. “Just in time for the holiday season, we are rolling out this inaugural 2026 calendar featuring our city’s four-legged friends who serve as partners in protection.”
Arden Moore writes about pets and can be reached at fourleggedlife@gmail.com.
Calendar ordering info
To obtain this calendar, visit fundraise.givesmart.com/form/KnpcvQ?vid=1m63g0.
To learn more about the Boca Raton Police Foundation, visit bocaratonpolicefoundation.org.
Delray Beach is going to the dogs
Mark your calendar and bring your canine pal. The sixth annual Pooches and Presents in the Park event will be from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 23 at Old School Square in Delray Beach.
This free pet-friendly event features a doggie splash zone and lure course, booths, adoptable dogs from local rescue groups, opportunities to take photos with Santa Claus, fun activities for kids and dogs, tasty treats and more.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the nonprofit led by Meredith Bruder called Pets Broward. Learn more at petsbroward.org/facebook-events-feed/.
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