Heroes in Action: How Federal's Canine Calendar Supported the Community

Federal's 2025 Canine Calendar, featuring specially trained K9’s and their handlers, was about more than just pawsitive moments, heartwarming stories and a way to keep time. The project helped raise funds that benefited multiple people and Minnesota-based organizations in the community, including the Duluth Fire Department, Sartell Police Department, Roseville Fire Department, South St. Paul Police Department, Coon Rapids Police Department, Wayzata Police Department, Anoka County Attorney’s Office and the South Metro Fire Department.

Federal donated proceeds to every organization featured in the calendar, so now that calendar sales are wrapped, Melissa Juneski, Sr. Trade Marketing Manager, had the privilege of distributing funds to the agencies and thanking each organization for their participation.

Each organization in the calendar is of great importance, but one organization, Soldier’s 6, was a big player and contributor to the success of this project, so we wanted to highlight the organization in this project recap.

Soldier's 6 worked with Federal to create the calendars, coordinating with the agencies, handlers and Veterans to gather photos and stories of several of the K9s in the calendar.

Soldier 6 provides first responders with specially trained K9s at no cost to them. These special dogs become their Battle Buddy, helping guide them through difficult days in life. They chose the name Soldier’s 6 because a service dog has its Battle Buddy's “six.” (Derived from the clock analogy – 12 o'clock is straight ahead, 6 o'clock is behind – "got your six" is a military and law enforcement saying meaning “I've got your back.”

According to Juneski, working with Soldier’s 6 and first responders to assemble this calendar was rewarding.

“It opened my eyes to what first responders go through every day and how important these organizations and special K9s are to them and to our community,” she said. “My hope is this calendar raises more awareness and helps foster additional support!”

Thank you to all who purchased the 2025 Incredible Canines calendar!