Lani Rethaber

Executive Director

lani.rethaberpatriotk9s.org

Lani is the Executive Director of Patriot K9’s and has been with the organization since 2019. He originally got involved in the program as a volunteer while working as the Operations Manager at a local trucking company.

Lani served his country as part of the United States Marine Corps and Wisconsin Army National Guard. He joined the Marines at the age of 17. Lani was too young to pursue his dream of becoming a K9 handler, so he instead trained to become an auto mechanic. He worked on vehicles at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and at Naval Air Station Dallas, Texas. Never satisfied, Lani took on several other duties during his time, including helping with humanitarian efforts for Haiti.

After getting out of the Marines, Lani came back to Wisconsin and began a trucking career that spanned 15 years and allowed him to see much of the country.

Lani has owned and trained dogs since he could walk. He’s owned and trained Dobermans, German Wirehaired Pointers, Huskies, three wolf hybrids and Beagles, but has a soft spot for German Shepherds, of which he has four. He has two titled dogs and is currently raising a puppy he hopes will take him to regional and national competitions.

Lani is the father to three daughters, one of which also served in the United States Marine Corps.

You can contact Lani at Lani.Rethaber@PatriotK9s.org.