Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
Under flashing lights and in the quiet moments between calls, a bond forged in service has become something far deeper, a story of loyalty, second chances, and a community that refused to let it end.
For Hunter Saint, a corporal with the Tallassee Police Department, what began as a professional partnership with his K9 partner, Blek, has grown into a life-changing journey, one that has captured hearts far beyond the streets he patrols.
Blek, born in Croatia on June 21, 2020, is a 5-year-old German shorthaired pointer known for his intelligence and speed in the field.
“We call him autopilot, because he just goes,” Saint said. “You do not have to tell him anything, he knows what he has to do, and he will get the job done.”
Saint, a school resource officer and rising TikTok content creator, continues to work daily alongside Blek. Their partnership has not changed in practice, even as it has deepened in meaning.
Recently, Saint experienced a moment that felt almost unreal: officially adopting his K9 partner. Though Blek now belongs to him, both remain active in service to the department.
“I’m happy where I am right now,” Saint said.
Once defined by duty as handler and service dog, the two are now family. This transition has deeply moved the Saint household and resonated far beyond their community, reaching audiences across the country and around the world.
“He is more than just a canine dog,” Saint said. “He is my best friend and has taught me a lot of patience.”
Born and raised in Elmore County, Saint, 35, has spent much of his life in law enforcement, building a career that has come full circle. He began with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Wetumpka Police Department, where he first became a K9 handler. After stepping away from policing to work in the logging industry, he felt the pull to return to public service. He reentered law enforcement with the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office and, in 2023, joined the Tallassee Police Department. This move ultimately paired him with Blek, the partner who would later become part of his family.
Adopting Blek was deeply important to Saint, he said, because of the lives the dog has touched, both in the community and online.
“I can confirm that the numbers are in the 60s now,” Saint said. “People are still alive because of the videos we have made with Blek and me.”
“Now that I have adopted Blek, it gives us the freedom to show up for people in ways we couldn’t before,” Saint said. “If there’s a child in Tennessee going through a tough time who wants Blek at their birthday, we can go without having to ask permission. It’s no longer a liability for the city; it’s on us.”
Saint has worked with Blek for four years. Before joining him, Blek served in the narcotics division with another handler who later left law enforcement. When that officer stepped away, Saint was selected to take over, and the start of a bond that would grow far beyond the job.
Blek has become a source of comfort not only for Saint’s family, but also for people throughout the community and across social media.
Two years ago, Saint launched an online movement that has since grown into a consistent call to action, urging others to stay present and engaged. He often reminds supporters, “We show up today, so you show up tomorrow.”
“The TikTok community helped make Blek come home for good, so he’s their dog, too, not just mine,” Saint said. “We show up every day, so people can show up tomorrow. That’s why we do this. My family loves him, and so does our community, both here in our hometown and online.”
Saint received approval from Tallassee Police Chief Todd Buce to purchase Blek from the department. He shared a video directing followers to a link in his profile to help raise $8,000 to bring Blek home. He launched a GoFundMe on a Tuesday with plans to keep it open through Sunday, but the response was immediate. Within two hours, supporters had met the goal, and donations continued to pour in. By Sunday, the total had climbed to $14,000.
Saint paid $8,000 to purchase Blek and plans to use part of the remaining funds to build a fence at his home. Any additional money raised will be donated back to the department’s K9 division.
When Blek officially retires, his role will shift from service to simple companionship.
“He is going to be a great companion, go places, meet people, and travel,” Saint said.
What began as a working partnership rooted in duty has become something more enduring, a testament to the connection between an officer and his dog, a community and its protectors, and strangers brought together by a shared belief in showing up for one another.
For Saint and Blek, the job continues. But now, so does a story that belongs not just to them, but to everyone who helped bring them home.
To follow Hunter Saint and Blek, find them on TikTok at @hunters2120, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Hunters2120, on Instagram at @hunterss2120, and on YouTube at Hunters2120.
