By Cindy Peterson
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New Bloodhound K9 “Skeeter”
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced the newest addition to its Bloodhound Unit this week — K9 Skeeter.
Born on July 12, 2025, at High Cotton Bloodhounds in Eustis, Skeeter was bred by Ashley and Keith Scott, who generously donated one of their puppies to law enforcement as a way to give back to the community. That pup was Skeeter, now joining the Sheriff’s Office to begin his journey as a police K9.
Skeeter will be raised and trained by Master Deputy Jessica McGregor, who currently handles K9 Ruger, a 7-year-old bloodhound who has worked alongside her for the past five years. Skeeter’s future duties will include helping to locate lost and endangered individuals, including children, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, and other missing or runaway persons.
Over the next four to six months, Skeeter will be exposed to the many sights and sounds he may encounter in his work. This early socialization period will help prepare him for formal training and ensure he can focus fully in the field.
As he grows into his role, residents may see Skeeter attending community events across Lake County. The Sheriff’s Office invites the public to stop by, say hello, and meet the newest member of their K9 family.
Photos provided by Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
