Freedom Ridge, WY — When Brock Ammundson, 43, was denied a concealed carry permit for the third time following a 2024 incident in which he accidentally discharged his personal firearm into his own foot, the local contractor decided to take an unconventional approach to personal security.

"The Second Amendment doesn't specify who has to carry the gun," Ammundson explained from his living room last Tuesday, gesturing to his 4-year-old German Shepherd, Sergeant Pepper. "Technically, Pepper's carrying it, not me."

Dog outfitted with tactical gear and handgun

After consulting with what he describes as "various online forums and a couple YouTube videos," Ammundson purchased a custom tactical vest for Sergeant Pepper, complete with a holster containing a Glock 19. The dog has since accompanied Ammundson on trips to the grocery store, the hardware store, and his daughter's soccer games.

"People love it," Ammundson said. "Everyone wants to pet him. He's like a celebrity now."

The arrangement hit its first snag two weeks ago when Sergeant Pepper, spotting a squirrel outside the Freedom Ridge Post Office, bolted at full speed with Ammundson still holding the leash. Ammundson was dragged approximately 40 feet across the parking lot, sustaining minor road rash and losing his left Croc.

"That's when I realized I needed to work on his heel command," Ammundson admitted.

A second incident occurred at Patriot Foods grocery store when Sergeant Pepper, distracted by the smell of rotisserie chicken, attempted to jump onto the deli counter. The holster became entangled in a promotional display of beef jerky, sending approximately $200 worth of product to the floor.

"We're currently reviewing our store policies regarding tactical animals," said store manager Jennifer Whitfield, who declined to comment further.

Local law enforcement has taken notice. Freedom Ridge Police Chief Martin Hendricks confirmed that while Wyoming has no specific laws prohibiting dogs from carrying firearms, the department is "monitoring the situation closely."

"We're in uncharted legal territory here," Chief Hendricks said. "I've been in law enforcement for 28 years, and this is a first."

Ammundson remains undeterred, noting that he's already begun training his backup dog, a Golden Retriever named Liberty Belle, as a secondary armed companion.

"I'm just exercising my rights as an American," he said. "And technically, Pepper's rights too."

When asked what would happen if the gun were to fall out of the holster, Ammundson paused. "Well, I've only got nine toes left, so I guess I'd better be careful."

Sergeant Pepper was unavailable for comment.