Pine Creek Volunteer Fire Department’s K9s, Jacob, Delilah and Karma, have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization, Vested Interest in K9s Inc.
“I am thrilled that K-9 Karma has received this vest. When on a search you never know what to expect, and you need to prepare for any and all situations. She is always the one on the front line leading the way, and this bullet and stab protective vest gives her the added protection to keep her safe,” stated handler Heather Dimmick of Clearfield.
Handler Trudy Garvey of Brookville added, “I am very thankful that K-9s Jacob and Delilah were recipients of these protective vests. To know that they will have extra protection from harm while performing their volunteer job serving their community gives me peace of mind.”
The three K9 vests are sponsored by the Petco Foundation and embroidered with the sentiment: “In memory of Paul Jolly, The Petco Foundation.”
Vested Interest in K9s Inc. is a 501c(3) charity, located in East Taunton, Mass. Its mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.
The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially life-saving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers.
Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s Inc. has provided more than 2,400 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of more than $2.1 million.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the United States with law enforcement or related agencies, which are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.
The Petco Foundation recently awarded Vested Interest in K9s Inc., a $7,500 grant as part of its annual Helping Heroes fundraising campaign, in partnership with Natural Balance Pet Foods.
During the campaign each October, customers are invited to donate online and in Petco stores across the country to support life-changing work of service and therapy animals and working animals.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050. Each vest has a value between $1,795 and $2,234 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of four to five pounds.
There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978.
Vested Interest in K9s Inc. provides information, lists events and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
