(Guthrie Center) The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office will fit K9 Dart with a stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from a non-profit organization.
Guthrie County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeremy Bennett says the organization Vested Interest in K9s. Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. Deputy Bennett says this potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 Officers is U.S.-made, custom-fitted.
There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. Deputy Bennett acknowledges K9 Officers are valuable members of law enforcement agencies.
Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,210 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by private and corporate donations. The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest is valued anywhere between $1,744-$2,238, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty.
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA. 02718.
(Photo courtesy of the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office)
