HOCKING COUNTY, Ohio — Hocking County Sheriff Lanny E. North has announced that K9 officer Zara has received a bullet and stab protective vest from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.
The vest, which will be embroidered with the phrase “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always,” was made possible through a charitable donation from the organization.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., which was founded in 2009, is dedicated to providing bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs across the United States.
To date, the organization has provided over 4,845 vests to K9s in all 50 states, at a value of $6.9 million, thanks to both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are 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.
There are approximately 30,000 law enforcement K9s in the United States.
Individuals can make tax-deductible contributions to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest, which has a value of between $1,744 and $2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs and comes with a five-year warranty.
For more information about Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., or to learn about volunteer opportunities or make a donation, visit www.vik9s.org or call 508-824-6978. Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.