Author’s note: With all of the negativity — the sturm und drang — of so much of the news we consume on a daily basis, we could all use a regular dose of positivity as a counterbalance. So, I’ve decided to carve out a little corner here to share good news/happy stories. Hope you enjoy.
I love dogs (who doesn’t?!) See, e.g.:
Just in Time for Christmas: A Heartwarming Puppy Dog Tail — Err…Tale
Good Girl: Service Dog in Training Helps Denver Hospital Staff During Pandemic
So, it’s ‘most always my pleasure to write up a good dog story. I happened upon one out of Alabama this morning. As reported by WSFA12, K9’s from the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office are about to be outfitted with some very important P(ooch)PE.
Sheriff John Shearon said in a statement that K-9s Justice, Traffic, Tracker and Shep will get the bullet and stab protective vests. Vested Interest in K-9s, a nonprofit organization, will be supplying the vests.
In September, the sheriff’s office started raising money after one of their K-9′s, officer Missile, was shot and wounded while tracking down a suspect in Thornsby in August.
That’s great news for the dogs — and for their handlers and co-workers.
The Sheriff’s Department shared this post on their Facebook page on Christmas Eve:
Chilton County Sheriff’s Office K9s Justice, Traffic, Tracker and Shep to get donation of body armor.Sheriff John Shearon would like to thank Vested Interest in K9s for supplying our K9 division with a bullet and stab protective vest.Chilton County Sheriff’s Office K9s Justice, Traffic, Tracker and Shep will receive bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vests will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”. Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.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. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,101 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by 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 an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. 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 donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
As noted in the post, the vests will be embroidered with: “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.” The missive goes on to give information as to where those interested in supporting the organization (and their laudable efforts at ensuring that officers of the four-legged variety are properly protected) may send donations.
It also includes photos of Chilton County’s K9 officers: Justice, Traffic, Tracker, and Shep.
That’s news worthy of several tail wags and an approving woof!
Let us know what you think in the Comments section, below. And if you come across any good news stories you’d like us to share here, please send them to [email protected].
