A K9 officer in Lenoir County, North Carolina might have just had its life saved by a non-profit called Vested Interest in K9s. That non-profit provides bullet and stab-resistant vests to K9 dogs to help them survive the sort of wounds they might receive on the job, gifting them the same sort of vests that keep their human counterparts safe on the job.
Announcing the gift of the vest to the K9 deputy on its Facebook page, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office said:
Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ziva has received a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Ziva’s vest was sponsored by Christopher Campanale of North Kingstown, RI and embroidered with the sentiment “Honoring those who served and sacrificed.”
“We are truly appreciative of the vest that was sponsored by Mr. Campanale and Vested Interest in K9s,” Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers said. “Our K9s are valuable members of the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office.”
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 more than 5,043 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 U.S.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800, weighs an average of 4-5 pounds 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.
The non-profit involved, Vested Interests in K9s, Inc., has been quite successful in recent years in providing life-saving gear to K9s around the nation, helping them stay alive and their departments effectively utilize their talents. Describing what it has done on its website, the non-profit says that it has provided:
- More than 5,043 K9 ballistic vests
- 2,300 K9 opioid reversal NARCAN Kits
- More than $307,405 of K9 medical insurance premiums through our Healthcare for K9 Heroes program
- Over $151,660 in K9 medical first aid kits
- Three Chevy Tahoe patrol vehicles custom fitted for a K9 Unit valued at over $50,000 each
- One Advanced Canine Medical Trainer (K9 Diesel) a full-body state-of-the-art skills trainer for canine first responders that simulates active breathing, audio queues and over 28 different features and medical intervention sites at $62,000
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video
