Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Niagara County Sheriff’s Office K9 Reggie will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc. K9 Reggie’s vest is sponsored by Christine Rath of Youngstown, and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love – Trained to Serve – Loyal Always.” Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.
Vested Interest in K9s, 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 U.S. 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 has provided over 4,714 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 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 to $2,283, weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty.
For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or one may mail a contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.