BARDWELL, Ky. — The Carlisle County Sheriff’s Office K9 Axel has been equipped with a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a generous donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest was sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, IL, and embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charity established in 2009, is dedicated to providing bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to law enforcement dogs throughout the United States. The U.S.-made vests are custom-fitted, NIJ certified, and potentially life-saving for K9 officers. To date, the organization has supplied over 5,289 vests to K9s in all 50 states, valued at $6.9 million, made possible by private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old, actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions of any amount, with a single donation of $985 sponsoring one vest. Each vest, valued at $1800.00, 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 contributions can be mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
