Raimo shows off his new protective vest and his skills.
PHOTO: Photo courtesy of Gary Ruef
PHOTO CAPTION: K9 Raimo clears the jump with great ease wearing his bullet protective vest.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. 2013 Calendar now on sale featuring Pittsfield K-9 team
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. announces their 2013 color calendar featuring Pittsfield K9 team, Officer Dwane Foisy and K9 Raimo. The calendar is now on sale for $15.00 online at www.vik9s.org and at select retailers (LOCAL LIST BELOW). Proceeds from the sales will provide bullet and stab protective vests for police dogs actively working without the potentially life saving equipment. K9 Raimo appears on the cover of the publication as well as in the month of March with partner, Officer Dwane Foisy.
“We’re really excited to offer this calendar, as it shows a great variety: different law enforcement departments, police dog breeds, and general activities of K9 teams. For example, we have German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Belgian Malinois and two Bloodhounds in the calendar. In some photos the dogs are in a ‘sit’ or ‘down’, and there’s an action shot of K9 teams tracking and apprehending suspects. In addition, two young girls who raised funds for vests appear on the page with their special police dogs,” explains Sandy Marcal, President of the East Taunton non-profit, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. (VIK9s).
Marcal continues, “Over the past two and a half years, with generous donations from individuals, organizations and businesses and lots of volunteer hours, we’ve helped vest over 106 police dogs, in local police departments, sheriff departments, MA Dept. of Corrections, and MBTA (MA Bay Transportation Authority).
“Protecting K9s is our Priority,” is the motto of Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds to provide bullet and stab protective vests for police dogs throughout Massachusetts and the United States.
There are presently over 20 law enforcement dogs waiting for a bullet and stab protective vest, which costs $1006 each.
Stores offering the 2013 Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Calendar for sale in Massachusetts include:
AGAWAM Dave’s Soda & Pet Food City 151 Springfield St.
HADLEY Dave’s Soda & Pet Food City 335 Russell St., Rte. 9
NORTH ADAMS Greylock Animal Hospital 1028 State Rd.
NORTHAMPTON Dave’s Soda & Pet Food City 142 North King St.
SPRINGFIELD Dave’s Soda & Pet Food City 1330 Carew St.
For more information, please call 508-824-6978 or visit the website www.vik9s.org
Tax deductible donations for VIK9s are welcomed via the website or by mail: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9, East Taunton MA 02718.
VIK9s is comprised of a small group of dedicated volunteers with help all across the states. Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, school groups, women’s groups, animal welfare groups, pet-related businesses, veterinarians…dogs have even been vested by ‘donations in honor of’, First Communion, Anniversary, Weddings, etc. Along the way, we have had the privilege and honor to meet many police dogs and their tremendously dedicated handlers and seen many of these K9 teams demonstrate their talents of narcotics/firearms detection, apprehension and obedience.