Lee County’s K-9 Henry to get protective vest

DIXON – Lee County Sheriff’s Office K9 Henry will receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from a nonprofit organization.

K9 Henry’s vest is sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s and will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of K9 Hobbs, Des Moines, IA – EOW 12/12/23.″

Delivery is expected within eight to 10 weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity that aims to provide bullet- and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the U.S.

Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s has provided more than 5,379 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 also are 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.

A single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800, weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.

For 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 you can mail your contribution to Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.