Supporting Local Police and Fire K-9 Squads

Migi is a narcotics detection dog with Annapolis P.D. She's enjoying a pig's ear provided through Chesapeake K-9 Fund.

In recent years, many police departments are adding a specialized unit to their forces, one that is not completely human. These K-9 forces do a number of different jobs from drug-sniffing, bomb-sniffing, comforting crime victims, to subduing those running away from a crime scene. They can be found with their officer partner in many different venues. But having these canine units can add expenses to the police, and other public, departments that use them, in the midst of tight municipal and county budgets.

That's where an organization like the CHESAPEAKE K-9 FUND comes in. This particular organization is located in Annapolis and got its start in 2016. The group functions primarily as a funding nonprofit agency, helping local police departments acquire and train additional dogs and partners and fund veterinary care, appropriate safety equipment for the animals, repairs for the kennels when the police use them to house the dogs, and food.



In its fund-raising capacity, the K-9 Fund hosts various fund-raising events, which also offer the supporting public an opportunity to meet with officers and dogs from the departments receiving monetary support. In a sense, that helps members of the public learn more about what officers do and promotes better community relations by meeting together in a social setting.

Just this Monday, Chesapeake K-9 Fund was part of a Happy Hour fund-raiser at Stan and Joe's Saloon on West Street Annapolis. It was termed an "Explosive" Happy Hour, since the funds were
being raised for the Fire Department Bomb Squad, including K-9 partners. A Flying Dog Auction was held as a way to raise needed money and members of the Bomb Squad, along with the rest of the Fire Department were special guests. The contributions numbered in the thousands of dollars.

Some of the attendees at the "Explosive" Happy Hour.

Then, this spring, it's time to get on your running shoes for the Chesapeake K-9 Fund 5K. Participants are still being enrolled at this time. You have a few months left, since the event is scheduled for Sunday, May 20, starting at 7:30 AM until 12:30 PM at Quiet Waters Park. Called the "Run For The Dogs In Blue", there are also other attractions available to those who prefer not to run. You can watch live K-9 demonstrations allowing the dogs to show everyone their skills, and an opportunity to get your picture taken with your favorite member of the K-9 squad (Great opportunity for the kids!), and at the end an awards ceremony for the runners. All proceeds go to local law enforcement K-9 units.

Deputy Goodman with her canine partner, Chase.

If you love dogs and want to make sure that police and fire department dogs get the very best, this is a group for you, with fun money-raising activities, and making sure the dogs get the best life possible.

Thanks for information from this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ChesapeakeK9Fund/about/?ref=page_internal; this event page on Chesapeake K-9 Fund: http://www.chesapeakek9fund.org/events; and the above link.

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