Petal Police Welcome Two New K9s

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PETAL — The City of Petal welcomed two new officers to its unit.  Dena is a four-year-old Dutch Shepherd from California.  She and her friend Boris, a 17-month-old Belgian Malinois from Florida are the newest members of the force.

“It’s a great benefit to our department,” Chief Leonard Fuller said.

He explained these dogs completed 16 hours a week for six weeks of training.  They’re multipurpose dogs.

“Not only do they detect narcotics, but if we have a lost person or we’re hunting for somebody, maybe a criminal that’s escaped, the dog can actually track the individual,” Fuller said.

They are also gentile enough to be taken into the schools to interact with kids.

He said this is the first time in 12 years Petal has used K9s due to the high cost involved.  Boris cost $10,000.

“The officers actually raised the money, and we had donations from fund raisers,” Fuller said.  “And the citizens of Petal and business owners donated the money.”

One of the biggest expenses was modifying the police cars to fit the dogs’ needs.

“Not only is it great for the people of Petal, but also surrounding agencies that need help tracking lost individuals or looking for somebody or request our help,” Fuller said.

He also mentioned that Petal Animal Clinic has been beneficial in providing care for the animals.

 

Source: http://www.whlt.com/story/24511680/petal-police-welcome-two-new-k9s

Davis County K-9s getting protective vests

FARMINGTON – Police K9 officers face danger and possibly injury every time they are called out on duty.

They need protection every bit as much as their human handlers.

The Davis County Sheriff’s Office’s five K9 officers, Jak, Dax, Mojo, Nitro and Hasko, will soon have that added protection.

Utah-based Golf4K9s raised over $4,000 for the vests at an event hosted by Schneiter’s Bluff Golf Course in West Point last summer.

The Massachusetts-based company Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., is currently making the vests that will be delivered to the department in a month or two, according to Davis County Sheriff’s public information officer Susan Poulsen.

“They take a great deal of measuring and each (vest) is specially made,” Poulsen said.

Unlike their human counterparts, the K9s won’t wear the vests every day, only when they are placed in a high risk or high priority incident involving a gun or knife that could harm them, Poulsen said.

“(The dogs) overheat quickly because of their fur and their activity level, so they can’t wear them all the time like our (human) officers do,” Poulsen said. Typically while on duty, the dogs will function as any other dog.

The dogs train in their vests, but “when the K9s go in after the bad guys, or whatever the situation may be, they’re so focused, they don’t pay attention to them,” Poulsen said.

She added that K9s placed in hazardous situations without vests sometimes are so focused they don’t notice their injury and will continue to do their job.

“They have a high tolerance for pain and are very smart, so our handlers want to minimize the risk,” Poulsen said.

Vested Interest in K9s outfitted two of Syracuse City’s K9 officers in April of 2013. The company donated the proceeds of a national Groupon Grasroots event to 163 law enforcement agencies in 30 states at that time.

The non-profit organization was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with K9 body armor. Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9s Inc., has provided over 580 law enforcement dogs nationwide, with protective vests.

The vests are expensive – $950 each, but come with a five-year warranty, according to a Davis County Sheriff’s press release.

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Four K9 officers with the Davis County Sheriff’s Office – with their dogs. – Courtesy photo.
Source: http://www.davisclipper.com/view/full_story/24426073/article-Davis-County-K-9s-getting-protective-vests?instance=home_news_1st_left

Nominations now Open for Hero Dogs

The American Humane Association is once again on the prowl to determine which dogs will be crowned the 2014 Hero Dogs.

The nominating period is in full swing and goes through February 28.

Dogs can be nominated by going to HeroDogAwards.org, logging their personal information, providing a short, inspiring story about what makes them hero dogs and submitting the nominee’s photo.

Dogs may be nominated in eight categories: Law Enforcement Dogs, Arson Dogs, Search and Rescue Dogs, Guide/Hearing Dogs, Service Dogs, Therapy Dogs and Emerging Hero Dogs. Rank-and-file pet owners can single out a hero dog they know through the Emerging Hero category, which is tailor-made for more local nominations.

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Elle, American Humane Association’s Hero Dog 2013. American Humane Association

The voting rounds: • March 7-June 6: Semifinalists chosen through public online voting • June 13-30: Eight category finalists determined by public vote and celebrity panel voting • July 7- September 15: Grand prize winner chosen by a combination of public online voting and a panel of judges

Nominees are narrowed down to 24 semifinalists (three per category), then to eight finalists and eventually to one grand prize winner – the American Hero Dog.

Each dog finalist is flown to Hollywood, Calif., along with two of the dog’s human companions, to attend the American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Sept. 27, 2014.

Each finalist gets $1,500, which their owners or handlers can donate to one of 15 of the contest’s charity partners. The charity chosen by the grand-prize winner receives an additional $5,000.

Elle, a 5-year-old pit bull therapy dog, was named the American Hero Dog last year.

 

Source: http://www.petproductnews.com/headlines/2014/01/21/nominations-now-open-for-hero-dogs.aspx

K-9 Deputy Denham Fundraiser

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K-9 Deputy Jason Denham was on duty with his K-9 partner “Sjors” when they were involved in a major vehicle accident.  Deputy Denham was life flighted from the scene to Houston’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. Deputy Denham was in critical condition with severe injuries. Deputy Denham’s K -9 partner was also injured in the vehicle accident and transported to a local veterinary Hospital.

Deputy Jason Denham has been employed with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department for over 10 years. Deputy Denham has been partnered with his partner “Sjors” for over 2 years. Deputy Denham has been married for over 15 years and is the father of three daughters.

Deputy Denham is still on critical condition and is expected to make a complete recovery. Due to the extensive injuries sustained from the accident his injuries will require a long term recovery.

This fund raiser will be used to help offset his medical expenses and assist his family during his recovery process. Any donations will be greatly appreciated and Deputy Denham and his family are grateful for your support.

Thank you for your support – See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/k-9-deputy-denham-fundraiser-/128859#sthash.5vkealkC.dpuf

Constable introduces newest K-9 recruits

Harris Constable Ron Hickman’s Office introduces the newest members to the department’s Patrol Division K-9 unit. Deputy George Henson a 10-year veteran with the Constable’s Office and his K-9 patrol partner “Tango.”

Tango is a 18 month old Belgian Malinois that was donated to the Constable’s Department by the K9s4COPS organization. Both Deputy Henson and K-9 “ Tango “ went through 13 weeks of training to become certified. Tango is certified in “explosives detection’ and “patrol tracking.”

With the addition of Deputy Henson and Tango, this brings the total of 5 K-9s assigned to Constable Hickman’s patrol division.

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Deputy George Henson introduces Tango to the K-9 Unit.
Source: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/spring/news/constable-introduces-newest-k–recruits/article_b2111abd-3db5-5d89-9c0f-1edaff5992aa.html

Hear What 92 FM Had to Say About K9s4COPs Rose Parade Float

Hear what Carolyn Cambpell from All News 92 FM had to say about K9s4COPs’ appearance at the Rose Parade!

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THIS YEAR’S TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE WILL MEAN A LOT TO CANINE PATROLS AND HOUSTONIANS.  K-9’S FOR COPS WILL BE FEATURED ON ONE OF THE PARADE FLOATS.  HERE’S THE BACK STORY ON THE ONE-OF-A-KIND LOCAL NON-PROFIT.

Listen to the first radio spot here.

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IT IS NO EASY FEAT TO GET A FLOAT IN THE NEW YEAR’S DAY TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE.  THIS YEAR A LOCAL HOUSTON CHARITY WILL BE PART OF THE IMPRESSIVE LINE-UP.

Listen to the second radio spot here.

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IF YOU WATCHED THIS YEAR’S TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE, YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN A BIT OF HOUSTON REPRESENTED.  LOCAL NON-PROFIT, K-9’S FOR COPS, WAS FEATURED ON ONE OF THE FLOATS.   MORE ABOUT HOW THE IMPRESSIVE ORGANIZATION GOT STARTED.

Listen to the third radio spot here.

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AN IMPRESSIVE LOCAL NON-PROFIT MAKES IT INTO THIS YEAR’S TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE.

Listen to the forth radio spot here.

Kentucky florist helps decorate Rose Bowl Parade float

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A Kentucky floral designer volunteered to help decorate a float in the Rose Bowl Parade. (Photo: Christopher Branham)

The owner of Christopher’s Creations in Middlesboro, Kentucky volunteered to help decorate floats in the Rose Bowl Parade.

New Year’s Day is a big football day with a lot of Bowl Games. One of them is the Rose Bowl.

Festivities started Wednesday morning with the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena.

Sometimes it is tough to see on TV, but all of those individual flowers on the floats are fresh; no artificial flowers or plants allowed.

A designer in Kentucky talked with us before he left for California to help with the Rose Parade floats.

His name is Christopher Branham.

Eight years ago he saw what was then an empty storefront.

 

 

“I was driving down through Middlesboro and saw a store and thought I would just open up a flower shop. No experience or nothing so I am pretty much self taught,” Christopher Branham said. “I started out with flowers and just designing and started looking at magazines to teach myself how to do it.”

He taught himself well. The owner of Christopher’s Creations in Middlesboro, Kentucky is a Certified Floral Designer, Vice President of the East Tennessee Professional Florist Association, and the winner of a trophy for Designer of the Year.

A friend of his in the East Tennessee Professional Florist Association invited him to volunteer to help with the floats in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

“I never thought I would be there doing it. This is very exciting for me,” Christopher said.

Expectations?

“He’s not told me a whole lot. He’s just told me wear comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, and let’s work hard. “A lot of work. I see a lot of work ahead,” he said. “I’m going to take my work tools and show up.”

He’s been hard at work in Pasadena for almost a week. Photos show what he’s been doing on the float called “K9s 4 Cops.” It features a giant dog. From Pasadena, he said the experience has been wonderful. He is amazed that the floats are made of all natural, live plants and each one is carefully placed in its own water pick or water tube. One of his responsibilities was creating big white flowers filled with roses.

Something he anticipated correctly? Long hours.

“Very long hours from like 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every night and then I guess on New Year’s Eve I guess until we’re done,” he said.

They finished in time! And Christopher Branham accomplished what he said he wanted to.

“I’m sure I’m going to learn more. That’s the whole thing about floral is learning more and teaching more and being more educated,” he said.​

 

http://www.wbir.com/story/news/local/five-at-four/2014/01/02/tournament-of-roses-parade-kentucky-florist/4291423/

Local non-profit K9s4COPs participates in Tournament of Roses Parade

HOUSTON – Representing Houston in a larger-than-life way, the non-profit organization K9s4COPs made their national debut Wednesday morning at the 125th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade.

“Working together to save our communities is the well-chosen theme of this non-profit foundation: K9s4COPs,” said NBC’s Al Roker, as he introduced the foundation.

The non-profit organization is one of 46 floats at this year’s Rose Parade. “It isn’t just apply, it is an invitation to participate,” explained Liz Lara Carreno, Executive Director of K9s4COPs. “We were thrilled; a little frightened, but thrilled.”

K9s4COPs raises money to train police dogs, then helps place them with police departments and schools across the country. They have sent out close to 60 dogs in two and a half years.

The founder of K9s4COPs says this moment before millions is humbling.

“To be such a young organization, two and a half years old, and accomplish this much and get this kind of recognition is unbelievable,” expressed Kristi Schiller, K9s4COPs Founder and Board Chair.

K9s4COPs was Schiller’s vision after she heard about an deputy losing his four-legged partner trying to stop criminals.

“Three years ago, Dec. 22, 2009, I lost partner in the line of duty chasing some burglary suspects,” said Deputy Ted Dahlin of the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office. “I made him a promise that I’d make things right. I never imaged something like this could come from that.”

The float spanned 55 feet and was covered up by organic materials like shaved coconut and corn husks.

At the helm, the organization’s mascot dog, Johnny Cash, standing at 22 feet high.

The real canine version of Johnny Cash took some time out from the parade preparations for a photo-op with some new, little fans.

The group got up at 3:30 a.m. and had to be on the float by 8 a.m. They had to be buckled into the float when they got there.

After four hours of waving, walking and riding along the 5.5 mile route at 2mph, the K9s4COPs group were happy their goal of being in the parade came true.

“It’s been an emotional week for Liz and myself and our core officers who have been with us since the beginning because the theme today is Dreams Do Come True, and it’s true if you work enough they do,” said Schiller.

The organization has raised nearly $2 million that have paid off in a big way.

Recently, one of their dogs helped take more than $6 million worth of drugs off the streets in Harris County.

 

 

​http://www.click2houston.com/news/local-nonprofit-k9s4cops-participates-in-tournament-of-roses-parade/-/1735978/23727540/-/gau5yvz/-/index.html

Texas’ K9s4COPs Makes Big Bark in Rose Parade

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PASADENA, CA – If you watched the annual Rose Parade today, you might have noticed a float with a big, brown dog.

That float is the K9s4COPS float, a non-profit organization based out of Houston that raises money to buy police dogs for agencies all over the country.

This is the first time K9s4COPS is in the parade and they’re the only Texas organization in the parade this year as well.

K9s4COPS is only two years old and wants to help as many agencies get dogs as they can, but to do that they need more people to know about the organization and with one million people in attendance at the parade and another 100 million watching on TV, the parade is a great way to get the word out about what they do.

“There is a need for this worldwide. The number one bust we’ve had is six and a half million dollars by one dog in one stop and so it’s keeping our streets safe, officers safe, children and schools safe, we feel really, really good about it,” said K9s4COPS founder Kristi Schiller.

The float has to be covered with all organic materials, some K9s4COPS used include kelt, seaweed, and sesame seeds.

Since its inception, K9s4COPS has given close to 60 dogs to agencies in need across the U.S.

 

 

​http://kagstv.com/News/KAGSNews/ID/2321/Texas-K9s4COPS-Makes-Big-Bark-in-Rose-Parade

K9′s on Parade!

If you watched the Rose Bowl Parade on this New Year’s Day, you may have caught one special float passing along the parade route!

Los Angeles television station KTLA – Channel 5 captured this great image of the K9s4Cops float as it made it made it’s way down the main street: Real police dogs accompany the #RoseParade float representing the charity K9s4Cops.org

@KTLA 5 News

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K9s4Cops, founded in 2010, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that every law enforcement officer who is in need of a K9 has one at their side and ready for action….much like the goal of The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation!

In fact, K9s4Cops is no stranger to Ben’s foundation. They were instrumental in helping the Houston Police Department put together a grant in the summer of 2011.

When the agency was awarded a grant during that NFL season, k9s4Cops tweeted a “Thank You” to Ben, telling their followers that “our next crime fighting K9 ‘Big Ben’ will proudly wear the #7 on his collar!!”.

K9s4Cops has also given Ben’s website some great portrait-style and action photos to use when posting foundation grant news!

Congratulations to K9s4Cops for having the best looking float at the parade!