A LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER
The past year has proved to be the best yet, and solidifies that there was a true need to bring an ad- ditional awareness for K9s in law enforcement agencies and schools. Standing shoulder to shoulder with all of you that make this dream possible, we have carved a path that has left an indelible im- pression in over 42 states. Upon reflection of the past year, here are my most formidable thoughts.
WE CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE
In December 2012, while we were still in the non-profit infancy stage, the tragedy of Sandy Hook took place. During the post weeks of mourning the 27 people in Newtown, Connecticut the idea for K9s4KIDs, an initiative of K9s4COPs was born. Through this initiative we can provide school districts, ranging from elementary school through college campuses, with highly trained K9s. K9s have the ability to smell scents up to half a million times stronger than any human.
WE CAN DO BIG THINGS.
I was always taught to believe everything is bigger in Texas. This rang true after watching the 2013 Rose Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day. I thought this naturally would be an ideal fit to raise awareness for K9s4COPs. A phrase that I often overuse is “How hard could it be?” Well, lets just say it’s not easy. After being chosen as one of eight new floats, from thousands of applications, on January 1, 2014, our 55 foot long float was #16 of 42 floats to make our way down the 5.5 mile parade route before an estimated 1-1.5 million people live and watched by an estimated two hundred million television
viewers. Worldwide, the once quaint, horse-drawn parade is broadcast in about 200 countries. The experience and the national coverage were both more than this young non-profit, representing the only float from Texas, could ever could have imagined.
WE CAN DO LASTING THINGS.
The things that last are the most worth doing: Building sacred relationships in communities through hope of assurance and appreciation of law enforcement agencies and places of higher learning. Fortunately through the Foundation, we have a multitude of opportunities to grow through relation- ships with agencies and schools in a magnitude of civic and community-minded establishments.
Of course, none of this would be possible without you. You have supported us with your endow- ments, donations, time, talents and most of all, hard-earned money. We will continue to work hard every day to deserve and build on that trust.
Thank you,
Chairman K9s4COPs/K9s4KIDs
