An area law-enforcement organization’s K9 has received a donation of body armor.

According to Pettis County Sheriff Brad Anders, K9 Cav has received a bullet- and stab-protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Cav’s vest is sponsored by Irondog K9 International, Inc. and embroidered with the sentiment “Gifted by Irondog K9 International Inc.”

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity. Its mission is to provide bullet- and stab-protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law-enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.

This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 4,563 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 is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,744-$2,283, weighs an average of four to five pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.

For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, you can call (508) 824-6978.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Photo courtesy Pettis County Sheriff’s Office