SEATTLE, WA - Most dog owners would do anything to protect their pets - and police K9 handlers are no different. Seattle police recently received a donation from a Massachusetts nonprofit of two bulletproof vests for K9s Zeff and Pele. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., based in East Taunton, Mass., bought the vests, which were sponsored by Shana Greene of Newcastle, according to Seattle police.

The 5 pound vests can protect dogs from bullets and knives, and are manufactured by Armor Express in Central Lake, Mich. The vests are custom sized for each dog and can cost up to $2,234, according to Seattle police. Vested Interest was founded by Sandy Marcal, and the nonprofit has donated some 2,400 vests to law enforcement dogs in all 50 states. Marcal has also established a healthcare grant for K9s to help pay for vet bills.

Police K9s are often placed in dangerous situations, putting them at risk of serious injury. In 2015, a K9 in Vancouver, Wash., was stabbed to death during a pursuit of a suspect. In November, Boise K9 Jardo was shot in the line of duty and died. In April, K9 Pele tracked down a suspected mugger who was armed with a gun. The suspect robbed a woman near the Othello light rail stop and fled the scene. Pele tracked the suspect down using a scent he picked up off a pair of sunglasses. Police arrested the mugger in a yard hiding underneath a boat.