Following the shooting death of a Norfolk, Virginia police dog, animal lover and CNN anchor Anderson Cooper has donated enough cash to outfit the police department's entire canine crew with bulletproof vests.

The police dog who inspired the generous donation, named Krijger, was killed Monday during a standoff with a man whom police say barricaded himself in his home during a domestic dispute. Krijger, who was not wearing a vest due to police department protocol, bravely followed commands and approached the suspect when he was killed, Public Information Officer Daniel Hudson said.

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Police shot and killed the suspect, 58-year-old Keith Richardson, moments later.

Cooper, who has long been an advocate for animal rights and protection, made the donation to Spike's K-9 Fund, an organization founded by a retired Navy SEAL who lost his canine comrade in Iraq.

The foundation's sole mission is to provide equipment and tactical gear for pups in the line of duty, according to founder Jimmy Hatch. Cooper had interviewed Hatch last year for a segment on Anderson Cooper 360 about the life-saving abilities of police and military dogs.

Although the specific amount the CNN host donated has been kept confidential, Hudson said that there are 19 canine officers on the force, while high-quality ballistic vests fit for dogs retail for anywhere between $900 and $2500.

Cooper pledged his entire speaking fee from the upcoming "Norfolk Forum" to the charity, which should leave some funds left over to provide vests for neighboring K9 units, Hatch wrote on the foundation's website.

Cooper, pictured here with James Hatch, has long been a supporter of animal protection. Image: James Hatch

Reports that Krijger would have survived had he been wearing a vest have not been confirmed, Hudson said. He added that the department is grateful for Cooper's donation and will be looking into protocol regarding bulletproof vests.

"Right now, our main concern is getting through through Krijger's memorial service and paying respects to him," he said.

The memorial will be held on January 19 in Norfolk. Krijger, who had been with the force since he was a puppy, will be given full honors.

This past week, another K9 police dog was shot in Ohio during a grocery store robbery. More than 100 fellow K9s from around the nation came together to honor their fallen comrade, and a GoFundMe page was raised in his honor.

"This is about as bad as it gets for a K9 officer, to watch their partner go down in the line of duty," Chief Goldsmith of the Norfolk police department told WKTR News. "While he may not have raised his paw and swore and oath, he is still a part of our police family."