The Issue: Fatal Injuries to Police Dogs in the Line of Duty

Dogs employed in law-enforcement K9 units risk their lives on a daily basis, often without the proper protective equipment. While on call, they are deployed ahead of their human counterparts, often confronting serious and possibly fatal danger to protect local communities. In January 2014 alone, four American police dogs were killed in the line of duty.

The Campaign: Supplying Dogs with Bullet- and Stab-Protective Vests

All donations to this Grassroots campaign will be used by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. to supply bullet- and stab-protective vests for police dogs. For every $950 raised, Vested Interest can purchase one vest. The organization aims to provide at least 100 vests to active-duty dogs across the country, presenting the vests at ceremonies to demonstrate their valor and service.

During the month of February, all K9 vests supplied by this Grassroots campaign will be embroidered, "In Memory of K9 Rocco, Pittsburgh Police Department." Rocco, an 8-year-old German shepherd, was fatally injured in a stabbing on January 29, 2014, and Vested Interest wishes to honor his sacrifice.