Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office K9 Athos will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Athos’ vest is sponsored by John and Molly Shirk from Redmond, WA and will be embroidered. with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by vested interests in K9s, Inc.” Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies in all of the United States. This potentially life-saving bulletproof vest for four-legged K9 officers is made in the USA, custom made, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 5,514 K9 grants in all 50 states valued at $6.9 million, thanks to both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to American dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified by related authorities or agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 police K9s across the United States.

Vested interests in K9s, Inc. accept tax-deductible contributions of any amount, while a one-time donation of $985 will sponsor a vest. Each vest is valued at $1800.00, weighs an average of 4 to 5 pounds, and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or volunteer opportunities, call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you can mail your contribution to PO Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.