Making a Difference for K-9s

Race shirt artwork

Back in November I told you about a bill being proposed here in Florida to increase the penalties for intentionally killing a police K-9s. The bill, named the "Fang Memorial Bill” in honor of a local police K-9 (a German Shepherd) killed last year, was signed by the Governor a couple weeks ago. The bill triples the maximum penalties from five years in a state prison to 15 and raises the fine from $5,000 to $15,000 and includes fire dogs, search & rescue dogs and horses used for mounted units. Go Florida! Only two other states -- Utah and South Carolina -- have similar laws in effect to protect our K-9 heroes.

Before Fang, another local K-9 was killed in the line of duty. K-9 Baron (also a GSD) was killed in St. Johns County in 2014. That shook the community. In response, K9s United was formed. This group raises money to provide training, first aid and needed equipment for police K-9s nationwide. When there are budgetary constraints, animals often get the short end of the stick. (Ask any animal control officer/municipal shelter for examples!) K9s United has vowed to stand in the gap.

One popular fundraiser is a race for awareness. K9s United held a 5K/9K/1-mile fun run here in Jacksonville, also in honor of Fang. Eight brave GSD club members formed a walking team. Our ages range from 44 to 69. We may not have been the youngest, fastest or biggest team walking, but nobody could beat our love of dogs. We even stood in a looooong line to have our picture taking with a Police K-9 (the GSD, of course).

Club members pose with K9 Erin and her handler, Sgt. Gillick

The race opened with our Senator, Aaron Bean, and Fang's handler, Officer Herrera, sharing how the bill was passed. There were cheers and tears. The race followed by K9 demonstrations of obedience, odor detection, officer protection and the crowd's favorite -- bad guy apprehension. K9 officers from all over the state came to the event.

I'm sore and tired, but my soul is happy. Today, I helped make a difference. Later, -- K