MONTGOMERY-Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, AL – K9 Toby has received a bullet and stab protective
vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9
Toby’s vest was sponsored by Manitou Cliff Dwellings of Manitou Springs, CO and
embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”
K9 Toby is a 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd assigned to ALEA’s SWAT Team. He is a dual-purpose
dog, trained in apprehension and tracking.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide
bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related
agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9
officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its
inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,513 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s
in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with
law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There
are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single
donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average
of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn about volunteer
opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists
events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box
9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Media Release/Trooper Jaylon James/Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
