A Belgian Malinois
Kirkwood Animal Health Club raises funds to pay for police dog
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (April 29, 2015)-The Kirkwood Community College Animal Health Technology Club has raised $10,000 to donate to the Cedar Rapids Police Department (CRPD) for the purchase of a K-9 officer. The club will present a check to police representatives at an event on Friday, May 1, in Cedar Rapids.
The students held various fundraisers to get the money to purchase the dog. In a little over a year, the project was complete. According to Kirkwood Animal Health faculty member Anne Duffy, she had her doubts about the endeavor at first.
“I truly thought this was a lofty and nearly impossible goal but didn’t tell the students that,” said Duffy. “I was skeptical of their ability to raise that kind of money. I think they approached it from a position of innocence and a ‘can-do’ attitude. The students expected that we would meet our goal from the beginning. I am so very proud of them, that I really can’t properly express it. They prove that with a bit of planning and a whole lot of team work; you can do whatever you set your mind to.”
The dog, a Belgian Malinois breed, is being purchased from a kennel in Indiana that specializes in police dogs. All K-9 units go through extensive training, which continues throughout their career on the police force.
“The Belgian Malinois is the breed used by the CRPD and is a highly intelligent, extremely active breed,” said Duffy. “The dogs are highly trained prior to being matched with a handler and undergo additional training with the handler once the team has been identified. Beyond the exercise and training, the dogs need to form a strong bond with their handler, and get the same kind of love, care and attention that any pet should receive from its owner.”
The health of the K-9 officer is another element that the club considered. In an effort to limit the financial burden on the CRPD, a member of the Animal Health Program Advisory Board will donate free veterinary care to the animal for life.
The check will be presented to members of the CRPD K-9 Unit at a club event this Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. at Westdale Bowl in Cedar Rapids. K-9 officers will be in attendance as well as their handlers.
*****EVENT*****
What: Check presentation to the CRPD K-9 Unit
When: Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m.
Where: Westdale Bowl, 2020 Scotty Dr., Cedar Rapids