Kent Police are asking for donations to help protect their K9’s with protective vests.

Kent police K9 Kato was stabbed by a suspect on Sept. 24 while he was doing his job. He was not wearing a protective vest at the time of the incident. Kato underwent surgery, is feeling much better, and expected to return to duty after he completely heals.

In most cases police agencies lack the funding needed to properly supply their K9 divisions, K9 body armor essential to protecting the dogs from the possible hazards they face on each call.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) all volunteer charity located in East Taunton, Mass., whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests for law enforcement dogs throughout the United States, according to a Kent Police media release. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four legged K9 Officers.

Through private and corporate sponsorships, Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc. has provided over 437 law enforcement dogs with protective vests since its inception in August of 2009.

Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc. has set up an online fundraising event through Crowdrise to provide bullet and stab protective vests for Kent’s two police dogs, K9 Kato and K9 Ghost.

The goal is to raise $1,900 for this life saving body armor. Each vest costs $950 and has a 5-year warranty. The organization orders the Armor Express vests made in Central Lakes, Mich., exclusively from distributor Regency Police Supply in Hyannis, Mass. They also do the custom embroidery on the body armor.

Donations for the Kent Police K9 vests may be made directly at www.crowdrise.com/K9HerosofKentPD. Donations are tax deductible and may also be mailed to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718, please note: KENT, WA on checks.

For more information visit www.vik9s.org or call 508-824-6978.