Dog Lovers Unite to Raise Funds for New Police K9

A vital part of the San Angelo Police Department received a healthy dose of puppy love this weekend at the Krazy 4 K9Z event in Kirby Park.  The Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA) encouraged locals to bring their four-legged friends to help raise money for SAPD’s K9 unit. 

A large wooden wagon converted to a jail and several dog-centric vendor booths lined the perimeter of the spacious pavilion, all present in support of the CPAAA, who were shooting to finance a new pooch for the PD’s existing four-man canine crew.

According to K9 unit officer Joel Fincher, a dog alone costs $9,000, and with training, lodging and feeding, the bill reaches upwards of $16,000 for each new pup, a cost that the CPAAA deems worthy for the assistance a K9 officer can offer. 

“We just want to raise whatever we can to help them out,” said former CPAAA president and current member, Pam Helton.  “We think it’s really important to have K9s because they do amazing work with the officers and we want to keep them safe.”

Saturday’s festivities included a doggie kissing booth, a dog agility course hosted by the Concho Kennel Club, doggie Picasso painting and doggie dress up.  Each booth was accepting donations for the SAPD K9 unit. 

“I’ve just been going around to each booth thanking people, because in today’s law enforcement, you don’t see this kind of support very often,” Fincher said.  “Everyone here is a volunteer and it really means a lot. We appreciate it and we need it.” 

According to Helton, all of the money raised on Saturday will be put in a discretionary fund specifically for the SAPD K9 unit.