The Coral Gables Police Department’s K9 Kaiser, a 3- year-old German Shepard certified in Patrol/Apprehension and Explosives Detection, soon will be wearing extra protection, thanks to a recent donation.
K9 Kaiser is set to receive a bullet and stab-proof vest donated by the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s Inc. and Bertram and Cindy Goldsmith, a Coral Gables couple who provided the $950 donation.
The vest will be embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Sadie Ophelia.” Sadie was the Goldsmith’s beloved mix-breed dog that passed away earlier in the year and the Goldsmith’s wanted to honor her name.
The mission of Vested Interest in K9s, a 501(c)(3) organization, is to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their K9 officers. Through private and corporate sponsorships, this organization has provided more than 1,349 law enforcement dogs in 49 states with protective vests since 2009 at a cost of more than $1.2 million. Each vest costs $950 and has a fiveyear warranty.
K9 Kaiser was born in Holland and was sent to the United States before his first birthday to become a police dog. Assigned to Coral Gables Police Officer Orlando Muñoz in August 2012, K9 Kaiser and his partner have completed more than 700 hours of formal training in order to become a certified Police K9 Team. On his off time, K9 Kaiser enjoys playing fetch, laying out on his lawn chair, and being a member of the Muñoz family.
For more information about Vested Interest in K9s, visit the website at www.vik9s.org.
