HURRICANE – September Smith, Because Animals Matter president, made a presentation to Hurricane City Council and the Police Department in the form of a custom fitted K-9 service vest. Because Animals Matter, or BAM, decided to put money into action in support of the Police Department’s first K-9 officer, Paige.
“She is a great addition to our police department,” Paige’s handler Jayson Despain said. “She is very well behaved. I have spent over 600 hours in training with her.”
Paige is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois trained in narcotic detection and criminal apprehension.
BAM also continues to support training of Washington County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteer K-9, BAM said in a release.
“It is one of BAM’s primary goals to continue supporting the residents and pets of Hurricane and the greater region,” Smith said. “BAM is an all volunteer organization and dependent on donations from individuals, business sponsors and grants.”
“K-9 officers are trained to put themselves in harms way,” said J. Schilling, vice president of BAM in the release. “It was the least BAM could do to support this K-9 right here in our hometown. Thanks to generous donors we are able to offer this and similar support to our communities.”
According to a release issued in 2013, BAM donated two sets of pet oxygen masks to Hurricane’s Fire Department, and their annual Dog Day Spectacular (held each September) has supported the continued training of Washington County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue volunteer K-9 team in past years.
BAM also has a Kibbles on Wheels program aimed at homebound and elderly pet owners who may not have the resources to purchase dog or cat food on a regular basis, and may, in turn, be compromising their own diet, Smith said. BAM is currently looking to expand the KOW program and for a volunteer to head or co-chair that program.
New K-9 officer at the Hurricane Police Department with her handler Jayson Despain, Hurricane, Utah, March 19, 2015 | Photo courtesy of Because Animals Matter, St. George News
New K-9 officer at the Hurricane Police Department with her handler Jayson Despain, Hurricane, Utah, March 19, 2015 | Photo courtesy of Because Animals Matter, St. George News
New K-9 officer at the Hurricane Police Department with her handler Jayson Despain, Hurricane, Utah, March 19, 2015 | Photo courtesy of Because Animals Matter, St. George News
New K-9 officer at the Hurricane Police Department with her handler Jayson Despain, Hurricane, Utah, March 19, 2015 | Photo courtesy of Because Animals Matter, St. George News
New K-9 officer at the Hurricane Police Department with her handler Jayson Despain, Hurricane, Utah, March 19, 2015 | Photo courtesy of Because Animals Matter, St. George News
Resources
- If you are interested in volunteer opportunities please contact BAM at 435-773-5209 or by email.
- BAM Utah website
- For more information about Hurricane’s K9 Program, telephone 435-635-9663.
Related posts
- Because Animals Matter puts on Dog Day Spectacular
- Because Animals Matter welcomes 19 puppies and counting; adoption applications open
- Donations, buyers needed for rummage sale to benefit animals
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Paige, you are a beauty and look great in your uniform. I’m so glad you got your vest.