By Kim Minugh
kminugh@sacbee.com
The Sacramento Police Canine Association is asking for donations for a raffle they hope will raise funds to buy two bullet-proof vests for their dogs.
The raffle will take place during the association's largest annual fundraiser, to be held Monday, April 29. Tickets for that event are sold out, but the public still can help by donating items such as gift certificates, small electronics and tools, said K9 Sgt. Steve Oliveira.
Association leaders hope to raise enough to buy two vests, which cost $2,000 apiece - more than the vests officers wear, Oliveira said.
Earlier this month, police K9 "Bandit" was shot by a suspect during a home-invasion robbery in Meadowview. He is recovering at home with his partner, Officer Gary Dahl.
Oliveira said that the hoped-for vests would not be used for regular patrol duties - like that home-invasion call - because they can be bulky and hinder the dogs' movement. But the vests would be used during high-risk SWAT operations, he said.
The association is a nonprofit group that raises money for, among other things, community and youth programs, K9 demonstrations, training equipment, veterinary care for retired police canines and their burial expenses.
Anyone interested in helping is asked to call the association at (916) 551-4300.
Officials hope to have all raffle items by Friday.
For more information about the association, visit www.spdk9.org.
Call The Bee's Kim Minugh, (916) 321-1038.
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