Columbia Fire Department K9 Izzo has been awarded "Healthcare for K9 Heroes" Grant

(COLUMBIA, MO) -
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) nationwide charity located in East Taunton, MA, whose
mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement
and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit is pleased continue their
"Healthcare for K9 Heroes" medical insurance program for 2019 which covers annual policy
premiums. Since 2016, the charity has donated over $60,000 towards medical reimbursement
programs for self-funded K9 units.

Selected as 2019 recipients to date are: Columbia Fire Department, MO, K9 Izzo, Elizabethtown
Police Department, KY, K9 Lola, Petersham Police Department, MA, K9 Bleu, Natchitoches Paris
Sheriff’s Office, LA, K9 Bessi, King and Queens Sheriff’s Office, VA, K9 Tyson, Montville Police
Department, CT, K9’s Barrett and Molly, Carroll County Department of Corrections, NH, K9 Chloe,
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, KY, K9 Luma, Ecorse Police Department, MI, K9 Vader, Delta
County Sheriff’s Office, MI, K9 Jet, Dearborn Heights Police Department, MI, K9 Bain, Harper
Woods Police Department, MI, K9 Kaiser, Northern Kentucky University Police Department, KY,
K9 Arrit, City of Allen Park Police Department, MI, K9 Phantom, Hancock County Sheriff’s
Department, ME, K9 Finn, Pittsfield Police Department, MA, K9s Niko and Jango, Rolling Meadows
Police Department, IL, K9 Scar, Maywood Police Department, NJ, K9’s Remington and Vader,
German Township Police Department, OH, K9 Idus, Vinton Police Department, IA, K9 Gino,
Bannockburn Police Department, IL, K9 Odin, West Union Police Department, IA, K9 Xena , Forest
City Police Department, IA, K9 Kona, Ludlow Police Department, KY, K9 Oakley and Broadway
Police Department, IL, K9 Jax.

The "Healthcare for K9 Heroes" grant is awarded to departments who have the financial burden of
raising funds to support their K9 unit, who have no more than three K9s, and who have previously
been awarded a vest through Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Law enforcement dogs ages two through
seven are eligible. The annual medical reimbursement insurance policy, administered by Trupanion,
will cover illnesses, injuries-including those sustained in the line of duty-diagnostic testing and
therapies. The plan allows the freedom to use any licensed veterinarian, specialty center, or
emergency hospital in the United States, and Puerto Rico.

Trupanion, a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, offers injury and illnesses coverage for
working and service dogs- both on and off duty. For nearly two decades, Trupanion has given pet
owners and working dog owners peace of mind so they can focus on their dog’s recovery, not
financial stress. Trupanion is honored to support these brave K9 heroes and is committed to providing
the highest value in medical insurance to help them receive the best veterinary care.
In addition to the healthcare reimbursement program, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over
3300 law enforcement dogs with bullet and stab protective vests in 50 states, at a value of $5.7
million dollars. For more information, please call 508-824-6978 . Tax deductible donations accepted
via mail to: Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718 or via the website:
www.vik9s.org .