OMAHA, Neb., April 28, 2014 -- Thousands of law enforcement K-9s put their lives on the line to protect America on a daily basis. They are usually the first officer to enter a dangerous situation and help track and neutralize violent criminals, sniff out illegal or explosive materials and search for survivors of natural disasters.
To assist Americans with showing their appreciation for these K-9 heroes, PetArmor® has declared the week of April 28, 2014, as "National Thank a Police Dog Week." PetArmor products help improve the overall health of pets across the U.S. by providing vet-quality flea and tick products that are affordable and accessible. People can send thanks to a K-9 officer and his human counterpart by visiting www.petarmor.com/thankapolicedog until May 4 and clicking on a photo of their choice.
"We salute the police dogs that make America a safer nation," said Caryn Stichler, VP of marketing for Sergeant's Pet Care Products, the maker of PetArmor brand flea and tick products. "We encourage everyone to send their thanks to these K-9 officers throughout the week and let them know that we appreciate the risks that they take on our behalf."
PetArmor is helping to ensure more K-9 officers are protected while in the line of duty. More often than not, law enforcement agencies do not have the budget to provide bullet- and stab-protective vests for their K-9 officers because each vest costs approximately $1,000. As a result, police dogs are left unprotected while fighting crime.
PetArmor partnered with Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. — a nonprofit organization that provides bullet- and stab-protective vests to police organizations nationwide — in 2013 and vested 25 dogs in Florida, Texas and Maryland. In 2014, PetArmor is donating an additional 25 vests that will benefit K-9 officers at police departments in Miami and Las Vegas.
For more information about PetArmor's partnership with Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., visit www.petarmor.com/vested-interest.
About Sergeant's Pet Care Products
Sergeant's Pet Care Products, Inc. is one of America's most trusted brands and manufacturers of pet supplies. As part of Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO; TASE), a leading global manufacturer of over-the-counter healthcare products, Sergeant's brings effective, in-demand flea and tick treatments, health and well-being solutions, and treats for dogs and cats to grocery, mass, dollar, drug, club and pet specialty retailers. For more information, visit Sergeant's website at sergeants.com. To be a part of the ongoing conversation about pet health, join Sergeant's social media community, Pet Health Central at facebook.com/phcfans and blog.sergeants.com.
About Vested Interest in K9s
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity located in East Taunton, Mass., whose mission is to provide bullet- and stab-protective vests for law enforcement dogs throughout the U.S. The nonprofit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K-9 officers. President Sandy Marcal began working with law enforcement agencies in 2000 to coordinate efforts between various law enforcement agencies, vest sponsorships, fundraising events and the media within Massachusetts. In 2011, efforts were expanded to assist police dogs throughout the U.S. Learn more at www.vik9s.org.
