When Collegedale K9s Kuga and Evo are working, Cpl. David Holloway doesn’t want anything distracting them.
That’s why having comfortable protective vests is crucial, he said.
He is hoping the public will agree and support a fundraiser at the Zaxby’s in Ooltewah next week, on Tuesday, Nov. 1, to help the department purchase vests for the two dogs.
“You don’t want to put your dog in a vest every day or for hours at a time if it’s not comfortable,” Holloway said. “We want functional, but we also want comfortable.”
In addition to the emotional desire to protect the dogs, there is also the practical reason: cost.
“Even beyond our love that we have for them, they’re an expensive investment,” he said.
To support the K9 unit and help Holloway purchase the two vests – $1,600 more is needed following a $1,000 donation by AEGIS Law Enforcement Foundation – patrons of the Zaxby’s at 8884 Old Lee Highway between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. that day can specify that they want a portion of their purchase to go toward the Collegedale K9 Unit.
Those who wish to donate can also bring a donation to Collegedale City Hall, noting that it should go only to the police’s K9s.
“I wouldn’t go out there with a vest, and I don’t want them to either,” Holloway said.