MONSON, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – A police K9 fundraiser and craft fair was hosted at the Westview Farms Creamery in Monson on Saturday, supporting local K9 teams in the Bay State.
The organization Paws 4 Blue K9 began in 2014 after funds were helped to cover the cost for chemotherapy for the late K9 buddy, who was part of the palmer police department.
Members of law enforcement from western Massachusetts and the community at large, gathered in Monson on Saturday to attend the second annual fundraiser for police K9s in need, hosted by Paws 4 Blue K9.
The fundraiser highlighted several different K9 teams, K9 demos, and vendors.
Western Mass News spoke with Sergeant Amanda VanBuskirk, a Longmeadow K9 patrol officer about what Paws 4 Blue K9 raises money for.
“We raise funds to help not only our retired dogs, but our current, active, and working dogs, from everything from equipment needs, to medical expenses,” she said.
Sergeant VanBuskirk told Western Mass News, funding is crucial for K9 units to survive across Massachusetts.
“Because a lot of our programs are not funded through our towns so we rely on fundraisers, grant programs, and donations to keep our programs up and running,” she explained.
She also shared how rewarding the outcome of support was at Saturday’s event.
“To see how many people come out and support us and still support policing, and our K9s, it means a lot and its good for us to know that we have that support and our programs are going to stay running.”
Those in attendance on Saturday could also purchase Paws 4 Blue’s merchandise to show their support.
For more information on how you can support local K9 units in Massachusetts, click HERE: Paws 4 Blue K-9-We support Police K-9s in Need (paws4bluek9.com)
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