Bulletproof!

Like most children, Stacey loves her own dogs very much. She romps in the yard and plays ball with Saber, a male German Shepherd, and Rainbow, a female German Shepherd sleeps on her bed with her. Three years ago, Stacey, read an article about a police dog, much like her own pets, killed in the line of duty and was so moved that she simply had to do something to help. That was the beginning of Pennies to Protect Police Dogs.

As president of her charity, Stacey aspires to provide all police dogs with bulletproof, stab resistant vests. In three short years, this dedicated young lady has collected community money and organized regional fundraisers to bring in $200,000 and provide 239 Point Blank level 11A bulletproof and stab resistant K-9 vests for 84 law enforcement agencies in 15 states.

She has attended three memorials for fallen police dogs and seen firsthand the grief that officers feel in losing a partner. She describes these services as "devastating".

Stacey knew, personally, a K-9 named Mark, who was killed in the line of duty. Of Mark, she says, "He was the most loving, playful dog. Just thinking about K-9 Mark makes me cry. I always played with him and just like that, it all ended. He died doing the thing he loved the most, working. I will never forget him."

Stacey wants people to realize that police dogs are not tools, but police officers and valuable members of society who put their lives on the line to protect their communities. With a dedication that would put many adults to shame, she has spent much of her summer traveling to South Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York raising money and delivering vests.

For K-9 Aron and K-9 Mark, it's too late, but K-9 Ali, pictured here with Stacey, will go on duty protected by his Pennies to Protect Police Dogs vest. These dogs work hard at a dangerous job, saving lives in the communities. As Stacey puts it, "The least we can do is protect them."

Please take a moment to pay tribute to these fallen heroes.

Donations to Pennies to Protect Police Dogs may be made here.

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