Eight K-9's at the Collier County Sheriff's Office were given custom made ballistic vests to protect the dogs in the line of duty on Friday.
“We help with the financial gaps agencies face because we believe these dogs deserve the same protection as the handler,” said Kathe Holmes, who founded Protect the Paws.
Each vest costs more than $700.
“They’re usually good for about five years and then we replace them,” said Lt. John Poling of the CCSO K-9 Unit. “Same as the vests we wear.”
“We’re in awe of them,” Holmes said. “All K-9s. They’re amazing.”
