VALDOSTA – The Valdosta Police Department recently acquired three more K9’s, growing the K9 Unit to seven dogs and allowing for 24-hour coverage of a Valdosta Police K-9.

While browsing the internet, one of the K9 handlers came across the “We Ride to Provide” organization which honors K9’s who have risked their lives in the line of duty. The organization assists handlers with the purchase of safety equipment for K9’s that they may not otherwise be able to afford.

This non-profit organization takes donations for the K9 first aid kits that cost $85.00 each. The kits are strategically organized for many emergency situations and a list of the contents and their use is contained in each kit. The contents include wound wash, Toxiban (neutralizer for poisons), alcohol, peroxide, scissors, hemostats, Benadryl, thermometer, triple antibiotic ointment, eyewash, gauze, eye patches, ice pack, muzzle, vet wrap, wet wipes, and other items for K9 emergency care.

The Valdosta Police K9 Handler contacted the “We Ride to Provide” and requested to be placed on the donation list for our seven police dogs. Within hours, one anonymous individual sponsored all seven dogs. Days later, the Valdosta Police Department K9 Unit received seven K9 first aid kits which have been issued to each of the seven handlers. A tremendous amount of thought and hard work went into the planning and distribution of these kits.

“The Valdosta Police Department K9 team is extremely appreciative of the “We Ride to Provide” organization and the special donors who generously make these kits possible for agencies who will use them”, said K9 Coordinator Alan Girsch.

Release from the Valdosta Police Department