Current Needs: K-9 Retirement Fund
SALEM POLICE FOUNDATION RAISING FUNDS FOR RETIRED K-9 MEDICAL EXPENSES
#GivingTuesdayNow May 5
(Salem, OR) – May 3, 2020: The Salem Police Foundation, a nonprofit that benefits the Salem Police Department, is working to support a different kind of officer, police K-9s One K-9, Max, a retired police service dog, recently underwent life-saving surgery to remove a blockage in his stomach. The surgery was successful but came with a large medical bill, just over $4,000.
The Salem Police Foundation is stepping in to help Max and other retired K-9 officers. Their K-9 Retirement Fund is the focus of their May 5 #GivingTuesdayNow campaign. #GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving May 5, 2020 –The day is designed to drive support for communities and nonprofits around the world.
“When K-9 officers are working, their healthcare needs are met by the department. When they retire, there isn’t any further support. That is why the Salem Police Foundation set up the K-9 Retirement Fund. This fund is a way to thank and care for K-9 officers that have served our community during their careers.” said Foundation President Cyndi Leinassar.
K-9 Max worked on patrol with his handler, Officer Jay Pinkerton from 2013 to 2014. Unfortunately, Max developed an injury related to pinched nerves in his hip and he was unable to continue working as a patrol canine. The Pinkerton family adopted Max in retirement and have cared for him since.
In early April 2020, Max began having health issues. The veterinarian conducted an endoscopy and found the dog had an abdominal blockage. Attempts at removing the obstruction were unsuccessful, so the doctor performed immediate surgery to save Max’s life. Max has now fully healed and is doing well at home with the Pinkerton family.
Lieutenant Brandon Ditto, who oversees the Salem Police K-9 program said, “Max is just one of several Salem Police K-9s in retirement who have served the Salem community well, That includes Baco, who took a bullet during the 2015 Walmart standoff, and Jake and Enzo who captured hundreds of criminals as well as hearts of many more community members.”
You can donate online here.
About the Salem Police Foundation: The Salem Police Foundation raises funds to support the Salem Police Department and has provided support for its K-9 program, training equipment, a state-of-the-art fingerprint fuming chamber, trauma kits, domestic violence cameras, crime scene body shield and most recently contributed to the purchase of a Mobile Command Center. www.SalemPoliceFoundation.org.
About GivingTuesday: GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good.
