We were contacted by Lesley McKillop who is a teacher at Prairie Elementary School in Sacramento and part of the Elk Grove School District. Mrs. McKillop explained that the students in her fourth grade class had sold flower pens all year long and they wanted to make a donation towards our retired K9 partners. She explained that the students had already checked out the website inside and out and really enjoyed it.

Deputy Joel Baugh with his partner K9 Renzo and I, along with my partner Jesse, arranged to meet the class on Wednesday June 17th at the school. The class filed out onto the soccer field and we retrieved our K9 partners. The class explained to us how they had raised the money and wanted to donate it. We were flattered and honored they would choose us. Deputy Baugh and I explained what our K9 association is about and how the money will help take care of our retired K9 partners. We talked about the dogs and how they are trained, housed at home, and how they help us as deputies. Several members of the class asked excellent questions such as how the dogs are chosen and how they interact with our families.

We explained how the dogs catch bad guys and about the protective equipment such as the bite sleeve and bite suit. We asked the class if they wanted to see one of the dogs bite the sleeve and you can can tell by the enthusiasm they have been waiting anxiously for that part of the demonstration. Deputy Baugh put on the sleeve and I sent Jesse to apprehend him. The next scenario we simulated a handler protection situation and showed the class how Jesse will come to my aid if I was attacked.

We had a great time meeting the kids and we are very thankful for their hard work and support.