The Sacramento Sheriff’s K9 Association held a fundraiser and demonstration Sunday at Pet Food Express on Fair Oaks Blvd.
Along with meeting the K9’s, getting to rub a K9 belly and meet their handlers, goers had the opportunity to purchase the new 2012 SSDK9 calendar loaded with dynamic images of the dogs and their handlers by XSiGHT Photography and Video.
Ike, one of twelve active K9’s in the unit, has seen his fair share of rough and tumble, part of the job as a K9. Deputy Pomerson, Ike’s partner and handler, related how Ike went over a fence after a bad guy and punctured a lung. With the punctured lung, Ike still latched on to the bad guy until deputies apprehended the perp. Ike’s chest swelled to almost twice his normal size and he was rushed to medical care and saved. After a two week recovery, Pomerson related, Ike eagerly went back to work.
Pomerson shared tales of his partner, such as how he slides back and forth in the back seat responding to calls.
“It seems the more he (Ike) is tossed around in the back, [the] more he’s excited and ready to get the bad guy when we arrive at the scene.”
Pomerson also explained the toll the tossing around takes on the K9’s, giving them an average of five to seven workable years. When the K9’s retire, “they get to de-stress and just enjoy the rest of their life as a pet and adapt well,” stated Pomerson.
We got to tag along while Pomerson gave Ike a bath at the pet store. Even though the water was nice and warm, Pomerson agreed Ike would much rather be getting wet in the river.
When Ike retires, Pomerson will purchase him from the county for one dollar plus tax, and Ike will enjoy his retirement as the family pet. With Ike’s retirement, Pomerson will get a new K9 partner. At that time, Pomerson explained, the hardest part for Ike will be not going to work.
On their off days they do absolutely no work related things at all, and when it’s time to go back to work and Pomerson dons his uniform, Ike gets all excited.
“Even when I chirp the alarm on the car or move the car around, Ike gets all excited thinking it’s time to got to work,” said Pomerson.
A large portion of the fundraising proceeds are dedicated to the retirement needs of the K9’s who served their community. The fundraising calendar is a wonderful way to get to know the beautiful and talented animals that protect and serve our community.
If you are interested in donating and being involved with the SSDK9 association, their site has all the information and details you need to get engaged. Be sure to check out SSDK9 Association fundraising golf tournaments and marathons as well.
SSDK9 Demo/Fundraiser from SacMav Rapid Media on Vimeo.
Deputy Amos talks about the K9’s>>
