A stalwart among Manchester's Furry Finest gets a new layer of protection for taking on the tough assignments.

Pardners: Manchester PD Officer Steven Wendruff and K9 Lynk (Manchester PD)
Pardners: Manchester PD Officer Steven Wendruff and K9 Lynk (Manchester PD)
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K-9 Lynk's bullet- and blade-deterrent vests arrived April 15, sponsored by Manchester resident Joanne Wright and donated by Massachusetts-based Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.

The inscription on the vest reads, "In loving memory of Wayne T. Wright - Be Safe." Mrs. Wright also contributed financially to the K-9 unit.

(L-R) Mancester PD Lt. Vincent Manco, Ptl. Steven Wendruff, Joanne Wright, Chief Lisa Parker (Manchester PD)
(L-R) Mancester PD Lt. Vincent Manco, Ptl. Steven Wendruff, Joanne Wright, Chief Lisa Parker (Manchester PD)
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Vested Interest in K9s is a registered nonprofit charity, founded in 2009, which has so far provided more than 1,800 protective vests for dogs in police service in 29 states. Private and corporate donations have amounted to more than $1,600,000 in its seven years. The vests are produced by Armor Express, Central Lake, Michigan.

Dogs actively employed in U.S. law enforcement and related agencies, at least 20 months of age, are eligible, including new K-9 graduates and those with vests that have outlived their usefulness.

Manchester K9 Lynk's protective vest (Manchester PD)
Manchester K9 Lynk's protective vest (Manchester PD)
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Each protective vest requires donations amounting to $1,050, and each is valued between $1,795 and $2,234. They weigh four to five pounds and are warranteed for five years.

To learn about volunteer opportunities, events, and procedures for tax-deductible donations, visit the Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. site or call 508-824-6978.

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