UTICA — Every dog has its day, and for Utica Police Department K9 Dak, that day is now. Dak has been gifted a new bullet and stab protective vest by the non-profit Vested Interest in K9s Inc.

The charitable donation was sponsored by the 2021 Fallen K9 Hero fundraiser, hosted by Vested Interest in K9s. The vest is embroidered with the statement, “In memory of the K9s who served and sacrificed in 2021.”

The Utica Police Department has four K9 officers, one of whom already has a protective vest, officials said. They applied for the new vest and were chosen by Vested Interest.

Since 2009, Vested Interest in K9s has provided over 4,601 vests in all 50 states, at a value of $6.9 million, officials said. The money is made possible by both private and corporate donations. The program is open to dogs in the United States that are at least 20-months-old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. 

Each vest is custom-fitted and is valued at $1,744 to $2,283. The vest weighs about four to five pounds. Each vest also comes with a 5-year warranty. 

Vested Interest in K9s accepts tax-deductible donations in any amount, while a single donation of $960 will sponsor one vest.

Anyone interested in donating or applying can visit the website: www.vik9.org