Sacramento Police Canine Association covers cost of care for retired police dogs
By Lee Anne Denyer
Click here for updates on this story
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KCRA) — From sweeping for explosives to apprehending a wanted subject, the Sacramento Police Department’s Canine Unit serves a critical need for the department.
“The dogs are willing to sacrifice themselves for not only us as officers, but for the community at the drop of a hat,” said K-9 Officer Zachary Yasonia, president of the Sacramento Police Canine Association. “The dogs have an overwhelming drive and desire to be at work. I mean, their happy place is being in the back of a police car.”
When police dogs age out of the unit or become medically unable to continue in their job due to illness or injury, they retire. It’s then that the Sacramento Police Canine Association steps in to cover the cost of their care.
“We need to respect the dogs and look out for the dogs in retirement and provide them the best retirement we can,” Yasonia said.
At 10 years old, Czech Shepherd Jax still enjoys driving around in the back of a police cruiser, chasing his ball and spending time with Yasonia, his handler. Jax actively served with him on the K-9 unit for six years.
“I’ve trusted my life with him and he’s trusted his life with me,” he said. “We truly have a special bond.”
Yasonia, however, has been a Sacramento Police K-9 Officer for more than a decade, working with three dogs during his tenure with the department.
“He’s my second dog that I’ve had retired, so I truly am thankful and grateful for the association,” he said. “It wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the support that we have in the community.”
The association is a nonprofit organization separate from the police department, relying on fundraising efforts and private donations for its budget. The association pays for food, medical expenses, and — in time– burial expenses as the retired dogs live out their years.
The organization is currently financially supporting nine retired police dogs.
The Sacramento Police Department currently has eight active handler/dog teams. Sgt. Darby Lannom oversees the unit.
“I’ve really seen the joy that the dogs bring, not only to the community but the handlers,” said Lannom. “To extend that through retirement years is great — and that wouldn’t be possible without the Canine Association.”
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.