In June 2021, K-9 Kitt, a 12-year veteran police dog with the Braintree Police Department in Massachusetts, was shot and killed in the line of duty.  In response, the South Shore Kennel Club (SSKC), an AKC-member club, raised funds from club and community members to help the Braintree PD get a new K-9. Their fundraising also resulted in a $7,500 donation by AKC Reunite’ s Adopt a K-9 Cop matching grant program. 

“As dog owners, breeders, trainers, and handlers ourselves,” Stacey Ober, AKC Government Relations Legislative Analyst in New England noted, “we understand this loss better than most”.  While presenting a check to the Braintree Police Department on September 1, Linda Flynn, AKC Delegate for South Shore KC, stated, “K-9 police dogs help keep our community safe.  We are thrilled to help the Braintree Police Department make their goal of acquiring a new K-9 police dog a reality.”  

There are nearly 5000 AKC-affiliated dog clubs in the United States that hold sanctioned events for AKC registered dogs.  Clubs, such as SSKC, not only further the sport of purebred dogs, but also strive to promote and protect dogs in their communities, share in educational programs, and sponsor training classes and health clinics. The Adopt a K-9 Cop program allows AKC Reunite to match funds from AKC Clubs and the public, three-to-one, up to $7,500 per grant through the Canine Support and Relief fund.  To learn more about the program, click here.