NYPD K9s have done lots of amazing things this yuletide season. The K9s have helped to collect toys and other treats to donate to military dog units sent overseas during the festive periods. The NYPD gave the announcement on their social media page.
The K9s and their handlers helped fetch the gifts as part of Operation War Dogs. The program is a donation drive conducted in partnership with Blue Lives Matter-NYC K9.
The entire operation got around 30 boxes, and each box will be shipped out to Afghanistan to the various dog units stationed there.
"Thank you for all the gifts, treats, toys, letters, and equipment. Everything will be shipped to K9 units on active duty," an NYPD spokesperson said.
Several K9s assisted in the collection process. K9 Marci, K9 Russel, K9 Timoshenko all helped with the parking to help in the collection process.
After the packing party, K9 Russel was given a colorful sweater as a reward for a job well done.
Although this is the first Operation War Dogs donation initiative undertaken by the organizations, they plan to make it a reoccurring theme.
War dogs have been very vital to the US army in their efforts to counter terrorism and threats abroad. A good example is Conan, a K9 who fought bravely against ISIS boss Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Reports show that more than 1500 military dogs were currently in the field as at the end of 2017. The NYPD's K9 is not free from danger. They are constantly in the line of battle, and at the forefront of dangerous situations. Timoshenko was injured in 2017.
There have been other incidents that have led to injury and death of K9s. Back in 2007, a German Shepherd was killed after it fell from a ceiling while looking for arms in a routine search.
