MISSION: To provide bullet and stab-proof vests for police dogs in Maine
FOUNDER: Kelly Davis of West Bath who is currently age 20 and a student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor
Maine Vest-a-Dog was founded on November 1, 2000, based on the success of Vest-a-Dog programs in California and Massachusetts.
The goal of Maine Vest-a-Dog is to provide protective vests for all Maine K-9s, while increasing public awareness about the dangerous work that police dogs perform everyday.
The light-weight $850 vests are made of the same materials as human officer vests, and not only protect against knives or bullets, but also the more common K-9 injury, 'blunt trauma' - from a kick, a punch, or being hit with an object. The padding provided by the vest can help make the difference between a bad bruise and a potential broken rib or punctured lung.
Kelly and her Maine Vest-a-Dog program has
attracted attention across the country!
AWARDS
*Presidential Volunteer Service Award
* WCSH 6 Teens Who Care Award
* Prudential Spirit of Community Award - 2007 State and National Honoree
* Inaugural Inductee into The Kids Hall of Fame - www.thekidshalloffame.com
* Margaret Chase Smith Library - Community Service recognition
* New Hampshire Working Dog Foundation recognition
* Volvo for Life Awards Inaugural Hero - www.volvoforlifeawards.com
* Secretary of State - Community Service Award
* Kohl's Kids Who Care - regional award winner
* Sagadahoc County - Proclamation of Public Service
PUBLICATIONS
* EXPLORE! Magazine by National Geographic - October 2001
* Boston Sunday Globe feature article - February 10, 2002
* Associated Press article - February 11, 2002
* Paul Harvey News - February, 2002
* Weekly Reader - April 26, 2002
* Animal Watch Magazine by the ASPCA - Fall 2002
* Yankee Magazine - November 2003
* Woman's World Magazine - January 13, 2004
* Dogs For Kids Magazine - January/February 2005
* Chicken Soup for the Soul Magazine - February 2006
* Listen Magazine - coming soon!
