I'm a recipient of a vest and also a donor of a vest as well. In lieu of table favors for my wedding, I donated a vest in honor of Sgt. Collin Rose, who was a very good friend of mine and K-9 training partner. Very smooth process and Sandy was informative every step of the way, even letting me know where my donated vest was headed. She is a wonderful woman who truly cares about the welfare of our police dogs.
There is an endless amount of gratitude towards Vested Interest in K9’s! I work with dozens of K-9 units in the Chicago area and the huge outpouring support they have been given by VIK9’s is wonderful! The general public doesn’t hear the many stories of how the vests have protected, and sometimes saved the K9’s life. Thank you, Sandy and Vested Interest in K9’s! We don’t know what we’d do without you!
I was introduced to VIK9s through a groupon many years ago. I was then asked to volunteer processing applications, which was no small task in itself. When I initially started we had donated over a Thousand Vests and only in 48 states. Now its over 4 Thousand and all states. We have given away 3 Tahoes. And now supply Narcan Kits and offer Insurance to their K9s.
During this process I got to see first hand the amazing effort and work it takes to make sure their K9s had that added protection. I always had a respect for law enforcement and their daily tasks to protect their communities. Getting to talk to the Officers just enhanced that.
I could go on but what Founder Sandy and the team does is absolutely AMAZING!! I really can't say enough about this Organization except of the greatness it does for the LEOs and their K9 partners.
I was honored to be apart of this wonderful organization. And have nothing but the up most respect.
Every donation you make goes directly to a K9s Vest. This gives them that added protection that they need when deployed into a dangerous situation. To ensure that they also return home to their Partner and families.
Continue to help.
Vest to Protect ❤❤❤
Previous Stories
I learned of Vested Interest in K9s through Facebook. It began with a Groupon fundraiser that I donated to. Then I purchased a calendar to further support this fabulous on going cause to vest our K9s. I finally had the honor of meeting Sandy Marcel with the vesting of the 8 dogs in Manchester. One from Freedom NH. What an emotional experience. To know I helped out. As time has gone on and seeing all the good this group does to help protect our 4 legged officers every day. I recently have volunteered to help out in this wonderful process and am looking forward to continuing this with many wonderful people who have the same goal!! Protecting and vesting our K9s!!
Great group. They actually care about K9s. They help you step by step with the application process. I've made friends for the rest of my life with this group.
I became a volunteer in 2018 and my coworkers and I also sponsored a vest for a K9. I have never seen such compassion from any organization as this one. I am truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful team of people helping our brave 4 legged heroes and their partners.
I can’t say enough about Vested Interest in K9’s and their mission to protect our law enforcement K9’s! I have always had an easy time sponsoring K9’s through their organization. I appreciate how they have worked to develop a vest that has great coverage for the K9, yet isn’t too restrictive to their movement.
Vested Interest is a family for me, they do a amazing job taking care of the forgotten heroes of Law Enforcement the K9. They provided my k9 partner with a Ballistic Vest almost hassle free and we’re always willing to call if you needed help. Unlike other not profits you won’t be on a three year waiting list.
I love volunteering for this organization! Seeing the dogs receive their vests in the final photo is rewarding, and every now and then I see one in my own state... can’t say enough about our mission and how great everyone is!
Like many other volunteers, I started my affiliation as a donor. I thought, “What a wonderful charity that serves law enforcement and protects their beautiful K9 partners.” However, my first attempt at donating a vest hit a glitch because of the intended recipient. This organization is 100% transparent. Their rules and regulations are strictly enforced and there are no exceptions. Because the officer was not able to initially comply with the application process, my donation became somewhat stalled. Sandy was on the phone immediately to assure me that my gift would be used as intended as soon as all the i’s were dotted and all the t’s were crossed. We had quite a few conversations about Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc., mainly how it came to be and her strictly aboveboard business model. To make a long story short, my first dog became vested and somehow in 2015 I became a volunteer. I still try to donate a vest every year to these wonderful dogs. Working directly with their handlers has proven to me time and again their love and devotion to their K9 partners. The gift of protection is made possible by Sandy and all the volunteers. It’s an admirable organization of which I’m proud to be a member. This is a picture of the dog who received my first donated vest. I inscribed it in honor of my dear mother-in-law who loved animals as much as I do. She had a framed picture of this handsome boy in her living room until the very end.
What an amazing non-profit group! I have had the pleasure of Volunteering with this organization over the past and help protect K9’s in our area. It has been an awesome adventure meeting so many teams who serve our community. Heroes they are! Keep up the great work!
As a K9 Handler for a police agency I was doing ballistic vest research for my K9 partner. I discovered Vested Interest in K9’s and spoke with them extensively about their design and development of their newest vest. It was apparent they knew K9’s and what a police K9 needed in a ballistic vest not only to protect them, but to also still have the mobility to do the job. The design of the vest is awesome and the volunteers at the organization all the way to the top are amazing! I can not thank them enough for all that they do.
Shortly after receiving my partner, K9 Fazzo, I began researching vests for him. After extensive research I came across Vested Interest in K9's. I filled out the application and within no time, I received a call from Sandy Marcal who was extremely helpful through the entire process. I had a local group that wished to sponsor the vest and the order was placed. The vest K9 Fazzo received was beyond my expectations and was custom to him. Since receiving the vest Sandy Marcal has even went out of her way to personally donate Buddy Bag medical kits to both of our office K9 Units. Sandy's passion to ensure K9's across the United States have the gift of protection is amazing! I even had the privilege to participate in Vested Interest in K9's first SUV giveaway contest, and won a brand new Chevy Tahoe for K9 Patrol!! I mean who does that?? Words alone can not express how grateful I am for Vested Interest in K9's!
Our dealings with this organization has been outstanding. We have donated as well as now a recipient of a K9 vest for K9 Quannah. Their donation process is smooth and easy. Going through the application process I see first hand that each candidate is well vetted by a professional group of hard working volunteers. That said they were extremely helpful throughout the entire process. The monies raised are used wisely so you won't have to worry where your money goes. They reached out to us during the loss of our K9 Josey and honored her with vest embroidered with her name and end of watch date. We were truly humbled by their compassion and shows the true heart that this organizations puts into K9's around the country. The vest we received for K9 Quannah was well made and sized well. He quickly adapted to it and was fully functional during training exercises. His vest also is embroidered In K9 Josey's honor. We can not say enough about the fine work this organization does to protect and honor our nations K9 Heroes.
I 1st learned of Vested Interest in K9 when I began working my patrol dog Oxx. As I trained him in different aspects of patrol, I said to myself why would I send my partner into a situation without the proper equipment. I learned about Vested Interest in K9 & found out how easy it was to apply for a vest. I applied and shortly after received word that my partner was going to receive a vest. The requirements to complete the contract were simple. Sandy Marcal was a pleasure to work with. This non profit's goal is to equip every law enforcement K9 across the United States with the protective gear they have earned. I will be forever grateful for Vested Interest in K9's. Believe me you cannot / will not go wrong with this organization. Beware of copy cat organizations out there. Your partner deserves the best there is and the best is Vested Interest in K9's.
Previous Stories
As a handler, I couldn't imagine sending my partner into a lethal situation without the same protection afforded to me. Vested Interest in K9's has now afforded my partner a bullet proof vest to protect him against harm. With today's economy, most departments could not afford to provide this type of protection to their 4 legged crime fighters. Through nationwide fund raising events , Vested Interest in K9's has outfitted numerous K9's nationwide making your 4 legged crime fighters more effective. Vested Interest in K9's is not just an organization, they are family...
Keith Sanders
Montrose Colorado
I have see firsthand the benefits of Vested Interest in K9s Inc. Several vests have been distributed by them to protect working police dogs in my community. I came to volunteer for the organization by contributing photography for their calendar fundraiser and have met the K-9 handlers and the dogs that wear protective vests donated through this organization. Vested Interest in K9s Inc. also assisted in a fundraiser to provide medical kits for dogs that already had vests. They are working tirelessly to protect the dogs, and it is clear from my interactions with the staff that they are dedicated dog lovers who really want to help.
I just learned about this organization last year. I had no idea that police dogs don't automatically get protective gear like human officers! There are many organizations that SAY they donate vests to K9s but all I see on their website is asks for donations. I don't see any PROOF that they are donating anything. If you look at Vested Interest in K9s website and social media, you will see almost every day a news story about another K9 getting a vest or other protective gear, a fully outfitted SUV for the K9 unit or healthcare coverage from this organization - FOR FREE. THEY DO WHAT THEY SAY THEY WILL DO. They protect dogs of law enforcement in so many ways. I highly recommend donating to this organization.
They have donated more than 3000 vests to working K9s throughout the United States at absolutely NO COST to the department or handler. Vested Interest vested the entire OKC K9 unit after the tragic murder of K9 Kye. People are unaware of some of tge tremendous bureaucratic problems and obstacles encountered when trying To vest these K9s, but there are tremendous hurdles. I know first hand that a delay always. has to do with this issue and when all that matters is that the K9s life is protected the public may never know. This charity is directly responsible for the survival of K9 Gabo after being shot. His vest saved his life. They have also donated first aid kits and a fully equipped Tahoe. They save lives and you can too, by donating to save K9 heroes.
I became a volunteer in Feb 2018. This is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc. and Sandy do so much for law enforcement all over this country. We also decided as a group at work to sponsor a vest last year, and will make this our yearly Holiday charity.
Our experience with vested interest in K9s has been pitiful.
We had a local K9 killed in action via gunfire. All my wife and I wanted was to donate a protective vest in memory of that particular canine. We wrote a check, made an embroidery request, and figured it would get done. It should have been simple.
For unknown reasons, this org has not fulfilled our request. Multiple attempts to contact them lead to nowhere. It is a different volunteer who calls or emails back every time. They do not staff a phone.
Our check for $950 cleared the bank long ago. We received an email thanking us for a donation made by some veterinarian hospital we never heard of. I wrote back asking for a correct receipt and to know what department received our donation.
To date - that has not happened.
Looks to me like they accepted our money and used it in some other way.. “shameful” would be a generous description of them.
Tom and Gayle Flynn, Walled Lake, MI
info 01/28/2019
We thank Mr. & Mrs. Flynn for their sponsorship of a K9 vest. Our nonprofit has donated 3,200 K9 ballistic vests,800 K9 Narcan Kits,$50,000 in K9 medical insurance,$14,000 in first aid kits & 1 Chevy Tahoe oufitted for a K9.This work is accomplished with 1 full time & 2 part-time employees & 85 volunteers nationwide.They work on agency outreach,application admin. for all programs,donor & sponsor relations,managing the fulfillment of vests & other program-related products/services. The sponsor form filled out by Tom was not complete & could not be processed.Our team wanted to ensure Tom’s wishes were carried out & went over & above to assist via multiple phone calls,emails & a mailed letter with instructions. Vests are custom made & take approx. 8 wks. for delivery post order placement. On 12/31/18 the vest was earmarked for K9 Xyrem of Belmont Cty. Sheriff’s Ofc,OH & announcement publicly posted by the dept. We are saddened by this review & invite the Flynn’s to call us to discuss.
This organization is phenomenal. Sandy Marcal (Founder) is amazing. She makes donating to this cause both emotional and inspiring. The dogs this organization protects are truly vital to our officers and the communities they protect. The sponsor form is easy to complete and you are able to choose the department you want the funds to be directed to. Additionally they will embroider a sentiment of your choice allowing you to dedicate the vest to a loved one etc. We simply can not say enough about the awesome Facebook page....Vested Interest in K9's you are amazing... Keep up the good work....
Review from Guidestar
I first became aware of Vested Interest in K9s in 2013 via a face book feed. Typically you like a page and move on, but then I started reading the stories of these K9s and how important they are not only to the officers that handle them but to the communities they serve. After reading a few posts I found myself doing the following 2 things…
1) Smiling at how awesome these four legged officers are and how happy they are to do what they do.
2) Infuriated that these K9s are not afforded the same benefit of protection as any human officer.
My initial reaction was- this need’s to change and I need to do something. I became aware of what we ask these dogs to do after my own professional involvement with the Federal Bomb Squad and numerous police agencies. I also knew the expense involved in purchasing and maintaining these K9’s.
This led me to visit the website and submit my volunteer paperwork. During this same week I happened to be watching ABC world news when suddenly appears Diane Sawyer talking about one woman in MA that was making it her mission to provide ballistic vest’s to K9 units across the county. What I saw while watching this episode was a special person that has a passion for these K9's and the Police Departments, that is so contagious it implores you to take action. I was genuinely inspired, excited, and motivated to help in any way I could.
Within several days the call came that said welcome aboard & fasten your seat belt you are in for wild ride. Just when I thought I couldn’t be more inspired- I was wrong. Working with this phenomenal group of people has changed my life in ways that no amount of words can ever describe. There is no organization like it anywhere. You will not find a more dedicated group of people that are filled with compassion like the members of this organization.
As with many others, my first exposure to Vested Interest was through Facebook. I was shocked to learn that protective vests weren't standard issue for K9s in law enforcement. As I followed VIK9s, I became more interested in volunteering! I contacted Sandy and I was hooked! Her enthusiasm is contagious! I initially helped to promote a Groupon fundraiser which was fabulously successful and when Sandy invited me to a vesting ceremony where 8 dogs were 'vested', I had already decided to vest a dog myself..... I now feel a personal connection to "my" K9 and his Handler! I have since moved to a new state and am excited to help recruit new K9s to be vested! Sandy Marcal and Vested Interest are true heroes in my book!
As a K9 Handler I couldn’t imagine sending my partner in a dangerous situation without the same protection afforded to me. Now going on four years we worked without one and there have been many close calls and I’m thankful we made it out okay. Diego is not only my partner he is my best friend and I could not have asked for a better partner than him. So I made a promise to find a vest for Diego. When I found Vested Interest In K9s Inc on Facebook I immediately contacted the President Sandy Marcal about getting a vest for my partner. She was great and very helpful from the very beginning. Her dedication for law enforcement teams is never ending. Thank you Vested Interest In K9s for your dedication and outfitting numerous K9’s nationwide.
I first learned of Vested Interest in K9s by seeing a post on Facebook. What a wonderful thing to raise funds for! K9 Ape was shot and killed by a mass murderer not too far from our home. The K9s that protect our own communities are often not protected from criminals because the vests are so expensive and many departments just can't afford them without donations. As a small private breeder of the leading working dog breed, German Shepherds, we understand the importance of raising awareness of this need and totally support it. We are currently doing our own fundraiser with profits going to this organization. That's how much it means to us!
When I think of all the amazing people involved in non-profits Sandy of vested interest stands alone. I’ve never met a more dedicated, selfless person. Her passion and conviction are beyond commendable and also infectious. Not long after meeting her she had be involved in her admirable cause. I wish I had her energy -Ken Cunningham
My name is Lorna Cooper and I learned about VIK9's through GROUPON. Once I found out exactly what they were about I made a phone call to Sandy Marcal and knew after our hour and a half conversation this was going to be a great thing to be involved in! What a positive experience it has been and what a blast I had when I held an event for a local K9 in Modesto, California. Such a positive thing to be apart of and all the people involved are wonderful! I'm surely going to be a VIK9's volunteer for a lifetime.
I have been a volunteer for Vested Interest in K9s Inc. from the beginning. I love working with so many caring people. We all have the same vision.Sandy Marcal knows how to get things done. With her guidance so many k-9s have been vested and kept safe. I plan to stay for good.
My name is Teri Rogo and I am a volunteer with Vested Interest in K9's. I sent Sandy Marcal an email that I was interested in helping support her vision in getting bullet and stab vests for Police K9's. I was so impressed with the organization. I was able to help law enforcements officers obtain "no cost" vests for there K9 partners. Sandy Marcal is extremely passionate about getting every K9 officer a vest. I am very pleased to be part of this organization and helping K9 Officers and Handlers in giving them the tools they need to stay safe from the bad guy.
My name is Beth Frank, I'm the owner of Alaska K9 Center .I first talked to Sandy Marcal about a year ago. She called asking if I would be interested in helping by being the "Alaska" go to person for Vested Interest in k9's . having been involved with another local group years ago I was reluctant. My experience with the other group was not a good one. After checking them out , I jumped in. I consider Sandy a friend and very gald I joined this hard working dedicated group. I have worked on nationwide Groupon Campains in which we Vested some of Alaska State Troopers new K9 units. We have also done our own fund raisers. We will continue to work with this fine group of people. I have recomanded a friend to this group and happy to report she has loved working with them as much as I have. We are planning a trip back East to meet Sandy sometime in the very near future, i want to hug the woman behind this wonderful organization. ~ Beth
As a K9 Handler there is nothing more important to me than getting home with me and my partner together without any issues. I can not even think of sending him on an apprehension without the vest that Vested Interest was able to provide for him. For two years we worked without one and there were a couple of close calls and I was always thankful that he made it out ok. Chico is not only my partner he is my best friend and I could not have asked for a better partner than him. When I found Vested Interest In K9s Inc on Facebook it was like an answer to a prayer. Thanks for all that you do and please know that Chico and I thank you very much.
Became involved with VIK9s after I found their Facebook page and saw all the great things they are doing! I knew that we wanted to help so we became volunteers and are planning to have a fundraiser for a local K9 in our area. Lots of people don't realize that the vests aren't mandatory and most dogs are out there unprotected. VIK9s is doing a HUGE service to keeping them safer while they're on duty!
I became involved with Vest Interest in K9s, after following their progress with different K9s they had vested. I sent an email asking about how I would go about purchasing a vest for a K9 with the local police department in my area (CA), who had recently been shot in the line of duty. Within about 30 minutes of sending my email, I received a reply from Sandy the founder of the company. She was extremely helpful, and told me everything I needed to know. After talking with Sandy I decided that Vested Interest in K9s was something I really wanted to be involved in. Sandy shares the same love and respect for K9s as I do, and I find her passion to help others to be really amazing. Sandy started this organization because she truly loves the K9 officers. I am very happy to be part of such a great organization that is all about helping the K9s who help keep our communities safe! Sandy and all the volunteers take extreme pride in what they do. You really will not find an organization filled with as much pride, and compassion as the group of people involved with Vested Interest in K9s.
A few years ago I received a Groupon email and the picture of the German Shepherd caught my eye because I am a huge animal lover. I started reading about Vested Interest and was impressed with what they were doing to provide vests to K9's in our police departments. I decided that day that this charity was going to the top of my list for my annual donations. I made a donation that day and kept making donations for the next two years. I also went to their website and signed up for emails so I could follow their progress. This year the Erlanger Police Department, Erlanger, KY sponsored an event at a local park. My husband, Wayne and I attended the event to meet our police officers, SWAT and CSI teams. We started a conversation with Officer Ed Bailey about Erlanger's new police K9, Asco, and I asked him if he had ever heard about Vested Interest. He had not, so I told him I would send him the information so he could check it out. A few weeks after our discussion we had our annual neighborhood block party. We always have a "Split-the-Pot" at the block party, so this year I asked if our HOA would donate the proceeds to Vested Interest. We raised $125.00 and I walked around and told everyone about Vested Interest. After that weekend, I contacted Sandy Marcal to ask about the proper protocol to follow in order to get a vest for Asco. She was amazing and I fell in love with her and her passion for what she was doing. We formed an instant bond and after talking with her, I decided that I could raise the funds myself. Within days I had raised the entire amount for a vest and never had to leave my subdivision. My neighbors opened their hearts and their wallets and made this happen. Asco was the very first canine to receive a vest in the State of Kentucky and not only did Sandy allow me to be the primary contact for the entire State, she asked me to join Vested Interest as an active volunteer. She is amazing and works 24/7 for this great cause. Her enthusiasm is contagious and I am very blessed to be a part of this great organization. We have a lot of work to do in the State of Kentucky and there is no doubt in my mind that we will reach our goal. With Sandy behind the wheel of Vested Interest, I know that eventually every K9 officer in the country will have a vest and that is what this is all about. Vested Interest is the perfect cause for anyone that loves animals and it is a great way to show our respect and honor our police officers and first responders. I will forever sing the praises of Vested Interest and will work hard to help them in any way I can.
Vested Interest in K9 has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars this year and placed protective vests on K9 dogs who's loving handlers are forever grateful.
Tim_38's negative review is shameful and undeserving of this 501C organization and the cast of volunteers that work so hard to provide for K9 dogs. Tim_38 is also a proven fake.
I learned of Vested Interest in K9s when my husband became a K9 handler and I was searching out a vest for his dog. I had sent an e mail inquiring about how to go about getting a vest and within hours I received a call from Sandy. I started to volunteer during our first Groupon Campaign in 2012. Because I helped with that campaign, my husbands dog was awarded a vest from the money raised.
I loved the organization so much that I continued on as a volunteer. I helped with the next 2 Groupon campaigns which helped me raise money to secure vests for 20 other dogs in the state I live ( VT ). I have also helped with a few past and will be helping with a few future events in Ma. I plan on continuing my volunteering with Vested Interest in K9s. It has become a big part of my life and it feels like an extended family to me.
We learned of Vested Interest through Kathy Brown with K-9 Specialty Services of North AL and Chief Jason Hepler from Hollywood PD, another recipient of this great program. Sandy was great, walked me thru the application process, and our agency received 5 vests for our Narcotics and Search & Rescue K-9's. These vests are a very valuable asset to our K-9 program, and very much appreciated. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to keeping our K-9's safe.
Let me say that Sandy Marcal and her Staff have to be some of the BEST people on the planet. They work very hard to rasie funds so that K9 can have the proper protection that many municipalities do not think are needed because it is just a dog. Ask a Handler!!! The K9 is an Officer, who is highly trained to assist other officers and the public when ever called upon!!! It just so happens that this Officer has 4 legs a loud bark and a hard bite!!!
I encourage everyone to help support Sandy and Vested Intrest K9 in their continued efforts to raise funds for this cause. I have, and I will gladly help support them in the future as well!!!!
I believe in Vested Interest K9, my Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club rode over 250+ miles to attend their Hog WIld event for K9. Best Organized Motorcycle we have ever been a part of!!!!
I contacted Vested Interest in K9s and Requested applications for 6 Law enforcement K9s that my Nonprofit, K9 Specialty Services of Alabama , had donated to several small Law Enforcements Agencies in Alabama. MrsSandy Marcal and her staff were very helpful and went out of their way to walk me through the application process. All of the 6 dogs were vested through the donations received by VIK9s National Groupon Campaign that was held in March of this year. We have recently made several more K9 donations and will be contacting Vested interest in K9s to make applications for vests as soon as the dogs are certified. This is a outstanding organization that is providing a life saving piece of equipment that would otherwise be unattainable by these small Law Enforcement Departments.
I am a K9 handler for the Wauseon Police Department in Wauseon, Oh. I found Vested Interest to be very helpful in supplying my K9 partner with a vest. The application process was extremely easy and the president Sandy Marcal was great. Her dedication for law enforcement teams is never ending. I share the donated vest quite often publicly and at demos for local schools. This group is doing a great thing for police departments nationwide, they deserve all the notice they can get!! Thank you Vested Interest in K9's.
Dawn and K9 Pharaoh
I am the K9 supervisor for a PD in Laurel MD, and our entire unit (5 teams) have been vested by Vested Interest. It's an awesome non profit. We first applied during a large Groupon event earlier this year and have been very happy to continue a great relationship since. I am so impressed by the selfless work VIK9s does each and every day for working dogs all over the country. Sandy and her team are very helpful, and provide top of the line bullet and stab resistant vests to certified working dogs who are unprotected ! They also do a nice profile, with pictures of each team vested, letting people get to know the K9 teams people are helping! If you are looking to donate or looking to apply for a vest for a K9, please look to VIK9s!