Pet store wants to supply K-9 officers with vests

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On Saturday, DeKalb County Police K-9 Officer Indi was released from the hospital after being shot in the head. Indi was assisting officers take down a suspect who shot and killed DeKalb County Officer Edgar Flores.

Indi is expected to be okay, but many police dogs aren't so fortunate. The Pawstand in Doraville is hoping to help protect dogs in the line of duty by raising money to provide bulletproof vests though selling doggy friendly "Bowser Beer."

So far, the "K-9 Pawlice Fund" has purchased two bulletproof vests for two dogs working for Doraville Police Department. They've almost raised enough money to buy a third vest for K-9 Officer Max. The vests cost more than $3,000 each, so without help, it would be hard to provide them for all K-9 officers.

Gene Callaway of the Doraville Police Department says losing Officer Flores and seeing K-9 Officer Indi get shot in the head has been tough for the department.

"We just want to show the family the respect, show them that we honor his memory and that we grieve for them," Callaway said.

RELATED: Pet store, dog beer launch fund for Doraville K-9 police officers

In moments like this, Callaway said he's reminded just how vital efforts are from the community to help officers out.

"Especially in light of what happened in the last couple of days, it just highlights how closely law enforcement works with the K-9’s and how much we rely on them," Callaway said.

"If the handler has a bulletproof vest, the dog should too, because very often the dog is the first line of defense," said The Pawstand co-owner Jennifer Andreae.

Would you like to purchase some "Bowser Beer" and help fund protection for K9 officers? Visit the K-9 Pawlice Fund here.

The Pawstand owners said they would love to start raising funds to provide vests for DeKalb County Police K-9's in the future.

RELATED: K-9 Officer Indi released from vet after shooting