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Rex and Zeke Get Vested

Bellevue’s K9s Zeke and Rex will soon get protective vests in a ceremony at Petland in Omaha. Bellevue’s third K9 Spike was vested earlier this year. All three dogs benefited from fundraisers at Petland specifically intended to furnish them with bullet and stab resistant vests.

Petland’s Community Relations Manager Kristin Ewing said "This is an incredible feeling to have provided vests for two entire departments within just a few months. The support of the community for this project has been overwhelming". K9 handler Officer Bartley added, "Bellevue’s K9 Unit greatly appreciates Kristin and Petland’s hard work and dedication. They have gone above and beyond and we can’t thank them enough."

Rex’s handler is Officer Bartley and Zeke’s handler is Officer Heller. Both officers will be on hand with their dogs at the vesting ceremony. The ceremony is on Tuesday, August 28th at 1 p.m. at Petland at the corner of 120th and West Center Road in the Westwood Plaza shopping center. The public is welcome to attend. Petland hopes to also raise the nearly $1500 per vest for each of six K9s in the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department next.

Photo: Officer Bartley and Rex