by Tim Hennagir
Life Editor
When the Blaine Public Safety Association (BPSA) conducts its first-ever pet walk next Saturday (April 30), two special law enforcement canines will be in attendance.
Gunner has been certified by the U.S. Police Canine Association as a police and narcotics detection dog. The K-9 lives with Officer Greg Rowe and his family in Blaine. File photo by Tim Hennagir
K-9 Gunner from the Blaine Police Department will participate in the event, along with Major, a Roseville police K-9 who was stabbed four times while on duty.
A November 2010 burglary attempt at a Maplewood business left Major partially paralyzed. The K-9 gets around with two wheels supporting his hind quarters.
BPSA president Kathy Weinbeck said this week the non-profit organization anticipates about 200 participants will attend the Lakeside Commons Park event.
“Attendance will depend on the weather,” she said. “We are looking to raise about $25,000 to cover the start-up cost for a second K-9 for the Blaine police.”
Participants are encouraged to advance register online at www.BlainePSA.org for the event, which is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Registration is $25 for the first pet and $15 for the second pet.
When visiting the website, first register as a walker, then download the pet registration form. Participants should complete the form, start fund-raising and bring all forms to Lakeside Commons Park April 30.
Participants should also check-in at the pet registration booth to get a registration bag filled with goodies.
BPSA Secretary Kari Ross said that participants should come at 9:30 a.m. if they have not registered prior to the event.
“If people don’t have a pet they can still come and walk and either donate the $25 to get the goody bag and support the Blaine K-9 or just walk for the fun of it,” Ross said.
The goody bag contains a T-shirt, a bandana for pet, a coupon booklet with valuable ads and coupons from area businesses and some water.
“The cost for a K-9 is about $65,000. Our goal is to keep fund-raising until we can reach that amount,” Ross said. “We only have a few online registrations.”
All animals participating in the BPSA pet walk on Saturday, April 30, must be on leashes or in a pet stroller at all times and up to date on all vaccinations.
The BPSA offers monetary and other support to Blaine’s fire, police and safety services. The organization funds safety programs and equipment purchases.
To find out more about the non-profit corporation, write to Blaine Public Safety Association, P.O. Box 49184 Blaine, MN 55449, or e-mail info@blainepsa.org.
Tim Hennagir is at tim.hennagir@ecm-inc.com
What a wonderful idea City of Blaine has come up with. For years
I have made the “walk” in Golden Valley and now I am able to contribute in my own city. I am very excited about this new event.