Lakeport >> A luncheon to help raise funds for the medical care of retired Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) canines takes place Tuesday.
Since 1995, the LCSO has purchased 12 service dogs to help detect and fight crime. Three of these dogs are still in service and working on the street side by side with their handlers.
All service dogs were trained in either handler protection, narcotics detection or both, and all are accustomed to working in excess of 40 hours per week and nearly 200 hours every month.
Once the canine retires from service due to age or medical reasons, it is sold to the handler who has worked with and cared for it over the years they were partnered together. The responsibility of caring for it once it is retired solely falls on the handler; this includes food and all medical/veterinarian visits.
Tuesday’s lunch will be served from noon to 3 p.m. in front of the sheriff’s office, located at 1220 Martin St. in Lakeport. Lunch will include a hot dog, chips and a drink for $5.
To make a donation to the Retired Medical Canine Fund, send it to P.O. Box 489, Lakeport, CA 95453 or deliver it at the sheriff’s office.
