SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- You've probably seen Lobo helping police in the past year; he's been the only dog in the Santa Cruz Police K9 Unit. Now, welcome Niko. He's still in training, but will soon be out on the streets with Lobo fighting crime.
"With the two dogs we have full coverage. A lot of times we wouldn't have a dog we would need to ask an outside agency to assist us," said Sergeant Warren Barry.
However, as crucial as the dogs are to police, they come at a very steep price. The dogs costs, $6,500 to buy, $6,500 to train and $14,000 more just to maintain the two pups, each year.
"We can't do our job alone and we need help," said Sergeant Barry.
In comes Santa Cruz Veterinarian Dr. David Shuman, who's selling stuffed dogs to fund the very two real dogs.
"The dogs provide an invaluable service, they go in and do stuff that makes it a lot easier for the police officer," said Dr. Shuman.
Dr. Shuman got the idea from a non-profit in Watsonville who helps fund police dogs.
"What the fund is about is to make sure the dogs are taken care of every which way," said Dr. Shuman.
Already Dr. Shuman has sold over $2,000 worth of the stuffed animal. 100% of the proceeds are for Lobo and Niko.
"I see this as a way of supporting members of our community who in turn take care of us and provide safety and security.
The stuffed dogs can be purchased at the Westside Animal Hospital and the Santa Cruz Police Department.
