Danvers K9 Officer Models for 2017 Calendar

DANVERS, MA – A familiar furry face is featured in this 2017 calendar.

Danvers K9 officer Stryka is the November feature in the annual Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog Calendar. Sales from the calendar, which features area K9s, helps buy equipment for the furry officers.

The calendars are sold online and at select businesses for $10. They help buy ballistic vests, equipment, and funding for the training and purchase of dogs for K9 work. Photographer David Shilale took photos of working K9s– and one future K9 officer – for the calendar.

Vest-a-Dog has donated a first aid kid, two basic patrol K9 vests, and outdoor kennel, and a SWAT K9 vest to the Danvers Police Department. Stryka is a Beligian Malinois certified in patrol duty and narcotics detection. Recently, he helped Peabody Police locate a secret compartment of drugs in a stopped car.

Officer Justin Ellenton – Stryka's partner – is also featured in the calendar.

"Your donation of $10 for a calendar truly helps make a difference to help keep our K9s safe, who provide tremendously valuable services to keep our communities safe," said Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog President Kathy Hinds. "Donations of any amount, as well as volunteer assistance, is welcome."

Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog has provided more than 485 ballistic K9 vets, including 65 SWAT K9 vests; more than 290 first aid kits; and over $369,000 in grants and community fundraising for equipment. They have helped purchase 10 dogs for K9 work. SWAT K9 vests are $2,400 each, and first aid kids are $200 each.

K9 teams from Danvers Police Department, MBTA Transit Police, Mendon Police Department, Massachusetts Environmental Police, Massachusetts State Police, Manchester-By-The-Sea Police Department, Southbridge Police Department, Westford Police Department and even a puppy-in-training are featured in the 2017 calendars. Other merchandise is also available on the website: T shirts, bandanas, winter hats, holiday ornaments, and window decals.

The calendars are available at Pet Life, 301 Newbury St./Route 1 North in Danvers, Pet Life, 93 Main St./Route 28 in Stoneham, and Baystate Kennel & Training Center, 9 Forms Way in Middleton.

To purchase a calendar or learn more about Vest-a-Dog, visit the website.

Photos by David Shilale, courtesy of Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog