One howling good time
Retiring K-9 Officer Scooter was awarded at this year’s Howling Good Time Gala for his eight years of service keeping the deputies and communities of Douglas County safe.
A debt of gratitude was paid to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s (DCSO) K-9 Unit and officers for keeping our community safe 24/7/365. At the Friends of Douglas County K-9’s 12th annual Howling Good Time Gala, funds were raised so that K-9 heroes are given the best healthcare, equipment and support during their careers and beyond. The sold-out event included both live and silent auctions, as well as on-site K-9 training demonstrations, showing what the dogs and handlers do with release and voice commands.
During a K-9’s career, each dog is assigned to one deputy and lives with that deputy and family for four to six years, or until retirement. This year’s event paid tribute to K-9 officer Scooter, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois and his handler Sergeant Brad Proulx. Scooter retired after eight years with the K-9 Unit. Trained in patrol work and narcotic detection, Scooter was awarded the 2021 Patrol Case of the Year and is a true testament to the entire K-9 unit, underscoring how well these dogs are trained and dedicated to their mission.
The gala, held at Cielo at Castle Pines, raised enough donations to purchase and train Scooter’s replacement as well as fund the K-9 Officer Preservation Fund (KOP) which ensures all DCSO K-9s continue to receive a high level of care and compassion throughout their retirement years. These K-9 heroes are called upon for difficult and demanding work resulting in extensive medical costs during retirement.
Motivated by toys and balls, Scooter will live out his retirement years fetching nonstop balls and adjusting to the Proulx family couch. For more information on K-9 heroes, visit www.k9friends.org.
K-9 Unit members Scott Kelly with Deputy Travis Kyle and K-9 Officer Sig demonstrate release and voice commands as part of the Howling Good Time Gala evening events.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Gabriel Christus
