A Day on the Green for K9s Karen Sturtevant

A Day on the Green for K9s

Karen Sturtevant

Argus was hoping to see more birdies.

Imagine a picturesque autumn day in Vermont. With rolling fog lifting to allow the sight of vibrant oranges, scarlets, and yellows, the sunshine warming the crisp air and drying of dew on the almost-dormant grass, I was privileged to experience such a day in September surrounded by canine-loving, law enforcement officials and enthusiasts.

Sugarbush Resort Golf Club was the host to The Vermont Police Canine Association’s (VPCA) 14th Annual Canine Classic. The VPCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance and training to police service dog (K9) teams in Vermont and New Hampshire. From leashes, collars, medical care to training, and custom-made bullet/stab-proof vests, the VPCA plays a major role in the success and safety of the K9 teams.

On this particular morning, organizer Emily Leinhoff instructed volunteers and welcomed participants. Skillfully moving through the throes of people, Emily answered questions, checked registration status, and swiped credit cards as the air of excitement was palpable. Along with my little dog Chia, I shadowed Emily holding raffle tickets, awaiting instruction, and handing out mulligans. As a non-golfer, I was introduced to golf speak and learned a mulligan was an extra tee for a ‘do-over’ shot. Mulligans were quite popular that day.

Over 90 players (both police officers and those of other professions) were assigned carts and holes in which to begin the day. As everyone zoomed to their beginning destination, Chia and I walked to our assignment: Hole 10. Our role for the day (other than bee-bopping around the course in the golf cart attempting to appear we knew what we were doing) was to stake and record the longest drive. A hammer-shaped sign with the caption, “You Hammered It!” was moved out five times that day. Impressive results for any group. Participants also vied for champion bragging rights for the shortest drive, closest drive to the pin, and corn hole board winner. Plaques were to be awarded to the top three teams for the lowest scores.

As the sun rose higher, the whine of the cart motors continued. Teams of two and Winter 2021

four, trash-talking each other, took turns swinging. Nothing was off-limits: be it an innocent maple tree or unsuspecting team working on an adjoining green, the balls were free-flying. Beyond the bravado banter, I sensed a great deal of respectful cohesiveness within each group.

We’ve all experienced disruption—for some, heartbreak—in one way or another, to our schedules and norms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Essential workers, such as these, have had more than their share. Apart from the goal of raising funds, coming together for amicable one-upmanship while enjoying a piece of an unspoiled Vermont landscape was a much-needed reprieve from the unprecedented climate of current events.

By late afternoon the teams had finished and turned in their carts satisfied with a day on the course. Volunteers collected sponsorship signs, checked in with the most-hospitable Sugarbush staff, and loaded up for the next stop: Sugarbush Resort for dinner and prizes.

Donning required masks when away from tables, folks sipped cold drinks and enjoyed a barbecue. The raffle prize table offered a variety of items and services including an overnight stay at Trapp Family Lodge, Sugarbush gift certificates, golf clubs, candles, works by local artists, a wooden flag donated by Fabian Earth Movers, and gifts for pampering and spa-type treatments.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will be designated to help cover medical expenses for one of the retired K9 teams. K9 Argus worked with the Vermont State Police for ten years. He was the first K9 to be assigned to a state police tactical team in New England. He spent his entire career protecting Vermont and was involved in many high-risk situations, including helping New York troopers with the tracks from the escapes in 2015 at Dannemora State Prison. Argus retired in June of 2020 and in August had emergency surgery due to a blockage. He is recovering, however, is now battling cancer.

Lacey’s Fund, an organization established through the VPCA, with its mission of providing financial assistance for retired K9s, was founded in 2008 by Shelburne, Vermont residents, Kirk, and Loretta Walters after their dog Lacey passed away. Lacey was not a police dog, but the Walters family wanted to honor her in some way after she died.

All expenses––including medical––which can reach into the thousands of dollars, typically are the responsibility of the handler when the K9 retires. With Lacey’s Fund, the Vermont Police Canine Association is able to relieve some, if not all, of the financial obligation needed for these deserving canines and their families. With a decade of faithful service, K9 Argus will now have an Winter 2021 opportunity to retire in comfort.

The backdrop for the day was scenic; the company, lighthearted. When all the t-shirts were packed and the final prize given away, the day was deemed a success both on and off the course for the dedicated, hardworking police dogs of Vermont and New Hampshire.

To learn about the Vermont Police Canine Association and Lacey’s Fund, please visit www.facebook.com/ VermontPoliceCanineAssociation and wwwVtK9.com. To donate to Argus’ care: www.vtk9.com/store/p82/ Lacey%27s_Fund_Donation.html