An Allyn man has pre­sented the Mason County Sheriff’s office with a $500 check to be used with the Mason County Sheriff’s Education Dog Program. Phil Wolff and his wife Yvonne made the dona­tion in mem­ory of their son Gar­rett, who died earlier this year at the age of 15.
 
The education dog program was established by Cindy Brewer, Animal Control Officer, for the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.  Brewer and her K-9 partner, Jack, help educate the citizens and students of Mason County about safe behavior around animals.  Additionally, Officer Brewer and Jack also visit local area schools to educate students on the negative effects of bullying and its destructive effects on fellow students.  Officer Brewer has painted Jack’s toenails a bright pink which naturally draws the attention of students.  According to Officer Brewer “this technique quickly engages students in the bullying discussion.   When some students make jokes about Jack’s pink toenails, Officer Brewer asks why are you making fun of him because he is different?”
 
Like all other Sheriff’s Office K-9’s, the Education Dog Program is financed through donations.  Currently all food, veterinary care, and equipment continue to be financed through donations.  “Mr. and Mrs. Wolff’s donation to the education dog program will go a long way toward getting the anti bullying and safety messages out to our students and citizens” said Sheriff Casey Salisbury.  Since K-9, Jack was commissioned with the Sheriff’s Office in August of this year he and Officer Brewer have made over 500 contacts at public events this year.  Next year Officer Brewer expects that she and Jack will contact over 2000 people in the community to talk about safety and bullying.




Photo courtesy of B. Dean Byrd, Chief Deputy, Mason County Sheriff's Office

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