In case you Alta-Tollhaus bloggers might be interested, Julie said I could post this to the blog. Thank you Julie RM! 🙂
Hi All,
Just want to update you on “Project KITT“.
On 5/22/09 I shipped a package to my Navy MWD (14 patrol dogs) contact in Afghanistan containing three medium “Kongs”, four Kong “Wubbles” and a container of dog wipes, per their request. They still need dog boots (for protection against heat) and “Doggles” for German Shepherd Dogs and Belgian Malinois’, plus more “Kongs” and “Wubbles”.
On 6/4/09 I shipped 700 wire-shaft marker flags (400 red, 300 white) for marking mine areas and safe areas, four Medium “Kongs” and twenty five tennis balls. These items went to my Army MWD contact in a mine-detecting unit in Afghanistan (9 dogs). They still are asking for 30 ft. long, 1-inch wide nylon leads, 1″ wide nylon collars with metal snap buckles and “Doggles” (black, large or medium for their Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Malinois’)
On 6/5/09 I shipped a package containing numerous items which I received from Dorn Beddow at the Southwest Florida K-9 Search Unit (magazines, dog treats, nylon leashes, one leather leash, nylon collars, dog treats and a frisbee). I also included an additional 16 tennis balls.
The tennis balls (230 of them) are courtesy of Dr. and Mrs. Nobel Hendrix of Palm City, Florida.
My “Project KITT” account is nearly exhausted, by I anticipate that it will increase since I sent out about forty letters and a “Project KITT” brochure to various dog clubs in Florida and Ohio.
If you know of anyone who might be interested in getting involved in “Project KITT” or might have knowledge of a Military Working Dog Handler stationed in Afghanistan or Iraq, pass on my web address, www.westforkdogtraining.com and have them click on “Project KITT” for my contact information..
I’ll keep you posted as to the progress of “Project KITT“.
Alan Kalfus
Alan – I am a rep for Kong (amongst other dog product manufacturers) in Michigan so will try to get you some samples. The toys I get may not be on your specific “want” list, but I am assuming any rubber dog toys of a suitable size for GSDs will be OK? Let me know and I’ll go through my samples. Should I send them to the Cohutta Street address?
Andrea, thank you so much for responding to my post. I forwarded Alan’s Email to the blog (cut/paste) that he sent to the SW Florida SAR unit. You will need to contact the link in his message regarding the mailing address if you have not already done so. Not sure if Alan knows I posted his request to the blog. I did forward your reply to our SAR director. Again, thank you so much for supporting such an important cause. Julie H 🙂
Andrea, you are wonderful! Thank you for supporting our MWDs.
JH—I’m glad you posted this to the blog.
Thanks to Julie RM for allowing me to post Alan’s update and spread the news. Yes, Andrea you are a dear! JH