Hammer

LAVONIA — The Lavonia chapter of the Loyal Order of Moose is raising money to buy Lavonia’s new drug dog a bulletproof vest.

Ever since Moose member Eric Randelow heard the department was going to gain a drug dog, he’s been working on convincing them to adopt the fundraiser project.

“There are good people out there who would never think anyone would shoot a dog, but there are drug dealers and others on drugs who would definitely shoot a dog,” Randelow said.

Hammer is a black German Shepherd who comes from a long line of European law enforcement canines. In June, the Lavonia city commission granted Police Chief Bruce Carlisle’s request not to renew the contract with the Piedmont Northern Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad Unit and instead purchase a drug dog.

Hammer was purchased from Homeland Dogs in Dahlonega, a private kennel that breeds and trains exclusively law enforcement dogs.

The vest will cost around $500 and will have to be specially fitted for the K-9 cop who’s now in training with his handler, officer Casey Briar.

The Lavonia Moose Lodge is taking donations, however, checks should be made out to the city of Lavonia.

“All you have to do is make the check out to the city and write in the memo line, ‘special police project,’ and drop it by the Moose Lodge,” Randelow said.

Randelow said any extra money collected will be given to the Lavonia Police Department as well.

The Loyal Order of Moose is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group, and all donations are tax deductible. The Lavonia lodge is on Joe Harvey Street in Lavonia.

For more information about making a donation, call (706) 356-8213.