FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 15, 2026) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today K9 Charity will now be better protected when she’s on the job with a bullet and stab protective vest.
Charity joined the Attorney General’s Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in May 2024. A yellow lab, Charity is trained to sniff out and detect easily hidden electronic storage devices such as cell phones, flash drives and micro-SD cards, which could contain child sex abuse material. With her handler, DCI Detective Shelby Guffey, Charity has helped execute search warrants with law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth.
“K9 Charity plays a crucial role in protecting Kentucky families and bringing child predators to justice. She’s the most popular lawdog in our Office, and for good reason!,” said Attorney General Coleman.
DCI received K9 Charity’s vest through a charitable donation by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. the vest is embroidered to read, “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies. The organization has provided over 6,348 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, thanks to private and corporate donations.
The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lbs., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call (508) 824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.
Click here for a photo of Charity.