Help Keep K-9 Ike with Handler Mike
Tax deductible
Edina Police K-9 Ike retired Friday, Sept. 8 after being diagnosed with Idiopathic Epilepsy.
Bengtson said after the two have bonded over the year that he would like to keep Ike as a pet. However, Ike is under warranty from the K-9 vendor. In order to receive a new K-9 at no cost, the City would have to surrender Ike to the vendor. The Edina Crime Prevention Fund started this page to raise $8,500 to keep Ike with Bengtson and purchase a new K-9.
Bengtson, who would like to continue serving as a K-9 handler, will have to repeat the 12-week K-9 class in the spring with the new K-9.
“I am super bummed about Ike having to medically retire so soon after all of the hard work and dedication we have both put in making him the awesome partner he is/was,” said Ike’s handler Officer Mike Bengtson. “On the other hand, I completely understand and agree with the decision. He is still an excellent dog with a lot of energy and drive, which I don't foresee that changing anytime soon.”
Ike, a German Shepherd, was born in the Netherlands in May 2016, and joined the Police Department January 2017, where once finished with training, hit the streets with Bengston in June this year.
“I am proud of what Ike has accomplished so far and I can only hope the next dog has the same drive and personality Ike has,” said Bengtson. “Also, the outpouring of support from the Edina Crime Prevention Fund Board, the Police Department and City have been amazing!”
The Edina Crime Prevention Fund supports the K-9 program and provides the funding to purchase the dogs, as well as support them throughout retirement. Any money donated over the $8,500 goal will be used to pay for Ike’s Epilepsy medication and expenses throughout retirement.
Bengtson said after the two have bonded over the year that he would like to keep Ike as a pet. However, Ike is under warranty from the K-9 vendor. In order to receive a new K-9 at no cost, the City would have to surrender Ike to the vendor. The Edina Crime Prevention Fund started this page to raise $8,500 to keep Ike with Bengtson and purchase a new K-9.
Bengtson, who would like to continue serving as a K-9 handler, will have to repeat the 12-week K-9 class in the spring with the new K-9.
“I am super bummed about Ike having to medically retire so soon after all of the hard work and dedication we have both put in making him the awesome partner he is/was,” said Ike’s handler Officer Mike Bengtson. “On the other hand, I completely understand and agree with the decision. He is still an excellent dog with a lot of energy and drive, which I don't foresee that changing anytime soon.”
Ike, a German Shepherd, was born in the Netherlands in May 2016, and joined the Police Department January 2017, where once finished with training, hit the streets with Bengston in June this year.
“I am proud of what Ike has accomplished so far and I can only hope the next dog has the same drive and personality Ike has,” said Bengtson. “Also, the outpouring of support from the Edina Crime Prevention Fund Board, the Police Department and City have been amazing!”
The Edina Crime Prevention Fund supports the K-9 program and provides the funding to purchase the dogs, as well as support them throughout retirement. Any money donated over the $8,500 goal will be used to pay for Ike’s Epilepsy medication and expenses throughout retirement.
Organizer
Kaylin Eidsness
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
Edina Crime Prevention Fund
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
