Money raised to support K-9 unit

PHOTOGRAPHS AND STORY By Mary O’Keefe

Never underestimate a good game of tug-of-war.

A few months ago, second graders from Valley View Elementary received a visit from the Glendale K-9 unit. Officer Maribel Feeley and her dog, Yudy, and Officer Aaron Hamilton and his dog, Quwai, explained to the students what an important role the dogs played in law enforcement.

But it was the game of tug-of-war, the dogs’ gentle nature and the officers’ patient answers that really won the students over.

They were so impressed that they decided to raise money to help support the K-9 unit, which is financed through donations. On Monday, the second graders proudly gave the officers $120 they had raised, along with copies of the book that inspired the unit’s first visit, “Officer Buckle and Gloria.”

Officers also received a collection of stories written by the children about their visit.