LAKEPORT, Calif. – Later this month a special fundraiser event is planned to help cover the medical costs of the retired K9s that served the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

On Tuesday, July 19, from noon to 3 p.m., the sheriff's office will host the benefit luncheon in front of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, located at 1220 Martin St., Lakeport.

Lunch will include a hot dog, chips and a drink for $5.

Since 1995, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has purchased 12 service dogs to help detect and fight crime, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.

Brooks said three of the dogs are still in service and working on the street side-by-side with their handlers.

All of the sheriff's K9s were trained in either handler protection, narcotics detection or both, and are accustomed to working in excess of 40 hours per week and nearly 200 hours every month, according to Brooks.

Once a determination is made to retire a K9 from service, due to its age or for medical reasons, it is sold to the handler that has worked with and cared for it over the many years that they have been partnered together, Brooks said.

The Board of Supervisors recently approved selling the K9s to a handler for $1 each.

The responsibility of caring for it once it is retired solely falls on the handler, with Brooks explaining that the costs include food and all medical/veterinarian visits.

If you wish to make a donation to the Retired Medical Canine Fund, please send it to P.O. Box 489, Lakeport, CA 95453 or deliver it to Gloria at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, 1220 Martin St., Lakeport.