Back the Bark fundraiser was a furry success

Monte Vista Police Officer Ezekiel Sisneros with Ruckus, Police Chief John Rosecrans and Corporal Heath Hart with Jake pose in front of the K-9 vehicles during the Back the Bark event in South Fork on Saturday.


SOUTH FORK— Jake and Ruckus wagged their way into the hearts of the South Fork community Saturday, June 22 during the Back the Bark fundraiser at Outdoor Depot. The Monte Vista Police Department is working with several local businesses and organizations to raise funding to help stimulate the K-9 program and kicked it off this weekend with a silent auction and welcome to summer celebration including live entertainment and food.
Those who attended were able to participate in a silent auction for several items that were donated by local businesses and organizations. According to Back the Bark organizer, Margaret Hurd, they were able to raise $4,000 which will help with several different plans for the K-9 unit out of Monte Vista. “We could not have done this without the help of Rob Navara and his team at Outdoor Depot. They have been very generous,” stated Hurd.
Though the dogs are based with Monte Vista Police Department, they spend their days working for any organization throughout the Valley whenever they are needed. “This is such a great event and the dogs love all of the attention. We help with incidences from Alamosa to Creede and the amount of support we have seen has been simply amazing. The folks here at Outdoor Depot have been wonderful,” said Police Chief John Rosecrans.
Funds collected through the silent auction and private donations will go to help with training opportunities for the dogs and their handlers, Corporal Heath Hart who belongs to Jake and Officer Ezekiel Sisneros who belongs to Ruckus. It will also help purchase specialized equipment, more dogs, help maintain equipment and vehicles as well as keep the animals healthy and well cared for.
Guests enjoyed hot food grilled by Outdoor Depot employees and freshly baked goods provided by the Friends of South Fork and other benefactors including some local residents. There was also live entertainment by Old School, a local band that kept the party going with old rock and roll tunes.
“The Monte Vista Police Department K-9 Unit fund’s purpose is to improve performance of the K-9 unit and maintain a high quality of life for its service dogs, both active and retired. It is such a great cause and we are so thankful for the support the communities throughout the Valley has shown us,” continued Hurd.
Even the dogs were able to get out and enjoy the day as well as say hello to everyone who was in attendance.