$1K for K-9 unit

WAUPACA – The Thedacare Auxiliary Volunteer Group gave a $1,000 check to the Waupaca County Sheriff Office’s K-9 Unit on April 29.
The check was presented to Deputy James Santiago and Cuda, a Dutch Shepherd, who is an active K-9 on the force.
Santiago said along with Cuda there are four active K-9s: Dom, Ennie and Rondo, who is still in training.
Cuda is eight years old and has been a police dog for seven years. With only one year and one month of training under her collar she was able to hit the streets and start making an impact right away.
Among some of Cuda’s achievements include a recent large cocaine bust as well as finding a 12-year-old girl lost in the woods in 15-degree weather.

The K-9s live with the officers they are assigned, and will also retire with the officer they work with.
Although Cuda is close to retirement age, Deputy Santiago said she is still healthy and active and does not want to stop working. He says when he doesn’t bring Cuda with him to some places she will start to fuss and get frustrated.
The K-9 program is not funded through the county, instead it relies on donations from the community, as well as a golf outing and a brat fry in late summer.
With the funds raised, as well as the donation given by the Thedacare Auxiliary Volunteer Group they are able to get the dogs annual check-ups, training and food.
“Thank you guys not only from myself but from the rest of the K-9 handlers at our sheriff’s office for your generous donation,” Santiago said. “We can’t do what we do without community support.”