After Tremonton shooting, veterinarian clinic raises money to buy bulletproof vests for K-9 officers

BRIGHAM CITY, Utah (ABC4) — A Brigham City veterinarian clinic is raising money to buy bulletproof vests for K-9 officers at the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office after a shooting injured one of the dogs named Azula.   

Pets First Wellness Center launched the fundraiser on Friday night (via GoFundMe) and has already surpassed its first goal. The new goal? Raise enough money to buy bulletproof vests for all K-9 officers across the county. 

Just days after being shot while responding to a call in Tremonton, Deputy Mike Allred and his K-9 companion, Azula, made a surprise appearance at the Box Elder County Fair. The crowd was ecstatic to welcome the two heroes. Though it’s been nearly a week since that initial appearance, the two are still on many people’s minds.

“It just makes you want to make sure that going forward they have what they need,” Pets First Practice Manager Dani Barlow told ABC4.

It’s a story that continues to pull at the heartstrings of those in the community, and dog lovers across the state. “We bring them into these jobs and it’s up to us to help protect them,” added Barlow.

Over the last two weeks, the community has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the families of Deputy Allred, Officer Eric Estrada and Sergeant Lee Sorensen. Pets First wanted to do something for their four-legged counterparts, and that’s why they set up the GoFundMe campaign at the end of last week.

“I think so many people are animal lovers and even if you don’t have them at home, I think a lot of people just recognize these dogs for what they do, and that they help protect the community,” Barlow stated. “Whether or not you’re a dog lover, if you’re in our community you probably love being safe, and that is something they do for us.”

Barlow said they decided to raise $3,000 dollars to buy vests for the Azula and Elvis; the two K-9 officers at the sheriff’s office. By Monday morning, they had already exceeded that goal. Now, they hope to raise as much money as possible to help as many police departments in the area as possible.  

“Any additional money raised will go toward any additional unpaid expenses that accrued at the pet clinic, and then past that we would really love to start vesting out the dogs that are in the Brigham City Police Department,” explained Barlow. She said there are three K-9 officers with BCPD. After raising money to get bulletproof vests for those dogs, she said they’d love to get vests for all surrounding police departments.   

“We as Pets First just really wanted to show our love for those families and the handlers,” Barlow stated.  

Pets First set up the GoFundMe to raise money for the bullet proof vests, but that isn’t the only way people can donate. The clinic is taking donations over the phone by calling 435-734-9831. People can also make a donation at Pets First, which is located at 88 S 950 W, Brigham City, 84302.