Hudson 4th graders raise money to buy bulletproof vest for local K9

Two fourth graders from Hudson, Wisconsin, have raised thousands of dollars to help buy a bulletproof vest for a local police dog.

Mallory Myster and Haylee Johnson spent the summer raising money by selling their own artwork.

"We decided to do it because we love dogs," Myster said. "And because we want to see them being safe while keeping our community safe."

Myster said they recently learned the K9 units at the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office rely on donations and grants for gear, and that a K9’s bulletproof vest can cost up to $3,000.

The 9-year-olds have raised nearly $2,700 so far, selling homemade glassware and Perler beads.

They plan to donate the money to a K9 named Ares.

"He just really needs a vest because he’s getting older and he needs one for when he keeps people safe," Myster said.

"He’s super energetic and he’s so cute," Johnson added.

The girls put on a fundraiser at Angel’s Pet World in Hudson in September and also went door to door in the community, selling their projects and collecting donations.

They are planning another fundraiser in Hudson in the coming weeks and will present Ares with the final donation.

The girls said the sheriff’s office gave them citizen medallions to honor their efforts.

"It just feels really good making all this stuff and then donating the money," Myster said.

To learn more or to donate to the fundraising efforts, click here.