In need of hands for paws

The Saratoga Police Department is looking for volunteers to help out man’s best friend.

In a effort to free up officers and provide better care to dogs in the Saratoga kennel, Saratoga Police Chief Tom Knickerbocker is asking the community for help

“We are looking for volunteers who are willing to feed, water and walk the dogs located within our kennel,” Knickerbocker said.

The improvement of the Saratoga kennel has been an issue of discussion at previous town council meetings. Several town officials have cited that conditions for dogs inside the kennel were less than adequate and have been looking for alternatives to their current procedures.

Knickerbocker said that members of the Saratoga Police alone cannot provide sufficient care to dogs in the kennel.

“Basically, all our officers can do right now is feed and water the dogs,” Knickerbocker said. “I can’t have my guys out walking a dog, then have some big emergency come up.”

Knickerbocker said that they are looking for at least five volunteers for the position. Volunteers would be called on an as needed basis, working with other volunteers to provide care to dogs throughout a dog’s stay in the kennel.

“Our goal is to give dogs more attention than just water and feeding them,” Knickerbocker said.

Applicants must be 18 years or older and must sign a release waiver before volunteering.

Knickerbocker said that assistant clerk/treasurer Jonathan Moore has agreed to take the lead and be the coordinator for the program.

For questions or interest, please call the Saratoga Police Department at 326-8316 or Jonathan Moore at Saratoga Town Hall at 326-8335.