By Shana LiVIGNI

Verdugo Park was host to Glendale K-9s in the Park this past Saturday afternoon, attracting hundreds of people of all ages, and their dogs. There were colorful booths set up throughout the park, including sponsors from The National Police Dog Foundation, The Pet Emergency Foundation, ABC-7, the ASG, Michael Novak, MD, Swain’s, Disney, DreamWorks, Nestle’s and many others who support the team.

The five hour dog-friendly, family-oriented event provided information on low-cost pet vaccinations, pet adoptions and pet first aid seminars. And for even more fun, there was a live band, bouncers and face-painting for the kids, pet costumes and talent contests, raffle prizes, unique vendor booths, refreshments and a delicious barbecue area.

The stars of the event were the four Glendale police officers and their K-9 partners: Shawn Sholtis and Sam, Maribel Feeley and Yudy, Aaron Hamilton and Quwai and Robert Wynkoop and Marlin. The four pairs of officers demonstrated obedience training and competition maneuvers and spent one-on-one time with kids and adults. The officers were available to pose for photos, answer questions, show off their squad cars and S.W.A.T. trucks and show off their K-9 partners.

The Glendale Police K-9 Unit is funded solely through donations. The costs of this program include all of the training, food supplies, veterinarian bills, and replacement dogs when current K-9s retire. Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible donation or would like to find out more information can visit www.glendalek9.com.

Next week, an inside look and interview with Glendale Officer Aaron Hamilton and life with his K-9 partner Quwai.