Always and Forever Grooming held a fundraising event during the last weekend of February for the Police and Sheriff's Departments to help fund their K-9 Divisions.

Business owners, Danielle Middleton and Kevin Baker, were excited to announce that they had bathed 65 dogs in just two days and raised $2,500!

"We appreciate the love and support the community and local businesses gave," said Middleton and Baker. "We know first hand what these handlers spend... We are glad that we could help support both of our departments and K-9 units so they may keep our streets safe."

Sheriff Dwayne Kilpatrick said K-9 unites are vital to their office to aid in the detection and apprehension of drug trafficking and drug dealers.

He reported that the Sheriff's Department currently operates two K-9 units that were purchased by, or for the handlers of the K-9's, at no cost to Lewis County.

The cost of a trained and certified K-9 is approximately $6,000, according to Sheriff Kilpatrick.

"Thank you to the community and businesses for the support of our K-9 operation," said Sheriff Kilpatrick, "Together, we can help keep our community a better place to raise our families."

The sponsors for the event were RBC Insulation, Oliver Technologies, James Heating & Cooling, Mary's Cajun Kitchen, Junkyard Dog, Hohenwald Tire, Lazy Dog Tax Service, This & That Gift Shop, H&R Ace Hardware, Highland Corporations, and Adair Funeral Home.

Baker and Middleton hope to make 'Baths for the Blue' an annual event to continue to raise money for our local K-9 units.

"Thank you for trusting us with your fur babies and for supporting the cause," said Middleton and Baker, "God bless you all and God bless America."

Baker stated that they would be accepting donations for the K-9 units all year round when brought to Always and Forever Grooming, and a donation fund has been set up by the Sheriff's Department at People's Bank.