Calgary Police Service Canine Unit Charity Calendar

After more than a year in the making, the Calgary Police Service Canine Unit is today launching its first-ever charity calendar. The 2014 calendar, in support of the Calgary Police Foundation, features almost all of the unit’s 19 dogs in and around the city at several local landmarks.

Only 2,500 of the limited-edition $10 calendars were printed. They are available for purchase online at www.calgarypolice.ca or www.calgarypolicefoundation.com, or at several local businesses while supplies last.

Calgarians love their animals and while CPS dogs attend more than 8,000 police-related calls every year, the public rarely gets to learn about the canines and their special skills. For these four-legged members of the Service, their greatest reward is coming to work and helping to keep Calgary safe.

The 13-month family-friendly calendar was spearheaded by Canine Unit Const. Shawn MacGillivary, a 13-year member of the service, with six of those in the Canine Unit. His dog, Nox, a general patrol dog who is also trained in drug detection, is the feature image for December 2014.

The unit was first established in 1960 and its members are responsible for apprehending individuals who have committed serious criminal offences, as well as to locate evidence, drugs, explosives or cadavers.

This year alone, police service dogs have responded to roughly 4,200 calls, with the dogs being deployed in more than half of those situations. Since January, at least 174 arrests can be attributed directly to the unit.

The Calgary Police Foundation (CPF) was chosen as the beneficiary of the calendar as its programs have a direct impact on children, youth and families.

The CPF was established in 2012 to partner exclusively with the CPS and fund community initiatives to reduce youth victimization and criminal activity by focusing on education, prevention and early intervention.

Additional calendar sale locations include:

City of Calgary Animal Services Centre, 2201 Portland Street S.E. SOLD OUT
Animal Clinic, 1016 9 Ave. S.W. SOLD OUT
C.A.R.E. Centre Animal Hospital, 7140 12 St. S.E. SOLD OUT
Especially 4 Pets, 436 16 Ave. N.E. SOLD OUT
Blue Grass Nursery, Sod and Garden Centre, 260130B Writing Creek Cres., Rocky View County (Balzac) SOLD OUT

Media availability notice to follow.