Woodbury Officer Plans ‘Paws for a Cause’ Event

Woodbury officer Tony Ofstead says police dogs are invaluable members of the department.

“They’re no less a partner than someone driving a squad car,” he said.

Ofstead in August headed up the Kids and Family Funfest, a fundraiser and memorial that honored and supported Minnesota officers who were killed in the line of duty. Proceeds went to Concerns Of Police Survivors (COPS) and Law Enforcement United.

Now, he’s looking to do the same thing for police K-9s that have been killed while serving their communities.

The first-ever “Paws for a Cause” is set for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 26, at Colby Lake Park in Woodbury.

The event will feature a half-mile or 5K walk at the park—“no dog required”—along with a beanbag tournament, silent auction, concessions from Famous Dave’s, emergency vehicles and demonstrations from P.A.W.S. Pet Hospital, Ofstead told Patch on Tuesday.

The suggested donation is $25 to $30, and the cost to participate in the beanbag tournament is $25 per team.

After seeing the success of the Kids and Family Funfest, Ofstead said he wanted to do something for fallen police dogs and offer another chance for officers to connect with the community.

“We got to know the people that are coming out to support us,” he said. “And (Paws for a Cause) is a chance for the community to come together in a positive way.”

For more information, visit the Paws for a Cause website.

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