She’s one of police dogs’ best friends

Nicole Travis is an animal lover like no other in North Idaho.

She raises money to buy ballistic vests for the state’s law enforcement K-9s and runs a shelter for cats from her family’s home near Athol.

In her spare time, she gives lessons on how to train and show dogs. Her personal animal collection includes three dogs – Sugar, Turbo and Cookie – and she is responsible for the care of three rabbits.

The 13-year-old sums up her love of animals: “I’m there to help them when they need me, and they’re there to help me back.” On Saturday, Nicole hosted her third annual fundraiser dog show at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

The event, which drew about 300 people and 75 dogs of various breeds and sizes, was expected to raise $800 for the purchase of K-9 vests. It was organized under the nonprofit organization Nicole started four years ago, the K-9 Guardian Angels.

To date, the organization has raised nearly $4,000, enough to buy vests for four Kootenai County sheriff dogs and one dog belonging to the Idaho Fish and Game Department. Her goal is to buy vests for about 80 law enforcement K-9s in Idaho. The cost of the vests varies, but some run as much as $1,800

Nicole may be the inspiration behind the K-9 Guardian Angels, but the event Saturday was really a family affair. Nicole’s mom and dad, Ken and Tina Travis; her sister, Samantha, 14; and her brother, Kenny, 11, all joined her to help out.

Entrants in the dog show competed with their pets for cash prizes for the best puppy, the best child handler and dog and the best dog of the meet.

In addition, three other dog organizations were on hand: the North Idaho K-9 Foundation Inc., Dachshund Rescue NW and the Dachshund Club of Spokane.

Through a separate fundraising effort, the K-9 Foundation recently paid for veterinarian back surgery for Baron, a Kootenai County sheriff’s K-9 who was injured trying to arrest a suspect holed up in an attic. Baron was near retirement when the injury occurred last year. So far, Baron has run up a $3,500 vet bill but is back on his feet.

The K-9 Foundation plans to establish a series of “401-K9 funds” to pay for care of the law enforcement dogs after they retire.

Nicole said she started her fundraising efforts by baking and selling doggie biscuits to fulfill a project assignment as part of her schooling at home. She also holds car washes to raise more money.

“The devotion she has is an everyday thing,” said her father, Ken Travis.

Last summer, Nicole’s pet dog, Bear, died. Nicole wears a bracelet with a picture of Bear on it. She said she turned to her other animals for comfort when Bear died.

“If you are having a bad time, the dog is always there for you. It’s like they know,” she said.

Donations to K-9 Guardian Angels may be made at any FirstBank Northwest branch. The North Idaho K-9 Foundation Inc. accepts donations at any Sterling Savings Bank branch.