K-9 Ely and other K-9s from Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office received a little pampering, thanks to animal lovers, Safari Pet Resort and the Nutro Company.

Ely suffered a heat stroke while chasing a fleeing suspect in September, threatening his life, said Sgt. Lee Young who supervises the K-9 Unit. Ely’s ordeal drew the attention of animal lovers who contributed funds for K-9 equipment, Safari Pet Resort who sponsored a fund-raiser and Nutro who donated high quality dog food.

“The dogs seem to love it,” Sgt. Young said of the Nutro food.

An anonymous donor purchased cooling vests for the K-9s.

Susan Cleveland, co-owner of Safari Pet Resort, said office supervisor Stacey Pugh heard about the need to purchasing cooling vests and other equipment for the K-9s when Ely suffered the heat stroke. They organized a couple of fund-raisers.

Safari Marketing Director Anna Raitt said one fund-raiser was  Pup-toberfest where Sgt. Young and Ely did demonstrations and puppy Minx gave kisses at the kissing booth. Clients donated money that Safari matched.

“We bought night vision cameras and goggles and the remaining funds will be used for deshedding tools for skin allergies,” Raitt said.

The remaining $2,200 from Safari will be given to each of the eight K-9 handlers and their dogs to buy individual items for the K-9s individually.

“They’re amazing,” Raitt said of the K-9 Unit. “They work so hard and train so hard.”

Sgt. Young thanked everyone who donated to Ely and the K-9 Unit.

“Safari Pet Resort employees welcomed us like we were family,” Sgt. Young said. “They bought equipment we probably wouldn’t get any other way. We appreciate them.”

In conjunction with the fund-raiser, Deidra Stamper, sales coordinator for the Nutro Company, said the company donated about 60 bags (900 pounds) of Natural Choice high endurance adult dog food with a retail value of $2,280. The high protein formula provides natural nutrition working dogs need for endurance and health in the face of disaster.

Mars, who owns Nutro headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., allows associates to find community needs and donate.

“Knowing the story of Ely, this presented a perfect opportunity to donate,” Stamper said, explaining the Natural Choice high endurance brand is one of her personal favorite formulas. “It’s a way Mars likes to give to the community.”

Nutro also donated to senior citizens who receive Meals on Wheels dog food to feed their pets.