K9 outfitted with bullet proof vest from Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog (photo by Christian Kozowyk)

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Once again, Robinson's Hardware and the merchants of the Pinefield Shopping Center in Saxonville are hosting and a family fun (and dog friendly) event for a good cause.

On Saturday June 18, 2011 from 10:00AM 'til 2:00PM,the shopping center merchants are raising money in support of the Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog organization which raises money to purchase bullet proof vests for K-9 officers, (dogs who work in law enforcement).

Here's some of what will be happening:

• MA State Police K9 Demo
• Free Nail Clipping For Your Dog at Flying Fur
• Two live bands: The Smokin' Pidgeons and The Weekend Band
• "Weber Grilling Event" at Robinsons Hardware
• Free Tanning at Always Golden Tanning
• Food Tastings
• Wine Tastings (age 21+ only)
• Classic Cars
• Arts & Crafts!
• Games and Raffles!
• Try a demo K9 vest on your dog for a fabulous photo op!
• MA Vest-a-Dog T-shirts, Bandanas, & Hats!

The Vest-a-Dog organization was formed after a K9 named Cero was shot and killed on March 25, 2000 by a suspect who had been involved in an assault and was then firing at police.  Cero gave his life to save the lives of a human officer.  Each vest costs $735, and many police departments don't have enough money in their budgets to purchase them.

Over the past 10 years the group has purchased hundreds of vests -- but their goal is to see that every K9 police dog is outfitted with one.

Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog fundraiser at Pinefield Shopping Center on June 18th from 10AM-2PM.

Robinsons Hardware and the Pinefield Shopping Center are located at 1 Nichols Rd., Framingham, MA, (off Water Street near the McAuliffe Library). For more info about Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog visit their website at: www.mavestadog.org

###