Woman's 90th Birthday Wish: New Police Dog For Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, CA — All I want for my 90th birthday is a new K-9 for the Santa Cruz Police Department. Yep, instead of gifts on her 90th, Joanne Parker asked friends to chip in money toward a police dog.

Turns out, Parker runs with a pretty sweet crew. Her pals pulled together $2,700, which was donated to the SCPD K-9 fund. The donation will apply toward the purchase of a "much-needed third K-9 to serve our community," according to the SCPD.

Monday, Parker had a chance to visit with SCPD K-9s and their handlers: Luna and Officer Terry, and Ryder and Officer Whaley.

"While the officers spoke with Joanne about K-9 duties, training and gear, Joanne spoiled both K-9s with scratches behind the ears and received dog kisses in return," according to the SCPD.

Earlier this year, Ryder (a Belgian Malinois) came to SCPD thanks to a $10,000 donation from Tiki Delamora.

The SCPD said those wishing to donate to help finance the purchase of a dog, training expenses, and K-9 related costs, can send checks payable to the SCPD K-9 Fund, 155 Center Street, Santa Cruz CA 95060.

For those who would like to make an in-person donation, the SCPD lobby is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For questions about the SCPD K-9 Unit, contact Lt. Warren Barry at wbarry@cityofsantacruz.com