Community News

CHEWY CHRISTMAS: Stand TALL donates Kongs to sheriff's office K-9s

Deputy Ben Hawkins and Ranger accept Kongs from Sharon Hanson of Stand TALL.

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 16, 2022

Thanks to the law enforcement-supporting nonprofit agency Stand TALL, the seven police dogs in the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 division each received a new Kong Chewable toy for Christmas.

“These toys are extremely rugged and durable,” Stand TALL vice president Sharon Hanson said, “and they help the dogs build up their jaw muscles so when they grab onto a suspect or object, they have incredible strength and can hold on until their handlers take control of the situation.”

This is the third year that Stand TALL, a Hendersonville-based nonprofit that supports law enforcement, has donated these special “toys” to the K-9s.

“Our goal is to be able, through the generosity of our local area donors, to make this an annual K-9 gift giving event to the K-9s of the HCSO and other K-9 departments throughout western NC," Stand TALL President Ron Kauffman said.

“Our handlers and the dogs truly appreciate Stand TALL’s generosity, and the fact that this organization supports area law enforcement which includes our very valuable 4-legged members of the K-9 team,” saidn\ Sgt. Jerad McFalls, the K-9 team leader.