Andrea Rosebrock 
Working dogs for the Vancouver Winter Games are being outfitted with some uber-protection gear that can protect against bullets, Molotov cocktails, and a variety of knife blades. These canine vests also contain a wireless camera, speakers and an integrated microphone that allow the dog’s handler to see and issue commands via an integrated audio system. Packed with infra-red lighting systems, they are also equipped with harnesses that allow the dog to repel out of helicopters and use mountain chair lifts.
We’re talking serious armor here.
Fans and spectators of all kinds attend these large and popular events. They also attract political protesters and, sorry to say, your assorted nuts. And some can be dangerous. Security personnel of the Winter Olympics will be armed with police dogs. The Winter Olympic activities also demands the special training of search and rescue teams and avalanche dogs.
All these teams will have special gear, and the gear of choice for the dogs will be supplied by K9 Storm, Inc.
Jim Slater, who founded K9 Storm Inc. 12 years ago, is a former police officer. Animal handlers of any kind; search and rescue, police and security personnel, all wear 
protective gear. But when Jim Slater found himself in a volatile prison riot, he was protected. But his police dog was not. The need for his canine partner became clear. Like their human handlers, working dogs are often placed in life threatening situations. It makes perfect sense to have canine partners similarly protected. So in 1996, Jim Slater created K9 Storm, which has outfitted police dogs and military working dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan.
At the 2001 Summit of the Americas in Quebec City, Slater said one dog’s life was saved by his vest. “One of the protesters threw a Molotov cocktail and it exploded underneath the dog. The dog was wearing K9 Storm armour and was absolutely protected from the flames,” he said. “I think it’s vital.”
Absolutely.
K-9 Storm suits up dogs within Canada with the RCMP, other police forces and agencies, the Canadian Coast Guard, and others with police forces/agencies around the world. The company also provides a variety of accessories such as collars, crates, leashes, and reflective gear.
It’s not the kind of gear you need for the average neighborhood walk, but the way my dog drags me over the meadows, through the woods, across the ice, and down the riverbanks, I might have to sink my money into this:
Wow! That man, Jim Slater is one hell of a guy to design something that fabulous that can protect a dog from so many different things!
It is sad that our world has come to this, where everything is so protected.
Great article A!
Im not sure how I feel about using dogs in particular for search and rescue…sending them into dangerous situations where there human would not dare to go…these are noble animals and would do anything for their owners, however, they do not understand that their life is in danger when they do these things. They do not have a choice in the matter…it would NEVER be a choice of mine to send my dogs into dangerous situations…I just wouldnt do it.
I’m glad these dogs are so protected! It’s great that they are taking such good care of them! I checked out the website too, WOW, he has some amazing stuff on there for all working dogs! I’m thinking about picking up one of those flasher lights you can see for a mile, then sending th page to my local P.D. for there soon to be K9. Many props Mr. Slater.
thanks 4 sharing
Wonderful story Andrea! Picture looks like your sweet baby……LOL
Jay me’ Golden……I’m sorry, but PLEASE! These dogs love their jobs….love them! And believe me, they certainly DO know when they are going into danger. Canines sense danger, whereas humans do not. If they were feeling scared by this, they would not be in this line of work in the first place. You might think different about this if you or someone close to you were in a situation that required the assistance of one of these extremely brave and intelligent dogs (ie: Avalanche, Earthquakes, Terroist’s….remember 911? and how about Haitie?). Yes, you would have a very different opinion if you were in need of one of these wonderfully trained dogs.
Good job Mr. Slater….good job. Thank you for finding a way to help protect these terrific dogs in their jobs……thank you.
i’m with u, Jessie….they DO sense danger…..
now my problem is…what about their arms, legs, butts AND heads? bullets could go thru these parts……
i guess i haven’t been around for a bit…i’ve been “into” a lot of the causes on my FB that i get a bit overwhelmed that i get a bit “lost”.
miss Jeanie is doing GREAT!!! she seems 2 b doing good on potty training….3 out of 4 times she’ll ‘hit’ the pee pad….she caught on by herself by watching Ginger. she n Ginger r coming around 2 each other. in fact, they both sleep under the covers close 2 each other….it is SO cool
Max is laying on the pillow next 2 me…his butt is towards me n there’s a lotta gaseous “material” coming out of him~the smell is enough 2 curl my nose hairs. they all had catfish for dinner………..oh well…
hope everybody has a wonderful Valentine’s Day~we’re expecting more snow tonight n tomorrow…sheeesh, i’m so tired of this white stuff, i’m SO ready for WARM stuff, lololol
Alright Jim.
CANINES ARE MARVELLOUS DARLINGS