Spencer police continue fundraising for K-9 program

By Hub City Times staff

MARSHFIELD – As Spencer’s newest officer, Ella, gets settled in her new position, the police department continues fundraising with their second annual Par 4 a Pup golf scramble.

“The K-9 program will need about $2,500 each year to cover any and all associated costs such as vet bills, training supplies, and replacement or new equipment,” said Ella’s partner, Mindy Stellmach. “We are putting on our second annual Par 4 a Pup golf scramble on Saturday, August 3. It will be held at RiverEdge Golf Course in Marshfield again this year.”

Ella and Mindy returned to Spencer in June, after a month-long training program at Northern Michigan K9 where they trained on drug work, apprehension, and tracking. Mindy said that they connected from the start.

“When I first met Ella, we spent the first two or three hours just walking around and getting to know each other,” Stellmach recalled. “Ella stayed in the hotel room with me at training as well.  We bonded immediately and I’m excited to watch her progress in her abilities. She has already come a very long way since day one.”

Ella is a 16-month-old female Belgian Malinois, who “enjoys naps, tennis balls, and belly rubs.”

Mindy will continue an ongoing training process with Ella to development and reinforce her skills.

“Each month, I’ll have 16 hours of training with area K-9s and handlers,” Stellmach explained. “These training days will focus on ‘fine-tuning’ the skills that Ella and I learned at our initial training as well as learning new skills. Training will ensure that Ella and I are able to recertify each year.”

The Par 4 a Pup best ball scramble will help maintain the K-9 program in Spencer. The Aug. 3 fundraiser will have a 9 a.m. shotgun start, with an 8 a.m. registration time.

“All proceeds will go toward maintaining the program,” Mindy stated. “If you don’t golf, but would still like to donate to our program, you may do so by mailing your donation to the Spencer Police Department. We are extremely grateful for donations of any size.”

For more information, contact the Spencer Police Department at 715-659-5453. Registration deadline is July 20.