Hats off to Josie Kremer, who is attempting to raise $2,000 to protect the two dogs that work for Isle of Wight Sheriff’s Department.

Josie, 11, of Smithfield got the idea after reading a story about a police dog getting killed in the line of duty because he was not wearing a bullet/stab-proof vest.

The Isle of Wight Sheriff’s dogs, Duke and Bo-Jo, do not have vests because of budget cutbacks.

The sheriff’s department considered going after grants and is pleased to learn about Josie’s mission to raise the money.

Josie has placed donation jars throughout the area with a picture of the dogs and their handlers on each. The jars can be found at several businesses and restaurants.

The vests cost about $1,000 each.

Since publishing the article (“Good Doggie. Safe Doggie,” July 18) The Tidewater News has received comments from readers who would like to help. With permission from Josie’s mother, we obtained her contact information.

To help her, she can be reached at 757-365-4817. Her address is 108 Water Pointe Lane, Smithfield, Va., 23430.