Dorsey Carroll County Sheriff Tony Burns was not willing to cease operations of the department's K- 9 program just because no money was appropriated in the 2008 budget for food and veterinary services. Instead, he decided to involve the community in the solution for the problem. And of course, the problem can be solved easily with more money.

"Dogs are invaluable and we need them in our department," Burns said. "They are a wonderful asset to our community."

The department supports two drug dogs, Dorsey and Reno. Dorsey has worked for the county for approximately three years. His handler is Mike Thomas. Reno, whose handler is Tony Liggett, has been in Carroll County since July of this year. The dogs eat between 30 and 36 bags of one kind of dry food each year.

Burns said food and veterinary services are provided at Bush's Veterinary Service in Flora. The food is sold to the county at cost, which is $34.75 per bag.

"We feel like the dogs provide a very valuable service," Julie Bush told the Comet Friday. "You can't put a dollar figure on that."

Reno Bush said a generous donation has already been received and put into a special fund for the dogs' care. Additionally, drug company representative Gina Silverthorn of Cutler has donated flea and heartworm preventative medications. Bush said yearly veterinary services cost approximately $2,000 for the dogs.

Burns suggested those in the community who want to help, can send cash to the fund established at the veterinary clinic. The clinic's address is 2145 E. SR18, Flora. The telephone number is (574) 967-4341.

"Julie Bush is working hard to get everything set up for us," he said.

Cash donations can also be dropped off or sent to the sheriff's department on W. Main St. Burns said cash, check or credit/debit cards can be used to provide funding for the dogs' needs.

As an example of what the dogs do, Burns said Dorsey was involved in the recent 21 pound marijuana bust in Delphi.

"The dogs are certified and can give the probable cause for search warrants," he said.

"Whatever those guys need, we're willing to do it for them," Bush concluded.