Retirement party for Washougal drug dog is set for Saturday

As Washougal Police K-9 Officer Dingo prepares for retired life, his successor is already in training.

“Ranger,” a 2-year-old male Dutch shepherd, and his handler Officer Kyle Day are in a 10-week class, provided by the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

Members of Dog Owners Group for Park Access in Washington have volunteered to raise money for the purchase and training of Dingo’s successor.

So far, $13,475 has been donated. The goal is $15,000.

“We have one week left to finish strong,” said Mark Watson, a DOGPAW board member.

A retirement celebration is set for Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Donald and Angeline Stevenson Off Leash Area, at 32nd and Addy streets in Washougal.

Dingo, 9, will continue to live with Day after retirement.

Donations for Ranger can still be made at www.clarkdogpaw.org/dingo. A DogPaw/Dingo savings account has been established at Chase Bank, and checks can be mailed to: DogPaw, 13504 N.E. 84th St., Ste. 103, PMB 303, Vancouver, WA 98682-3091.