Movie inspires Tavares woman to raise $800 for police K-9 vest

Kathryn Maddasion inspired by the movie 'A Dog's Purpose'

EUSTIS, Fla. – A Hollywood movie inspired one local woman to raise money for the Astatula Police Department. Kathryn Maddasion, of Tavares, was inspired to help the police department after watching the movie "A Dog's Purpose."

Kathryn Maddasion was inspired after seeing a scene in the movie in which the K-9 officer was shot and killed protecting their handler. 

"If it would have had a vest on, it wouldn't have died. and that's what started it," she told News 6 reporter Amanda Castro. 

Maddasion, along with the help of her clients and co-workers, began raising money a few weeks ago at Great Clips, where she works as a stylist, to purchase a bulletproof vest for a K-9 officer. 

"You could have knocked me over with a feather that I had it in two weeks," Maddasion said when she raised the $800 for the vest for K-9 Barrett. 

After a $50 discount, Maddasion was able to donate the remaining $50 to the Humane Society in Barrett's honor.

The department showed their appreciation by surprising Maddasion with a plaque and figurine of a police K-9 dog.

Maddasion said the gesture was much appreciated and unexpected. 

"It just touches my heart. I should be thanking them for the opportunity to protect that dog," she said. 

But raising money for K-9 Barrett is just the first step in helping other K-9 officers in the area. She has already started raising money for the Eustis Police Department. 

"These men and women put their lives on the line every day when they go to work. these dogs put their lives on the line every day when they go to work. and as the community, we need to be behind them, not against them."

If you want to help Maddasion and help her get results, you can donate at the Great Clips locations in Eustis and Sorrento Hills Village. 


Recommended Videos