WHAT IS PROJECT K.I.T.T. ?
Project K.I.T.T., an acronym for K-9's Involved in Targeting Terrorism, is a not-for-profit fund which receives donations for
the purpose of purchasing needed equipment and supplies for Military Working Dog (MWD) teams stationed in Iraq,
Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and other areas of the world in response to the war on terror. All funds received are totally
earmarked for the purchase and shipping of these items.
BACKGROUND
Project K.I.T.T. was started by Alan Kalfus, a recently retired Florida police K-9 handler and trainer. Alan retired in 2005
with his then five-year-old K-9 partner, "Kitt".
K-9 "Kitt", a German Shepherd Dog imported from the Czech Republic, was a one-of-a-kind police K-9, having an
excellent disposition and able to get along with everyone, including children and other animals, but was an awesome
working dog as well. In his short career, K-9 "Kitt" was responsible for numerous felony and misdemeanor apprehensions, including many for possession of narcotics. Additionally, K-9 "Kitt" was responsible for the seizure of nearly $100,000.00
in drug money as a result of his narcotic detecting ability.
On January 13, 2009, K-9 "Kitt" passed away suddenly and unexpectedly after
undergoing cancer surgery, at the age of eight
To keep his name and memory alive, Project KITT was initiated.
K-9 "Kitt"
HOW DOES PROJECT KITT WORK?
Alan has been in e-mail contact with MWD handlers in Iraq and Afghanistan and has received lists of needed equipment
and supplies which the military does not provide. Such items as long leads, collars, dog goggles ("Doggle"), dog booties and dog treats are needed, as are various toys, such as tennis balls and "Kongs" used for rewarding the MWD for a task well done. Additionally, MWD handlers that work with explosive detector or mine detector dogs are in need of both red and white marker flags with wire staffs, which are used to mark danger areas, or areas which have been cleared by the MWD for travel.
506 ESFS Military Working Dog Section, Kirkuk Air Force Base, Iraq
HOW CAN YOU ASSIST IN THE PROJECT?
By sending a donation to "Project KITT, at 3238 SW Cohutta Street, Port St. Lucie,
FL 34953-4646. Checks are to be made payable to PROJECT KITT. Additional
information on Project Kitt, or a list of currently needed equipment, can be
obtained by contacting Project KITT at the above address, by e-mail at Mine Detecting Dogs
westfork2@netzero.net , or by telephone at 772.336.3093 or 772.201.5747. US Army - 49th MDD
Afghanistan
Project KITT News
On Thursday, July 2, 2009, a benefit was held for Project KITT at the Bamboo Cafe in Naples, Florida. The evening event
included a three-course dinner, a raffle, patriotic bandana sales and a"Most Patriotic Dog" contest. Those attending the
dinner were encouraged to bring their dogs as well, and the restaurant was filled with humans and their canine partners.
Nearly $500.00 was raised at the event for Project KITT. We wish to thank Lisa and Philippe Boet, owners of the Bamboo
Cafe, for their hospitality, and for allowing us to hold the event at their restaurant and Project Kitt board member Linda
Tanner for spearheading it.
Click on the following link for photos of the event:
LIST OF "PROJECT KITT " CONTRIBUTORS (As of July 9, 2009)
Noble and Patty Hendrix - Palm City, Florida/Seven Devils, North Carolina
Sue Heys - Berlin Heights, Ohio
Samantha Mabrouk - Fort Pierce, Florida
Joy Annunziato - Boca Raton, Florida/Forestport, New York
Karen and Hal Weiner - Oceanside, New York
Mrs. Yvonne L. Clark - Naples, Florida
Marie Del Rio Giles - Naples, Florida
Linda Tanner/Gary Iverson - Bonita Springs, Florida
Sally and John Price - Naples, Florida
Donna P. Wilson - Fort Myers, Florida
Donald A. Schrauf - Norwalk, Ohio
Geraldine and Phillip Tafoya - Port Saint Lucie, Florida
In addition to the above listed donors, Project KITT wishes to thank Joe Edge at The Tax Shoppe in Port St. Lucie, FL
for his preparation of the necessary 501(c)(3) application, at no cost to Project KITT.
