All posts by Rene Averett

BARKS AND BADGES VENDOR APPLICATIONS

VENDOR SPACE AVAILABLE!

We still have openings for Vendors for Barks and Badges 2026 at Rancho San Rafael on August 2nd. Our spaces are FREE but we don’t provide tables, chair, sunshades, or set-up assistance. Whether you have merchandise to sell or information or samples to hand out, you need to complete the Vendor application.

Click on the links below to go to the application. You can print a copy from the page by using right click to access the print option. Or you can use Print Screen, but this may take a couple of prints to get the entire application. Or you can email: info@k9partners.org to request a WORD file you can complete on your computer or tablet.

VENDOR APPLICATION

We may have one opening for a Food Truck. Email info@k9partner.org to request more information.

The deadline for acceptance of the application is June 30th, so if you are mailing it, mail early. If you email, you have up to the 30th to get it to us.

If you have any questions, email info@k9partners.org.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT IS JUNE 30, 2026!

POSTER AVAILABLE

If you’d like to download and print this year’s K9 Barks and Badges poster, you can do that from the link below. Feel free to display it at your business or workplace. Help us spread the word about this FREE family event.

2026-B&B+Poster

Barks & Badges – Save the Date!

K9 Partners is excited to announce that Barks and Badges will be moving to Rancho San Rafael in North Reno this summer! Plans are underway to bring you an exciting and fun event for the whole family (except pets – please leave your pet children at home).

When: Sunday, August 2nd
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Rancho San Rafael – Reno, Nevada
Admission: FREE

Please note: While the admission is free, we are inviting you to help us feed pets in need by bringing a canned or dry pet food donation.

More details will be coming as we get closer to the event. Vendor request details will be posted soon.

Poster for 2026 Barks and Badges

Welcome to K9 RIPP!

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed a new K9 the team. We, at K9 Partners, are proud to have purchased K9 Ripp, along with all his equipment and training, for the WCSO K9 Unit, made possible by the generous donations from all of you!! We hope that K9 Ripp and his partner, Deputy Clark, will be a huge asset to Washoe County and provide many years of safety and security for the people here.

From the WCSO’s welcome: Sheriff Balaam and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office family are proud to introduce the newest member of our K9 Unit, K9 Ripp.

Born on March 10, 2024, K9 Ripp is a highly athletic Malinois–Shepherd mix with excellent obedience and a very social demeanor. From the start, Ripp has shown that he is right at home with his new family and eager to get to work. He is a dual-purpose K9, highly trained in narcotics detection, apprehension, and tracking, and will proudly serve our community alongside his partner, Deputy Clark.

“K9 Ripp’s athleticism, strong work ethic, and confident temperament make him an outstanding addition to our K9 Unit,” said Sheriff Balaam. “He is already proving to be a valuable partner to Deputy Clark, and we look forward to the impact this team will have in keeping our community safe. I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Washoe County K9 Partners. Their continued support and strong connection with our community play an invaluable role in supporting all of our K9 teams.”

🐾 Support Our K9 Heroes—Get Your 2026 Washoe County K9 Calendar! 🐾

Celebrate the courage and companionship of our Washoe County K9s and their deputy partners with this stunning 28-page full-color calendar. Each month features vivid photography and practical calendar layouts that honor the dedication of these working dogs.

📅 Donation: $20
🚚 Shipping: $5
💙 All proceeds directly support the Washoe County K9 Unit

You can purchase your calendar online at Gift Shop to have it mailed to you, or pick one up in person at the Scheels Meet & Greet on November 15, 10 AM – 2 PM.

🎁 These calendars make thoughtful gifts for dog lovers, law enforcement supporters, and anyone who appreciates the bond between K9s and their handlers.

Thank you for supporting our four-legged heroes!