Location: Sheriff's Headquarters, 833 S. Akers St., Visalia

Incident Date: 2/28/19

City: Visalia

Posted by: Media Relations

Quilt to raise money for TCSO's K-9 Unit

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux is happy to announce the first K-9 Quilt Fundraiser for the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. 


The quilter, Delores Murch of Visalia, approached the department in October and offered to make a K-9 quilt to raise money for a new K-9. Over the next month, high resolution photos were taken of the Sheriff’s K-9s and their handlers.  


Murch printed the photos onto fabric and stitched them together, garnishing her design with Sheriff’s Stars and paw prints. 


Sheriff Boudreaux said he appreciates her efforts.


“For her to go out of her way to create a work of art for us is extremely appreciated,” he said. “The K-9 quilt fundraiser is a first for our department.”


What: TCSO K-9 Quilt Fundraiser
When: Now through noon on May 4. 
Where: Tickets are available at TCSO Headquarters, 833 S. Akers St. The drawing will be at noon May 4 at the Sierra K-9 Trials at Central Valley Christian High School, 5600 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia. The winner doesn’t need to be present to win. No purchase necessary to enter.
Donation: Tickets $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Checks may be written to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Foundation with “for K-9” written in the subject line. 


The K-9 Quilt is on display in the lobby at the Sheriff’s Headquarters. However, on Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it will be on display at The Best of the Valley Quilt Show at the McDermont Field House, 365 N. Sweet Brier St., Lindsay.


Murch has been quilting for the last 19 years. She has made about 10 quilts for Valley charities such as the Feral Cat Coalition, Valley SPCA, veterans groups and more. She decided to make a K-9 quilt after her veterinarian, Dr. Nan Kuswa, suggested it. Kuswa is the veterinarian who takes care of the K-9s.


Next, Murch went to the Sheriff’s Office with the idea because she lives in the county where the Sheriff’s Office has jurisdiction.


“They protect me,” she said. 


The Sheriff’s K-9 Unit includes patrol dogs that are trained for protection and for locating narcotics and explosive devices; as well as jail dogs that are trained to sniff out contraband; and one dog that works on our County Apprehension Team Tracking Criminals in Hiding (CATTCH).