Support from the community for Brando, the 6-year-old Belgium Malinois K-9 deputy who died unexpectedly on Oct. 18, has far exceeded even the most optimistic of expectations. The Kings County Deputy Sheriff’s Association started a fund to help Brando’s partner, Deputy Rod Shulman, offset the expensive costs of the fallen dog’s medical treatment.

On Monday, they announced that more than $6,000 has already been donated to the fund.

“We knew we’d get some support once the story hit the news, but the reaction has just been incredible,” said Kris Zuniga, association president.

The story of Brando, a four-year veteran of the Kings County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, resonated with the community. Said Darin Pearson, association vice president: “People just love dogs. They really, really just love dogs. Everywhere you go, people either have had a dog or have a story of their own about a dog.”

Brando was suddenly diagnosed with kidney damage on Oct. 13. What followed was a valiant struggle to save the animal’s life. He was taken from Hanford Veterinary Hospital to the Small Animal Clinic at the University of California, Davis. Doctors said Brando’s treatment would exceed what the Sheriff’s Office could afford to pay, but to give his partner a chance to live, K-9 handler Shulman decided to foot the rest of the bill himself.

Unfortunately, Brando went into cardiac arrest days later and died at the hospital.

But the dog, who warmed the hearts of many schoolchildren across the county, has not been forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff’s Association officials say the fund has received far more than the original goal of $5,500 to cover the bills.

And the flow of money has not ceased.

“I’ve been getting mail from up and down the Valley and even out of state,” Zuniga said. “I actually got a check for $50 from somebody in Massachusetts.

“Deputy Shulman is not going to be out any money at all,” he said.

Zuniga could name several instances where people surprised him with their generosity.

At an elementary school class in Corcoran, each student brought in a dollar to donate. The result added up to more than $50.

A 14-year-old girl came in to the Sheriff’s Office and handed deputies all the change she could find. She said she wished she could give more, but it was all she had.

One card from an elderly lady contained $7 in cash. Another contained $3. Then there was a check for $500.

“It’s really touching when someone doesn’t have a lot to give, but they still want to show their support,” Pearson said. “Even though they can’t afford it, they still give and hope that their contribution will help. That, to me, is just unbelievable.”

Additional money raised by the fundraiser will be donated to the Hanford Veterinary Hospital and the Small Animal Clinic at the University of California, Davis. The donations will be made in Brando and Shulman’s names.

“I don’t think we realize just how many lives a K-9 handler can touch,” Zuniga said. “When you see a police service dog, you immediately think about them fighting the bad guys. But that’s only a small part of what they do. These dogs are out at elementary schools, performing demonstrations, finding missing people, far more than just chasing bad guys.

“And Brando, when you took him to an elementary school, and the kids were climbing all over him, he’d just sit there and smile, thinking, this is great!”

A large memorial was held in Brando’s honor on Oct. 28 at the Kings Fair Grounds. More than 150 people appeared to pay their respects along with 33 K-9s from other law enforcement agencies around the Valley, Zuniga said.

Shulman could not be reached for comment; he has been out of town recovering since the loss of his partner. He will return to work later this week.

Pearson, a former K-9 handler himself, said he has seen firsthand the incredible support Kings County shows the K-9 unit.

“There is no other agency in the Valley that gets this kind of response from the community,” he said. “I’ve been to agencies from Oregon to the Mexican border and no one has the ties to the community that we do. It is undeniable. We are incredibly grateful for what the community does for us, and continues to do for us time and time again.”

The reporter can be reached at 583-2425.

(Nov. 3, 2009)