Richmond community benefactor donates $50,000 to support retired Chesterfield K-9s

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Police K-9 (VPK9A) announced a $50,000 gift from a local businessman and community benefactor on Thursday, offering care for retired law enforcement K-9s.

Richmond businessman and civic leader Richard "Dick" Strauss, his wife Lucille and his daughter Lisa gifted $50,000 to provide lifelong care for retired law enforcement K-9s serving the Chesterfield community, according to an Oct. 3 release from the county.

The donation is made possible through NADA Foundation's efforts, and the gift will aim to cover medical, food and wellness costs associated with K-9s, per a release.

"My family and I are deeply committed to recognizing the sacrifice of those who keep our
community safe, and that includes the K-9 officers who put their lives on the line," said Dick
Strauss, a former owner of Dick Strauss Ford and a lifelong civic leader in the Richmond area.
"These dogs retire to a life of leisure with their handlers, but their years of service take a toll. This gift is a small thank you for their heroic work protecting Chesterfield County."

Virginia Police K-9 Association at Chesterfield County Police Department headquarters on Oct. 1. (Photo: Chesterfield County)

Virginia Police K-9 Association at Chesterfield County Police Department headquarters on Oct. 1. (Photo: Chesterfield County)

Virginia Police K-9 Association at Chesterfield County Police Department headquarters on Oct. 1. (Photo: Chesterfield County)

Virginia Police K-9 Association at Chesterfield County Police Department headquarters on Oct. 1. (Photo: Chesterfield County)

Virginia Police K-9 Association at Chesterfield County Police Department headquarters on Oct. 1. (Photo: Chesterfield County)

Virginia Police K-9 Association at Chesterfield County Police Department headquarters on Oct. 1. (Photo: Chesterfield County)

Per a release, K-9 handlers receive no financial support from government agencies to cover these costs since retired police K-9s reportedly face expensive health conditions related to their jobs. As a result, VPK9A seeks to offer retired police K-9s proper care in their retirement.

"The Strauss family's exceptional generosity will have an immediate and lasting impact on our retired K-9s who served Chesterfield County," said Theresa Riddle, VPK9A president. "This $50,000 gift will help relieve the financial burden on the dedicated handlers who open their homes and hearts to their partners, guaranteeing these deserving dogs can live out their retirement years in comfort and dignity."

The county emphasized Strauss' "family’s generous commitment continues his legacy of giving back to Central Virginia."