The West Allis Police Department K-9 Unit has a legacy that spans over three decades. Since its inception in 1993, the unit has trained and worked alongside 12 incredible K-9 officers, each playing a vital role in law enforcement and public safety. To celebrate this legacy and honor the dedication of these four-legged heroes, the department has created a custom deck of playing cards—the K-9 Golf Outing Cards.
The Story Behind the Cards
The K-9 Unit operates independently from the city’s budget, relying solely on donations to fund its operations. These funds cover everything from the cost of acquiring and training the dogs to veterinary care, specialized equipment, and ongoing certifications. For the past 14 years, the unit has hosted an annual golf outing to fundraise to support the livelihood and enrichment of the K-9 unit.
“Unit expenses include the initial cost of the K-9 and training, equipment (including outfitted squad cars, ballistic vests, harnesses, leashes, etc.), food, veterinary care, and the costs of ongoing training and certifications. The existence of the unit relies solely on the generosity of donors.” says Corporal Allison Clark, one of the K-9 handlers.
In 2025, the 15th Annual Golf Outing will feature the debut of the K9 Golf Outing Cards as a special gift for attendees and volunteers, showcasing every K-9 in the unit’s history.
Bringing History to Life
Creating the deck was a labor of love. The handlers painstakingly tracked down photographs of every K-9, even delving into archives to find images of the first dogs in the program. The result is a beautifully designed deck that immortalizes each dog’s contributions, from patrol work and narcotics detection to search and rescue operations.
Unveiling the cards to supporters has been a deeply rewarding experience for the handlers. The deck not only highlights the unit’s history but also serves as a testament to the bond between the K-9s, their handlers, and the community. Those who have previewed the cards have been thrilled by the concept and impressed by the quality and attention to detail.
The biggest hurdle was uncovering photographs of the earliest K-9s in the unit. Despite the challenges, the team’s perseverance paid off, and they were able to include at least one image of every K-9 who has served.
The Role of Shuffled Ink
Choosing Shuffled Ink as the manufacturer was a pivotal decision in bringing this vision to life. The team’s experience was overwhelmingly positive, thanks to helpful project managers and graphic designers who guided them through the customization process. The final product—a set of 310 gsm linen finish cards—has exceeded expectations and received glowing feedback! For those considering custom card projects, the handlers recommend ordering a sample pack to explore the different materials and finishes. This ensures the final product aligns perfectly with your vision.
Connect with the K-9 Unit
To learn more about the West Allis Police Department K-9 Unit and its mission, visit their
website. Plans are also underway to launch a dedicated Facebook page for the unit, providing a new way to connect with the community and share updates.
The K9 Golf Outing Cards will debut at the 2025 golf outing and will later be available for in-person purchase. Beyond the event, the unit hopes to enhance its visibility and garner continued community support to sustain its important work.
The K9 Golf Outing Cards are more than just a keepsake—they are a celebration of loyalty, service, and community. By honoring the history of the K-9 Unit, these cards help ensure the continuation of its invaluable contributions for years to come.
