K-9 Nike is a two-year old Belgian Malinois. Nike's parents came from overseas, but Nike was born here in the United States. He was purchased by a couple in New Brighton. Nike had a little too much energy for them, so they donated him to the Ramsey County K-9 program. After the K-9 program started, we here in Isanti County needed a dog for our newly started program. We chose to go to the Ramsey County training facility, where Nike was given to Isanti County for our program. Nike was a great choice because he has such a high "play drive". This drive is very important characteristic in police dogs.

Nike's handler (and partner) is Deputy Chris Caulk. Deputy Caulk has been with the Isanti County Sheriff's Office for the past five years. In March of 2003, Deputy Caulk and Nike started patrol dog training at Ramsey County. Halfway through this training, Nike broke his left hind leg during an exercise. After surgery and several weeks to heal, Nike and Deputy Caulk were able to finish training. During the last two weeks of training, Nike was taught how to sniff for marijuana and methamphetamine.

The Isanti County Sheriff's Office received donations from individuals, businesses, and other organizations to make this program possible. Little or no cost was placed on the taxpayers to start up our K-9 program.

The Isanti County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the following for their donations:

· Randy and Janice Hermanson

· Hermanson Homes

· Bud and Mara Renier

· Scott and Penny Ransom (Nike's former owners)

· Scruffez (Nike's groomer)

· Wal-Mart of Cambridge

· Scott and Michelle Warnest

· The Isanti County Humane Society

We appreciate all the help and support you've given us to help make our K-9 program possible. If you have any questions about the Isanti County K-9 unit, please feel free to contact Deputy Chris Caulk at 763-691-2431.