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Tampa Bank's 'Dog Days' Campaign Helps Canine Units

Tribune file photo by JULIE BUSCH

Police introduced Mattie to the public in July at the M&I Bank's branch at 501 E. Kennedy Blvd. to thank the bank for a donation that helped purchase her.

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By VALERIE KALFRIN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 15, 2008

Updated: 10/15/2008 09:24 am

Thanks to M&I Bank customers, a Tampa police bloodhound will have plenty of treats.

The bank's "Dog Days of Summer" campaign has ended, collecting $2,011 for the canine units of the Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, bank spokeswoman Annie Nolan said Tuesday. Bank customers contributed to the fundraiser by purchasing paw prints for $1 or stuffed dog toys for $3 or $5.

Part of the money is earmarked for the care, feeding and training of Mattie, a 5-month-old bloodhound Tampa police are training to track missing children, missing adults and suspects on the run.

The police department purchased Mattie in April with part of an $8,000 donation from M&I Bank and named her after the bank's mascot. The local philanthropic group 13 Ugly Men also contributed $8,000 to the canine units of the police department and sheriff's office.

Mattie and her handler, Sgt. Eric Ward, should complete their training in December and be ready for active duty, Nolan said.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800.

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