Neighborhood group funds treadmill for Citrus Heights police dog

By Mike Hazlip—
A Citrus Heights neighborhood association provided funds for a canine treadmill that police say will keep one of their high-energy dogs active.

Representatives of Citrus Heights Area 10, the Sylvan Old Auburn Road (SOAR) Neighborhood Association, presented a $602.32 check to the Citrus Heights Police Department on Wednesday. The funds are to reimburse the department for the cost of the treadmill.

Area 10 residents Natalee Price and John Klunder joined Vice Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa to present the check to the department on Jan. 24. The idea came from Karpinski-Costa who is a resident of Area 10 and a former veterinarian, Price said.

The treadmill is for all of the K9 officers at the department, but one in particular has energy to burn, said Officer Nate Culver who handles 18-month-old Tajín. Culver said the treadmill will help Tajín get exercise that in turn helps reduce his tendency to chew on his surroundings.

“He’s a more higher drive, more anxious dog,” Culver said.

Tajín is trained to detect drugs and evidence that might be discarded during a pursuit, according to Culver.