Publisher Daniel Del Valle recently had a chance to speak with Deanna and Caesar DePaço who are the proprietors of Summit Nutritionals International, manufacturers of raw materials such as U.S.-made Chondroitin Sulfate (Bovine, Chicken, Porcine & Marine) & Cartilage Powder. Since its inception in 2001, Summit Nutritionals International has been the leader in manufacturing and delivering 100% USA-made and 100% BSE-free Chondroitin Sulfate to the world.
Summit Nutritional International proudly offers Droi-Kon®, a specialized, 100% water-soluble chondroitin powder supplement that has been shown through scientific studies to play an integral role in the formation and maintenance of joint cartilage, specifically in dogs.
Prior to the creation of Summit Nutritionals International, raw nutritional supplements were primarily manufactured in Europe and other parts of the world. Over time, a growing concern of worldwide animal illness and quality control became apparent.
Through their love of dogs and admiration of law enforcement and their K-9 partners, Caesar and Deanna began to generously donate to police agencies beginning with their first K-9 donation to the Hillsborough Police Department in 2013. Officer Chris Engelhardt was the K-9 handler. To date, Caesar and Deanna have since donated a total of 202 K-9s to police departments and sheriff offices nationwide and abroad. The cost donated exceeds a total of $3.5 million in K-9s. This amount does not include other law enforcement equipment donations.
Caesar goes on to say, “Deanna and I both have a passion for dogs. Dogs have always been a source of fascination for us, and our admiration for them only grows stronger with time. Their unwavering loyalty and dedication to their owners or handlers is truly remarkable, and it is particularly evident in the K-9 officers who serve as police / sheriff dogs. These remarkable creatures not only possess incredible physical abilities, but they also possess the remarkable talent of communicating with humans and intuitively understanding their needs. It is truly awe-inspiring to witness the emotional support they provide to humans in need. In light of these qualities, it is no wonder that dogs have rightfully earned the title of ‘man’s best friend.’ Their unique bond with humans is a testament to their exceptional qualities and their significant role in our lives.”
Our own K-9 Lanzer, who is featured on the front cover of this special edition of Blue magazine, is our utterly loyal and faithful Executive Protection K-9 who has been deputized and honored by numerous agencies.
In Lanzer, we are able to observe all of the aforementioned characteristics. His training has been exceptional, and it is evident that he has acquired mastery in all the essential aspects required to become the finest K-9 we have ever encountered. His perceptiveness and capacity to process information, along with flawlessly executing his duties, leave me truly astounded. Despite his seemingly robotic approach to performing tasks, he also possesses the ability to display remarkable gentleness and affection, appropriately adapting to different circumstances. It is truly remarkable to fathom that all these remarkable traits coexist within a single creature.
Law enforcement should be informed about the invaluable contributions that K-9 officers bring to their departments. Through my personal observations, we have witnessed the profound astonishment experienced by police officers & sheriff’s deputies when they comprehend the remarkable effectiveness and extensive range of assistance that these K-9 officers can provide in diverse applications. The capabilities of a K-9 officer are virtually boundless, as they offer unwavering support and unwavering dedication to their human police/sheriff officer or handler. Their presence undoubtedly enhances the operational capabilities of law enforcement agencies, making them an indispensable asset in maintaining public safety and combating crime.
The importance of trained police K-9 officers cannot be overstated. These remarkable animals demonstrate not only the unwavering loyalty and dedication that we associate with dogs, but also a remarkable level of skill and intelligence that is truly awe-inspiring. As animal lovers, the K-9 community is well-positioned to understand and appreciate the incredible contributions that these officers make to law enforcement. Witnessing a police K-9 officer in action only serves to reinforce the fact that they are truly exceptional and indispensable members of our law enforcement agencies. Over the years, we have made it a priority to allocate significant resources to provide police departments and sheriff offices across the United States with police K-9 units. However, despite these efforts, there remains an urgent need for additional K-9 officers.
It is our fervent hope that the K-9 community will step forward and offer their support to bridge this gap, ensuring that our law enforcement agencies have the necessary resources to continue their vital work. Together, we can make a difference and further enhance the capabilities of our police departments and sheriff offices with the invaluable assistance of these highly trained and remarkable K-9 officers.
The Blue magazine is honored to have partnered with the DePaços in being able to tell their remarkable story and dedication on their impactful vision and contributions to the police K-9 community. Caesar and Deanna have earned our admiration and respect and the respect of the entire law enforcement community. We are happy to feature their Executive Protection K-9 on our cover of this special K-9 edition of Blue magazine.
2024 Summit Nutritionals
