Upon hearing of Solo's death, the Associated Humane Societies wanted to find a way to protect other New Jersey K-9's from experiencing a similar tragedy.  Body armor companies were sought; law enforcement departments brought in their K-9's to try out several vests; decisions were made and the Vested Interest Fund was born.

Donations poured in from all over New Jersey, and on December 21, 1998 The Society held its first vest presentation ceremony at the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains. 47units were provided with K-9 vests. A second presentation on March 4, 1999 provided 78 more vests, and on June 30, 1999 the largest presentation ceremony yet was held. 127 vests were presented and 175 were ordered to be received at a fourth ceremony. And the rest is history.

To date the Society has provided working K-9's in New Jersey with over 1,000 vests and another 150 across the nation.  Read about the most recent K-9's to be receiving vests. This protection has been supplied to State, County and Municipal law enforcement agencies, as well as government agencies, U.S. Park Police, Amtrak, Port Authority, Corrections Departments and Search and Rescue dogs.  Vests continue to be given to all K-9's coming through the training academy and as law enforcement agencies choose to add K-9 units.  The Vested Interest Fund, the first of its kind in the country, has also inspired and guided many other states and even Canada in providing vests for their working k-9's.