COEUR d’ALENE — The community raised a hefty $32,000 for the Coeur d'Alene Police K9 Association, and it all began with a canine and a car wash conversation.

Re/Max Infinity Group owner Colleen Kelley was cleaning out her car at a local car wash and noticed a Coeur d'Alene Police officer with his German shepherd, also cleaning his car. Kelley, a dog lover, struck up a conversation with Officer Andy Sterling, who was accompanied by retired K9 Officer Maxx.

"I said, 'If I could ever do anything for you, please don't hesitate to give me a call,'" Kelly said.

She gave Sterling her card and eventually did receive that call.

"I offered assistance. They needed tactical vests for the officers, equipment boxes and they were looking for ways to enhance their K9 unit," Kelley said. "If they're out there throwing themselves in the line of danger for me, I want to make sure they have the right equipment."

In May, Kelley coordinated "Who Let the Dogs Out," a dinner and auction evening at The Coeur d'Alene Resort where business and community members opened their hearts and their billfolds.

"When you say 'K9,' people just smile and light up. Some of the benevolence comes from the amazing things these animals do," Kelly said. "They bring so much peace into the situation. They know what they're doing; they've got a job and they do it. When you ask for money, sometimes it's difficult, but when you say 'K9 Association,' doors just swing open."

During an appreciation party at Re/Max's Riverstone office on Thursday, the fundraising success was celebrated, as was the work of the K9 Association and its supporters.

"We're really grateful to the businesses and community for supporting us," said Coeur d'Alene Police Officer Amy Knisley of the K9 Association. "This is for additional training and equipment for our unit."

Knisley explained the canine officers' primary function is to be locating tools. They find people who might be hiding in buildings or in other scenarios where a dog's sharp sense of smell is needed. She said many times, the canines go in first and prevent the use of deadly force because suspects will give up when they hear dogs barking.

"They say 'paws before boots,'" she said. "Officer safety is huge for us."

Aside from having dogs on the force to locate people and protect their handlers, Knisley said they also serve as a common ground between officers and citizens.

"It's a really positive community support because so many people love dogs," she said. "There's that commonality with people — we love our dogs, people love their dogs, and we have a common ground that we might not otherwise."

Kelly said for next year's event, she is aiming to raise $150,000 for a training facility for the K9 Association.

"It was the community that did it. I just had a bunch of wonderful people who helped support it," she said. "I believe that our community, Coeur d'Alene, loves its police officers. It felt so amazing to see our community embrace these people, and it's not the same everywhere. I have grown to love these people, they're so cool."