Yoda, an 8-year-old female, served as a K-9 for six years. Photo courtesy of the West Sacramento K9 Association

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On Saturday, Sept. 28, the West Sacramento K-9 Association held its third annual 5K/10K, and this time, it was to celebrate the retirement of Yoda, one of their beloved K-9’s.

Held at River City High School from 9 a.m. to noon, the funds raised from the event went toward the K-9 Association, whose specific purpose is to assist with the expenses of the retired canines in Yolo County. Expenses include veterinary care, food and eventual burial expenses.

Linda Sherwood, a West Sacramento resident and K-9 Association volunteer, shared that the event was “wonderful.”

According to Sherwood, the event featured K9 demonstrations from multiple Sacramento-area police departments. She noted that one of the West Sacramento officers even dressed up as Darth Vader during a demonstration, during which K9 Yoda came out and “took down Darth Vader one last time,” paying homage to the classic “Star Wars” series.

Yoda, according to Sherwood, is 8 years old and served as a K-9 for six of those. It is undetermined at the moment where Yoda will spend her retirement years, but she is in good hands with the West Sacramento K-9 Association, Sherwood said.

In addition to the 5K/10K flanked by River City High School cheerleaders, Sherwood said there were many tables and booths set up encouraging community engagement, including the District Attorney’s Office. She also mentioned there were options for food and drinks, and a kids’ area featuring a bounce house.

Also, at the K-9 Association event was a raffle giving away at least 28 prizes.

The total amount of funds raised is unknown as of press time.

“It’s a wonderful thing to get together and see what the dogs are trained in,” Sherwood said. “More people should come out next year!”

For more information about the West Sacramento K-9 Association, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100080750319069.