Love For Dogs: Cantonment Woman Gifts Her Home To Benefit ECSO K-9s

December 5, 2022

Claudia Van Gee devoted her life to dogs.

And the Cantonment woman’s true love for canines will continue long after she’s gone.

Van Gee has decided to leave her home and property to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Foundation to benefit ECSO’s K-9 unit for years to come.

She is a retired dog obedience competitor with a career spanning a period of 42 years.

Here’s how she explains her gift, in her own words:

I worked with a lab mix, Alaskan malamutes, golden retrievers, rottweilers, Shetland sheepdogs and border collies in obedience and tracking, showing in New England, Oregon, California, Washington, Canada and the greater Florida area.

“I am bequeathing my homestead to the ECSO K9 unit to give back to the community. Because dogs have a sense of smell estimated at over 100,000 times more powerful than a human, are said to have a wider field of vision, giving them better motion detection, have a strong sense of attachment to their handlers and are willing partners to whatever we ask of them. What better being to have by your side as a law enforcement official? Oh, and though no dog is faster than a speeding bullet, they can still outrun most humans.”

The 3,287 square foot home is located on about 1.4 acres on Pine Forest Road south of West Roberts Road.

“Ms. Van Gee, your generosity towards and appreciation for the work of the Sheriff’s Office and their K9 unit is unparalleled and words will never be able to convey our appreciation,” the foundation said.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

8 Responses to “Love For Dogs: Cantonment Woman Gifts Her Home To Benefit ECSO K-9s”

  1. Don on December 6th, 2022 2:33 pm

    They’ll sell it and use the proceeds to fund the unit

  2. Carol Kingua on December 5th, 2022 2:43 pm

    What a awesome thing for Ms Claudia to do , she is a neighbor of mine, I here her and her dogs out in her back yard all the time , bless you Ms Claudia ♥️

  3. Paul on December 5th, 2022 12:32 pm

    How will the site be utilized? Really nice of her.
    I’ve always had dogs, so I understand how she feels.

  4. Molino resident on December 5th, 2022 12:14 pm

    Very very nice.

  5. Susie on December 5th, 2022 8:50 am

    Bless Ms. Van Gee’s heart. What a wonderful thing to do for the K9’s!

  6. Mary on December 5th, 2022 8:23 am

    Now that is a great way to start the day, by hearing about such a giving, generous heart!
    Thank you Miss Claudia, God bless you!!

  7. EMD on December 5th, 2022 7:26 am

    That is so very nice and thoughtful. Thank you, Claudia. for being so nice to dogs and law enforcement. So many are not. Thank you for your generosity and for caring.

  8. Bewildered on December 5th, 2022 5:58 am

    What an uplifting news item. Can’t think of a better way to leave a lasting legacy -