The Hounds on Working Leashes Softball Tournament to benefit emergency service K-9s took place at Opportunity Field back on Aug. 18.

Hounds on Working Leashes (HOWLS) is a nonprofit organization that is here to raise funds for the purpose of saving the lives of emergency service dogs.

The organization wants to provide departments with what they are in need of to make K-9s safe and a better and more efficient asset to their partner and community. They also want to provide equipment and assist with everyday needs of the emergency service working K-9.

The organization is committed to providing K-9s with supplies that will be needed to help them complete their everyday roles in the field. This will include things such as: ballistic vests, stab vests, cleaning tubs, training, grooming products, food and any other supplies that a department requests.

All K-9 police dogs must have a vest; they are moving targets with no protection at all.

Six teams were entered in the tournament: Blue team: Diamond Dogs – Northampton County Fire & EMS; Red team: Whitehall Fire – Whitehall Fire Department; Green team: Greenawalds Fire Department (South Whitehall Township); Orange team: Arson Dawgs: Allentown Fire Department; Tan team: Jacks Rippers – Collection of Police department representing Jack; Pink team: Da Zoo – Allentown Fire Department – 3rd Platoon.

The Arson Dawgs were this year's winners with Whitehall Fire taking second.