A police officer who lost her search dog to blood poisoning just three weeks after retired, has rasied £6,000 for the charity that tried to save his life.
Belgian Malinois Dino was just seven when he retired in August 2020 as he struggled with spinal problems following a lifetime career with the PSNI.
His PNSI officer owner and former handler said: “During his busy police career, Dino helped to catch burglars, worked at public events and sports events, traced missing people and found property. He took part in lots of community events and in the regional police dog trials in 2018.
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“He was the smallest dog on the force and was affectionately nicknamed the Pocket Rocket. He was such a little live wire, always full of enthusiasm. He was a real joy to work."
Once retired, Dino returned to live with his handler and her other police dog, PD Daphne. But, sadly, it was not to last.
His owner said: "Unfortunately, just three weeks after he retired Dino fell gravely ill and I rushed him to the emergency vets. Sadly, there wasn’t anything they could do for him. He was suffering from sepsis and he was put to sleep. He is very much missed by me and by everyone who knew him.
"The Thin Blue Paw Foundation stepped in, without hesitation, and covered the full amount for Dino’s treatment. This went a huge way to helping me during, what was, a desperately sad time.”
She decided she wanted to give something back to the charity that had helped her and her beloved Dino.
She said: “I designed a special t-shirt, using the Thin Blue Paw Foundation logo, and ordered 100 to sell. They were snapped up in hours so I launched a force-wide sale of T-shirts and over five months I sold around 900 T-shirts and raised £5,847.50 for the charity.
“I was absolutely blown away by the response from police officers and staff within PSNI. I couldn’t have done it without them and I was so glad to be able to give something back to the charity; the organisation is doing such amazing work.”
About the Thin Blue Paw Foundation:
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is a national dog welfare charity which protects, celebrates and rehabilitates both serving and retired police dogs from across Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
Founded by a group of people who are passionate about improving the health and welfare of serving and retired police dogs across the United Kingdom, they have helped hundreds of owners face difficult times.
Retired police dogs do not receive financial support in their retirement from the force they served with, meaning the responsibility for their care and vet bills fall solely to their former handler or new owner.
Unable to get pet insurance due to their working life, many are left with ongoing vet bills which can amount to thousands.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is currently providing much needed financial support to over 200 unsung canine heroes and their owners to enable them to have a long and happy retirement.
If you would like to donate to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, you can click here and follow the link
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