Retired PD Captain needs a major operation.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has launched an emergency fundraising appeal for a retired police dog’s spinal surgery.

Captain, a seven-year-old German shepherd, requires an operation costing between £5,000 and £7,500 to correct damage caused to his spine during his career.

The German shepherd had a three-year career as a general purpose dog with West Midlands Police before he ruptured his cruciate ligament in September 2021. Despite having surgery, the injury meant he was forced to retire from the force in 2022.

Since qualifying in 2018, Captain’s career included a successful partnership with PC Marcus Cottrell which saw him awarded the Police Chief’s Certificate of Achievement.

However, the strenuous nature of the work has left Captain’s spine with lasting injuries which now require major surgery.

Captain’s treatment so far has been funded by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity which protects and rehabilitates serving and retired police dogs in the UK. As retired police dogs do not receive financial support post-retirement, the charity often helps owners with veterinary bills.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has already paid approximately £4,500 for Captain’s treatments and tests.

The JustGiving fundraiser for the surgery has already far exceeded the charity’s £9,000 target, with over £12,500 raised so far.

Kieran Stanbridge said: “Unfortunately, the wear and tear from Captain’s working life has left its mark on his body, and he’s been struggling on his rear legs for some time. Tests have shown that he’s got severe damage to his spine which needs surgery so he can continue to have a quality of life.  

“Captain gave years of his life to working as a police dog and now he deserves to have a long and happy, comfortable retirement, so we want to give him the very best chance at that.”

PC Cottrell, who has kept Captain as a pet after retirement, added: “Without the support of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation I would have had a very difficult decision to make when the heart breaking decision was made, by others, to retire Captain. The support that the Foundation provides to Captain with this has made a huge difference to his life post-retirement.
 
“The latest condition has been very traumatic and the Foundation has been amazing with their support and getting him seen at one of Europe’s leading referral centres.”

Donations can be made here.

Image © The Thin Blue Paw Foundation