CHARITY


AN URGENT APPEAL


Launched in August 2020, the Thin Blue Paw Foundation recently recorded its busiest and most expensive September this year. It has received 23 claims submitted for 21 individual dogs, totalling more than £45,000


Zuma


The Foundation supports retired police dogs across the UK by providing financial help for their veterinary and medical needs. Still, the costs are rising yearly, and the charity needs more funds to help continue offering the best help to those dogs who so desperately require it. Trustee Kieran


Stanbridge said: “This has been our most expensive month ever and we’re seeing unprecedented demand for our support. This month alone we’ve had claims of more than £45,000 submitted to us; that’s more than we paid out in 2021 (£32,000) and 2022 (£41,000).


44 | POLICE | DECEMBER | 2023


Neeko


“We have 390 dogs registered with us – that’s more than ever before – and we’re receiving more and more pleas for help


because most of these dogs have wear and tear from their strenuous working lives and are also uninsurable.”


“We have 390 dogs registered with us – that’s more than ever before – and we’re receiving more and more pleas for help from owners.


Sadly, it’s clear many dog owners are struggling due to the cost-of-living crisis, and the staggering increase in veterinary costs.”


from owners. Sadly, it’s clear many dog owners are struggling due to the cost-of- living crisis, and the staggering increase in veterinary costs. “Unfortunately, taking on a retired police dog comes with added costs


NEEKO: £9,500 Eight-year-old German Shepherd Neeko had emergency surgery in September with specialist vets in Cambridgeshire after he lost the use of his legs. RPD Neeko – who


served with Norfolk and


Suffolk Constabularies’ Joint Dog Section for seven years before retiring in February 2023 and was named Police Dog of the Year in 2017, 2018 and came runner-up in 2019 – lives in Wymondham, Norfolk, with Nicole Ollett and her family.


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