Your cart is currently empty!
MEET
RPD Albion
Belgian Malinois
West Midlands Police
General Purpose
Stomach blockage
£640
MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG ALBION
What are some of the highlights of Albion’s career?
“Albie had a good tracking record and was utilised to find missing people in areas that were not accessible as well as to track the scent of suspects who’d run off. He was trained to chase and detain suspects, worked alongside firearms officers at incidents where suspects were armed, and helped to keep the peace at public order incidents and football matches.”
Why did Albion retire?
“Albie jumped over a fence and landed badly, injuring his left hind hock. He wouldn’t put any weight on his leg and needed scans and treatment. Although he’s a lot better now he still has a limp which he’ll live with for the rest of his life.”
Why did you adopt Albion?
“When Albie retired, we kept him. It would have been difficult to rehome him due to his aggressive nature and I’d completely fallen in love with him. When we broke up, I kept Albie with me. He is such a loving and fun dog, and he worked so hard to keep people safe. I wanted to give him the best retirement he could have after all the years of hard work and putting himself at risk.”
What is life like with Albion now?
“Life with Albie is wonderful; he makes me smile every day. He is playful, outgoing and, although he has many quirks, he keeps us entertained. He has really come out of his shell since he retired, and has become an incredible support unit for me.”
HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG ALBION IN RETIREMENT
RPD Albion was bred by West Midlands Police and worked as a general purpose and firearms support dog until he retired at the age of seven due to a leg injury which was caused by a bad landing after jumping over a fence.
He was adopted by his handler’s former partner, Laura Johnson, who’d grown very attached to him, but he struggled to adjust to retired life in Coventry.
With a lot of time and patience he’s now adjusted to his new life and loves to curl up on the sofa with Laura.


Known as Albie, the 10-year-old now has regular hydrotherapy which Laura pays for.
But she registered him with the Foundation as she was concerned about the physical conditions he could have as a result of his working life, and what she’d do if he needed significant treatment in the future.
When Albion suddenly fell ill in 2023 and needed diagnostic tests and surgery for a stomach blockage, we paid the vet bill, taking a weight off Laura’s mind.
She said: “I was in the process of buying a house so couldn’t afford this treatment.”

“I was really relieved when the Thin Blue Paw said it would cover the cost. It was such a stressful time and this was a God send.”
Laura, Albion’s owner
BENEFICIARIES OF OUR GRANTS

Sponsor a retired police dog
Help us with the costs to rehabilitate heroic retired police dogs once they leave the line of duty by sponsoring a dog to support their ongoing care and treatment.
Your sponsorship pack will include:
- Sponsorship certificate
- Photo of your sponsor dog
- A cuddly German Shepherd teddy
- Quarterly email updates on your sponsor dog

STAY UP TO DATE
Sign up to receive our Thin Blue Paw newsletter straight to your inbox with all the latest news including inspiring stories of the dogs we’ve supported and lots more. By completing this form, you are confirming that you are 18 years of age or over.