MEET

RPD Arnold

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeDerbyshire Constabulary

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionArthritis and allergies

Grant amount received£150

  • Retired police dog Arnold lays in the grass
  • Retired police dog Arnold relaxing in front of the fire
  • Retired police dog Arnold has a bath

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG ARNOLD

RPD Arnold proudly served as a general purpose dog with Derbyshire Police for six years.

His adopter Midge Randall said: “Throughout his career, officers would often joke: ‘Arnie will sort it!’ because when he was deployed people knew the job would get done.

“He was courageous, determined and incredibly dependable; he earned a reputation as a dog who could always be trusted under pressure.”

When he retired he was adopted by Midge Randall and her family. Midge’s husband, a firearms officer, had worked alongside Arnold and his handler for many years.

Retired police dog Arnold with his toy
Retired police dog Arnold has a bath

“Away from uniform and operational work is the softer side of Arnold, the side we know best,” she said.

“When he first arrived with us, I was seven-months pregnant and he became my shadow, quietly following at my heel with an instinctive protectiveness that never faded.

“Through sleepless nights, exhausting newborn days and all the difficult moments that came with a new baby, Arnold remained calm, loyal, and close by my side.”

Now, Arnold has devoted himself to his most important role yet: loyal companion and big brother to his two-year-old little sister!

Unfortunately, Arnold struggles with allergies that have caused infections in his ears and skin, as well as painful arthritis. He receives pain relief and medication for these, supported by the Foundation.

Midge added: “Despite his discomfort, Arnold remains full of enthusiasm, love and resilience.

“He approaches life with the same determination that once made him such an exceptional police dog, only now it’s for family games, cuddles on the sofa, and crunching his favourite treat: a carrot!

“Arnold is wonderfully dopey, endlessly affectionate, and fiercely loyal. Beneath the brave police dog reputation is a giant softie who loves deeply and asks for very little in return beyond affection, company, and perhaps the occasional carrot.

“Though he may no longer be chasing criminals, Arnold still protects, comforts, and serves his family every single day — proving that retirement never stopped him being a hero.”

Retired police dog Arnold relaxing in front of the fire
Retired police dog Arnold looks at the camera

“The Thin Blue Paw is so important as these animals give their best years working to keep us safe. Unfortunately they get nothing when they’re rehomed despite the hard and damaging work they’ve done.“

Midge, Arnold’s owner

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