MEET

RPD Becks

Breed of dogLabrador

Location of servitudeSussex Police

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

ConditionInjury and growth removal

Grant amount received£1,800

  • Retired police dog Becks poses for a photo
  • Retired police dog Becks at the beach
  • Retired police dog Becks in the van

MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG BECKS

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How did Becks end up as a police dog?

Becks trained to become a guide dog with the Blind Association but was kicked out of the programme after proving too playful and bouncy for the role, and was gifted to police.

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What was Becks’ job?

Becks was an explosive search dog who worked as a passive detection dog at Gatwick Airport, scanning the air around passengers and their luggage for any suspicious scents.

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Did Becks adapt well to retired life?

“He trotted straight into the kitchen, sat down and stared at the kitchen cupboard where I used to keep the treats. After all that time, he hadn’t forgotten!”

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What does the Thin Blue Paw Foundation mean to you?

“If I’d had no help the bill would have gone on a credit card and I’d be in debt now. I’m just so grateful to the charity and all of its supporters. I think it’s crucial that we give ex-service dogs the highest quality of care and, without the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, I don’t think that would be achieved.”

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG BECKS IN RETIREMENT

At 18-months-old, RPD Becks was gifted to Sussex Police after he failed to qualify as a guide dog due to his bouncy personality.

He was partnered with dog handler PC Sam Kembery, who said: “Becks is a big lad and he is full of personality but he passed his training first time with flying colours. He has a really good nose on him.”

The duo were stationed at Gatwick Airport – alongside Sam’s second search dog, cocker spaniel Reggie – where they carried out passive searches of passengers and luggage.

When Sam was injured in 2016 and had to leave the unit, Reggie retired with her but Becks was passed to another handler to work for another two years.

Retired police dog Becks in the van
Retired police dog Becks at the beach

When he retired in 2018 he went back to live with Sam and she was thrilled to have him home.

Becks was enjoying retired life when he was out on a walk and cut his paw which needed stitches, costing £600. The following month, a fast-growing growth that had to be removed from his back; with the bill coming to £1,200. We covered both bills.

Sam said: “I don’t have that kind of money. I only work part-time and I have my son to take care of. When the Thin Blue Paw Foundation offered to cover both bills I couldn’t believe it. I cried my eyes out; it was just such a huge weight off my mind.”

Retired police dog Becks poses for a photo

“I will be eternally grateful for everyone’s generosity at the Thin Blue Paw Foundation and for helping me give Becks the care he deserves.”

Sam, Becks’ previous handler and owner

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