MEET

RPD Cali

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeSouth Yorkshire Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionGrowth removal

Grant amount received£900

Year of birth to year of death2010-2024

  • Retired police dog Cali
  • Cali and her friends
  • Silhouette of retired police dog Cali

HOW WE’VE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG CALI IN RETIREMENT

RPD Cali was bred by South Yorkshire Police and was partnered with handler Rhona Meikle when he previous dog – Cali’s uncle, PD Yodi – retired.

She worked for six years until retiring at the age of eight, when she stayed with Rhona.

Rhona added: “Yodi was a fantastic dog and when he retired, after eight years, Cali took his place. I was at the training school when Cali was born and got her when she turned two.

“During her work time she saved many lives, apprehended the bad guys and protected her colleagues with tenacity and enthusiasm.”

Retired police dog Cali in the corn fields
Cali and her friends

“She also assisted in Paws for Progress, working with offenders at the Young Offenders’ Institute at Polmont Prison to develop positive relationships between police and the boys at the prison helping them in their rehabilitation.”

Cali was fit and healthy when she retired but, in March 2021, developed a large lump which needed to be removed. The surgery was covered by the Foundation.

Cali celebrated her 14th birthday on 20 October 2024 but sadly fell ill shortly afterwards and passed away on the 25 October.

Rhona added: “The Thin Blue Paw gives owners such as myself reassurance they’re there if something happens to our retired colleagues.”

Silhouette of retired police dog Cali

IN MEMORY OF

RPD CALI 2010-2024

“Cali was an amazing work partner; she was small but tenacious. I took great comfort from the fact she was related to my previous dog, carrying on the family tradition. She enjoyed a long and happy retirement thanks to the Thin Blue Paw.” – Rhona

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