MEET

RPD Chips

Breed of dogSpringer Spaniel

Location of servitudeHumberside Police

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

ConditionArthritis

Grant amount received£250

  • A portrait of retired police dog Chips
  • Police dog Chips during his service protecting the US Ambassador
  • Retired police dog Chips relaxing in a garden chair

MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG CHIPS

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What was a career highlight for Chips?

“He was deployed to London as part of the security team responsible for safeguarding the American Ambassador’s residency, during President Trump’s first term in office.”

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Any funny stories about Chips?

“In 2024, whilst on a lovely long walk, Chips managed to locate and consume a quantity of green herbal substance without anyone noticing. Two hours later, an extremely drowsy Chips required urgent veterinary care, including a stomach pump, anti-sickness medication, and plenty of cuddles. It wasn’t funny at the time but now it does make us chuckle!”

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How has his health been?

“Chips has suffered from arthritis for approximately two years and, in January 2026, he ruptured the ligament in his rear left leg, requiring surgical repair. He has struggled to regain full strength in that leg, resulting in a continuous course of medication and weekly physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions. He is gradually improving and we remain hopeful that he will return to full fitness in due course.”

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Why is the Thin Blue Paw Foundation important?

“The Thin Blue Paw provides essential support to dogs and their new families, offering reassurance that help will always be available when needed. The charity’s commitment ensures that these dedicated animals are never forgotten for their service.”

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG CHIPS

RPD Chips joined Humberside Police in August 2019 as a licensed cash, drugs and firearms detection dog.

His handler described him as ‘a character to work with’, with ‘his own style of searching’, adding: “Efficiency wasn’t his strong point!”

But he still had many successes. On one job he located over £40,000 in cash during a search supporting Border Force.

After three years, Chips retired in 2022 and Glen Anfield approached his wife to see if she was interested in adopting him.

Glen said: “After sending my wife a single text message containing a photograph of him and a question mark, I received an immediate and enthusiastic reply: ‘YES.’

“Six days later, we collected Chips from the police kennels, and from that moment on he settled seamlessly into family life.”

Police dog Chips during his service protecting the US Ambassador
Retired police dog Chips recovering from surgery

“Chips embraced retirement from the moment he stepped into the boot of our car. I’m convinced that during the journey home he forgot everything about being a police dog!”

Chips is enjoying the quiet life, spending time outdoors walking at the beach or sniffing across open fields. 

“Chips is mischievous by nature, frequently helping himself to cupboards he shouldn’t be in and consuming anything with a pleasant scent,” Glen added.

“Despite his occasional antics, it’s almost impossible to be frustrated with him, especially when he greets you at the door with a wide grin and a wagging rear end that looks as though it might lift him off the ground!”

Sadly, Chips has struggled with health problems including arthritis and a ruptured ligament. The Foundation has supported Glen with the cost of his arthritis pain management.

Retired police dog Chips relaxing in a garden chair

“The Thin Blue Paw’s work is invaluable, ensuring that police dogs who have served their communities receive the healthcare, retirement and recognition they deserve.”

Glen, Chips’s owner

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