MEET

RPD Don

Breed of dogBelgian Malinois cross

Location of servitudeMinistry of Defence Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

Year of birth to year of death2010 – 2025

  • Retired police dog Don
  • Retired police dog Don
  • Retired police dog Don tilts her head at the camera

FIND OUT HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG DON IN HIS RETIREMENT

RPD Don was bred in Holland and joined the Ministry of Defence Police to train as a general purpose police dog.

Handler Richard Burley’s previous dog had been medically retired and the two were partnered and passed their training in 2013 to work at their station at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down, in Wiltshire.

Richard said: “Don was a Belgian Malinois cross Labrador which meant he had high-drive for work tasks but could be laid-back when he was off-duty.”

Don retired in 2019 and he went to live with Richard. “He seemed to enjoy his role as a family pet,” Richard said.

“Some of my colleagues had signed up to the Foundation so I registered Don.”

Retired police dog Don
Retired police dog Don tilts her head at the camera

Don became ill in 2024, losing his appetite and losing weight. He was hospitalised twice and had lots of tests but vets couldn’t find the cause.

Richard added: “We were very lucky not to need any help until 2024, but when Don became ill the Thin Blue Paw was excellent, supporting us during all the investigations vets carried out, coming to over £4,000.

“Fortunately Don’s medication wasn’t too expensive so we paid for this ourselves but it was very reassuring to know the charity was there if we needed any help.

“We kept him comfortable with medication for as long as possible and got another 12 months with him but, sadly, lost him on 3rd March 2025, a week before his 15th birthday,” Richard said.

“Fifteen is a good age for a dog, but for a dog with probable cancer it was remarkable. We’re so grateful to our vets and to the Thin Blue Paw for giving us that extra time.”

Retired police dog Don

IN MEMORY OF

RPD DON 2010-2025

‘As we reach the anniversary of Don’s death, I still think of him every day. He was a very special do and is greatly missed.’ – Richard

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