MEET

RPD Elsa

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeSurrey Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionArthritis

Grant amount received£5,200

  • Retired police dog Elsa on a walk
  • Retired police dog Elsa at hydrotherapy

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG ELSA IN RETIREMENT

RPD Elsa worked as a general purpose police dog with Surrey Police until her retirement in 2019. 

Fellow police officer, Steve Ellis, and his wife, Katie, adopted Elsa in August 2019 after she’d had two failed adoptions and they felt they could provide the stable, supportive home she needed.  

Just a month after adopting her, Elsa was rushed to the vets with a suspected mammary tumour. Fortunately the lump was benign but the operation cost more than £1,500, which they had to pay for using savings. They then registered her with our Foundation.

Now aged 13, she suffers from arthritis and we help support her treatment such as physio and hydrotherapy. She adapted well to retired life and enjoys relaxing and snoozing.

Retired police dog Elsa exploring
Retired police dog Elsa at hydrotherapy

“Elsa struggled to jump and we noticed a change to her endurance and steadiness on her feet and she was later diagnosed with arthritis,” Steve, from Surrey, said. 

“Hydrotherapy has helped to manage her pain and start to rebuild the muscles in her hind legs.

“She now enjoys a more relaxed pace of life with shorter walks and less playtime but she’s still a happy dog and that’s the most important thing!”

Steve added: “I’m so grateful that the Thin Blue Paw Foundation exists. Without a charity like this our retired police dogs wouldn’t have the support they so very much deserve.”

Retired police dog Elsa relaxes in the garden

“It’s thanks to the Thin Blue Paw that we can spend quality time with Elsa knowing that if we need support they will be there to help us.”

Steve, Elsa’s owner

BENEFICIARIES OF OUR GRANTS

MORE BENEFICIARIES OF OUR GRANTS

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  • Sponsorship certificate
  • Photo of your sponsor dog
  • A cuddly German Shepherd teddy
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