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MEET
RPD Flint
Belgian Malinois
Ministry of Defence Police
General Purpose
Gastric torsion
£2,000
2010 – 2023
MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG FLINT
What are some of the highlights of Flint’s career?
“We met the then Prince Charles during a visit to HMNB Devonport, where we were stationed, and Flint got the Royal pat on the head!”
What did Flint’s daily working life look like?
Flint spent his whole working life at Devonport patrolling the dock areas where the nuclear submarines underwent repairs and refits, and the seawalls where the naval ships would berth. He would also patrol within HMS Drake – the Navy’s accommodation – and would assist with securing buildings, anti-social behaviour incidents and support Devon and Cornwall Police with certain response calls or large-scale incidents or events.
What’s your favourite memory with Flint?
“We had some wonderful holidays and trips during his retirement, including to Scotland and Wales. Climbing to the top of Pen-Y-Ghent in the Yorkshire Dales was one holiday highlight which we really enjoyed.”
Tell us a funny story about Flint…
“Flint loved apples and we were out walking during a holiday in the Yorkshire Dales when he jumped up and nose-bopped one off a tree!”
HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG FLINT IN RETIREMENT

RPD Flint was bred by the Ministry of Defence Police Dog Section at HMNB Devonport in Devon; both of his parents were police dogs.
He was matched with his handler, Karen Crossley, at nine weeks old in December 2010, and the duo spent six years keeping the Navy’s nuclear submarines secure.
Flint retired in 2018 to live with Karen in Cornwall to enjoy a quieter life.
In June 2022, Flint started acting strangely, hunching his back and trying to be sick. Karen rushed him to the vets when she noticed his stomach was starting to bloat.
Karen said: “We rushed Flint to the vet and they said they thought he had a twisted stomach and was going into shock. I had to kiss him and say goodbye. We had no idea if he made it.”
Flint pulled through and we stepped in to help cover the £2,000 bill. Karen said: “I’m so grateful to the Thin Blue Paw for their support and for saving Flint’s life.”
Sadly, in March 2023, Flint suffered from gastric torsion for a second time when his intestines twisted.
He had another emergency operation but struggled to recover and Karen had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye.


IN MEMORY OF
RPD FLINT 2010-2022
“We miss Flint every day and still donate to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation in his memory. Despite saying we wouldn’t have another Mali, we adopted one a year ago!” – Karen
POLICE DOG MEMORIAL ROLL OF HONOUR

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