MEET

RPD Hugo

Breed of dogCocker Spaniel

Location of servitudeDerbyshire Constabulary

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

ConditionToe amputation

Grant amount received£1,300

  • Retired police dog Hugo at the beach
  • Retired police dog Hugo looks out the window at the snow

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG HUGO IN RETIREMENT

RPD Hugo spent eight years working as a dedicated search and detection dog with Derbyshire Constabulary, sniffing out cash, drugs and firearms.

When he retired from duty in 2019, Carol Foxon’s daughter – who works as a police officer – spotted that he was searching for a new home, and Carol adopted him.

Carol, from Derbyshire, said: “We fell in love with Hugo immediately and started the process of applying to take him on. Unfortunately, his handler was retiring after 30 years and had another full-time job and didn’t feel he had the time to give Hugo what he needed.

“Hugo is an extremely lively dog; we have to make all of the windows in the house are closed otherwise he’d jump out and go on an adventure!

Retired police dog Hugo in the water
Retired police dog Hugo

“It took a while for Hugo to settle into family life but now he’s loving the quieter pace. He’s an affectionate, much-loved member of our family and we all adore him.” 

Sadly, in February 2021, vets found Hugo had a malignant tumour deep in his nail bed and he had to have his toe amputated. It took 10 weeks to heal fully, with regular visits to the vets costing £1,300 and the Foundation covered the cost.

Carol was very grateful for the support. She added: “We just wanted Hugo to survive and, thankfully, he made a wonderful recovery.

“He has since enjoyed a holiday in our little caravan in Cornwall and he absolutely loved jumping in the sea and barking at the gulls.”

Retired police dog Hugo looks out the window at the snow

“We were very worried about Hugo and weren’t sure how we were going to pay the bill. It put our minds at rest to know we could turn to the charity and they would help us.”

Carol, Hugo’s owner

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