MEET

RPD Jazz

Breed of dogLabrador

Location of servitudeSuffolk Police

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

ConditionArthritis

Grant amount received£700

  • Retired police dog Jazz with her toy
  • Retired police dog Jazz with his ball
  • Retired police dog Jazz sleeping

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG JAZZ IN RETIREMENT

RPD Jazz worked as a passive drugs detection dog with Suffolk Police until her handler retired in 2019, and police chiefs decided she could retire too.

Joanne and Andy Batley offered to give her a home after Andy – who worked at Norwich Football Club – had met Jazz during training exercises at the ground.

Joanne said: “Andy was chatting to the handlers and mentioned that we were thinking of getting a dog and they said Jazz was coming up for retirement and would need a new home; it was fate!

“Jazz is perfect, she settled in and fitted in really well with us.”

Police dog Jazz at the ground
Retired police dog Jazz sleeping

The couple weren’t aware that insuring retired police dogs can be tricky.

Joanne added: “I looked into insurance but, for her age, it was so costly so we decided we’d cover her bills ourselves.

“In 2020 she was diagnosed with arthritis in her rear hip joints and requires anti-inflammatory medication daily. We covered the first few months and then I came across the Thin Blue Paw Foundation by chance online and was amazed at what they offered.

“She’s our responsibility and we’re happy to pay to care for her; but to have this help for medication, especially at this time with rising living costs, we’re incredibly grateful.”

Retired police dog Jazz at the beach

“I registered Jazz with the Foundation and was happy to donate every month. When I found out they’d help cover her monthly medication costs I was amazed.”

Joanne, Jazz’s owner

BENEFICIARIES OF OUR GRANTS

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