MEET

RPD Joe

Breed of dogCocker Spaniel

Location of servitudeSurrey Police

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

ConditionSlipped disc

Grant amount received£540

Year of birth to year of death2010 – 2023

  • Retired police dog Joe
  • Retired police dog Joe sticks out his tongue

MORE ABOUT HOW WE SUPPORTED RETIRED POLICE DOG JOE

RPD Joe spent eight years working as a sniffer dog with Surrey and Sussex Police, trained to detect cash, drugs and firearms.

“Joe was retired in December 2019 after a long, hard working career during which he, and his handler, had many successes,” Joe’s new owner, PC Dan Thomas, said.

“I first met Joe when I was on my initial dog handler training course in Surrey. His handler and I were on a course for 12 weeks together and I got to know Joe well.

“He came to live with me on the beautiful island of Guernsey where he enjoyed the sunshine, beaches, salty sea swims and long cliff walks. During the colder months, he loved to snooze on the sofa in front of the fire and his own home-made roast dinners!”  

Retired police dog Joe
Retired police dog Joe sleeps on the sofa

Joe settled well into life with Dan – a Guernsey Police dog handler – his family and his two working police dogs, Boss and Lynx.

“Joe had been thoroughly enjoying his retirement until he became unwell in 2022 with a slipped disc in his spine, compressing a nerve,” Dan said. “Luckily, with the fantastic help of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, who gave us a grant of £540, Joe received treatment and pain relief and made a full recovery.

“He was soon back to his usual bubbly self, running around and playing with his ball. The support from the charity was a huge, huge help to us financially. We’re incredibly grateful.”

Sadly, 13-year-old Joe had to put to sleep in October 2023 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.  

Retired police dog Joe at the beach

IN MEMORY OF

RPD JOE 2010-2023

“When I found out Joe was retiring I wanted him to come to live with us as he was such a lovely little dog. He loved retired life and was very spoiled. Having him put to sleep was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. We miss him every day.” – Dan

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