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MEET
RPD Jude
German Shepherd
Leicestershire Police
General Purpose
Cancer
£1,100
2013 – 2024
MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG JUDE
What are some of the highlights of Jude’s career?
“She found a violent and aggressive suspect who had fled the scene of a burglary, driving over a police officer causing them serious injuries. The officer was lying on the floor with potentially life-threatening injuries to his legs and the suspect then fled on foot. Jude was pivotal in finding the suspect who was hiding low in a copse nearby and Jude was able to help us safely detain and arrest him. She did us proud and worked very hard.”
What does retired life look like for Jude?
“Jude had her own passport and spent a lot of her retirement in the French countryside. The village donkeys would trot to the edge of their field to give her a gentle sniff and kiss!”
Tell us a funny story about Jude…
“Her favourite treat in the world was.. ICE CUBES! If the freezer was opened she would appear out of nowhere!”
What does the Thin Blue Paw Foundation mean to you?
“Having the Thin Blue Paw supporting Jude meant the world to us. Knowing they were behind us on every big decision we had to make for her was beyond wonderful. We will forever be grateful to everyone at Foundation for the kindness and support they gave to Jude during her retirement.”
HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG JUDE IN RETIREMENT

RPD Jude was bred by West Midlands Police and joined Leicestershire Police in 2014 at 10-months-old where she was partnered with PC Bate.
He and his wife, Heather, adopted her when she retired in 2019.
Heather said: “The costs were now down to us; a decision that we would make a hundred times over because she was worth it, but, nonetheless, it was daunting because working dogs put their bodies through a lot so there was always a risk of injuries surfacing as she got older. We were relieved when we heard about the Thin Blue Paw.
“Jude was gentle, loving soul and loved nothing more than snuggling up at home on her own bed, in her our own bedroom; she was so spoiled!”
In December 2021, they found a lump on her hip which was growing causing her to bite and scratch.
Vets removed the lump and carried out tests but Jude reacted badly to the sedative and fell ill, so we supported them with the veterinary costs.
“The Thin Blue Paw was amazing throughout; they were so supportive and checked in regularly. The charity paid the bill in full and I sobbed when I saw the huge credit card bill paid off; to know that Jude had the Thin Blue Paw supporting her all the way meant the world to me.”
Sadly, Jude was diagnosed with cancer and was awaiting treatment when she fell ill and had to be hospitalised. A large tumour on her spleen had burst and she died peacefully in her owner’s arms in June 2024.


IN MEMORY OF
RPD JUDE 2013-2024
“I’ll miss everything about her, the most perfect princess there ever was. Life will never be the same without our Jude in the world.” – Heather
POLICE DOG MEMORIAL ROLL OF HONOUR

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