MEET

RPD Keach

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudePolice Scotland

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionSpondylosis and arthritis

Grant amount received£3,200

Year of birth to year of death2011 – 2025

  • Retired police dog Keach with a ball
  • Retired police dog Keach sightseeing
  • Retired police dog Keach

MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG KEACH

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What are some of the highlights of Keach’s career?

“Keach was never recognised for any of the great finds that she made but she located many missing people in her career, saving lots of lives and catching many more bad guys with her amazing nose.”

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What does retired life look like for Keach?

“Keach loves exploring on walks and the beach is her favourite place (or anywhere else with water for her to swim)!”

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What’s your favourite memory with Keach since she retired?

“Keach is such a live wire and never switches off so when she snuggles up on the sofa beside me and goes to sleep it’s pretty special.”

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Tell us a funny story about Keach…

“Keach is the ultimate water baby who once decided that splashing up and down the river was far more appealing that looking for car thieves who has just ran off on the other side of the water! To make it worse the force helicopter was overhead watching us.”

HOW WE’VE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG KEACH IN RETIREMENT

RPD Keach was bred as part of the West Midlands Police puppy programme and started off her career in England – where she was called Peach – before moving up to Police Scotland at two-and-a-half.

Her name was changed to Keach and she joined Police Scotland where she partnered with handler, Julie Roy.

Julie said: “Keach loved her work and especially loved to track. She only stopped if the scent stopped and would continue for miles even on hard surface.”

Keach retired at the age of eight and was adopted by Julie. She now lives with her new best friend, failed Guide Dog Mollie, a Labrador, who has taught her how to snuggle on the sofa, how to play and how to cuddle.

Retired police dog Keach in the countryside
Retired police dog Keach

Keach, who is now aged 13, also lives in harmony with Julie’s two cats.

Keach was in good health when she retired but, at the age of 12, she was diagnosed with spondylosis of the spine and arthritis in her knee.

She has a regular pain-relief injection which we pay for.

Julie said: “Vet bills are expensive and our dogs have worked hard in their working lives, that puts extra strain on the joints and body.

“I can’t thank the Thin Blue Paw enough for supporting Keach; to know that financial support is there to help is such a relief.”

Retired police dog Keach

IN MEMORY OF

RPD KEACH 2011-2025


“Keach was a phenomenal working dog; her nose never let us down. I was proud to be her handler and have her by my side. Until we meet again, Keachy.” – Julie

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