MEET

RPD Milly

Breed of dogCocker Spaniel

Location of servitudeCheshire Constabulary

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

ConditionArthritis, heart murmur, kidney failure

Grant amount received£1,300

Year of birth to year of death2007-2022

  • Retired police dog Milly enjoying spring
  • Retired police dog Milly with her owner, Judith
  • Retired police dog Milly

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG MILLY IN RETIREMENT

RPD Milly joined Cheshire Constabulary at just 10-months-old in 2008 and trained as a cash, drugs and firearms search dog. She was gifted to the force by her family who struggled to cope with her.

When she retired she was adopted by Judith Hooley, from Surrey, when she retired in 2014 following a six-year career who had heard about her looking for a new home from a friend.

Judith said: “I’d never had a dog before but my children had asked a million times if we could have one and I finally gave in!”

Milly helped Judith with her depression and got her out exercising. She added: “Milly has given me more than I could ever imagine. She was my shadow and went everywhere with me, with boundless energy, and becoming famous at the park for wagging her little stubby tail all the time.”

Retired police dog Milly
Retired police dog Milly with her owner, Judith

In 2020, Milly was diagnosed with arthritis in her hips, failing kidney function, and a heart murmur. Judith registered Milly with our Foundation and we helped cover the costs of her ongoing medication.

Judith said: “Knowing the Thin Blue Paw was there to support Milly was very reassuring. It’s heartbreaking knowing your dog won’t be with you for long, but knowing there was financial support should I need it meant one less thing to worry about.

“I believe police dogs should be supported once they retire, the same way a retired officer has a pension. They’ve loyally done their duty and it’s brilliant that the Thin Blue Paw is there fighting their corner and reminding everyone that their hard work over the years hasn’t been forgotten or wasn’t appreciated.”

Sadly, Milly had to be put to sleep in January 2022 when her heart murmur worsened causing her to collapse.  

Retired police dog Milly relaxing in the garden

IN MEMORY OF

RPD MILLY 2007-2022

“The kindest thing to do was to have Milly put to sleep. The Foundation has been a tremendous support during her lifetime and I kept her blue Thin Blue Paw blanket she slept on from your goody bag.” – Judith

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