MEET

RPD Neeko

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeNorfolk and Suffolk Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionDamaged disc

Grant amount received£9,600

  • Retired police dog Neeko
  • Retired police dog Neeko with his toy
  • Retired police dog Neeko recovering

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG NEEKO IN RETIREMENT

RPD Neeko served for seven years as a general purpose dog with the Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies’ Joint Dog Section, patrolling the Downham Market area of Norfolk with his handler.

He was incredibly successful at tracking fleeing suspects and was named Police Dog of the Year in 2017, 2018 and runner-up in 2019.

He retired in 2023 and went to live with Nicole Ollett, who works for the police and heard he was looking for a new home, in Norfolk.

Nicole said: “Neeko adjusted really well to retired life. He loves to play football with our four boys and lay under the trampoline watching the world go by. He spends lots of time out farming or bricklaying with my husband, but also loves to relax on the sofa and watch police TV programmes!

“But most of all, he loves his teddy bear. He got him on his first day and still carries him around with him!”

Retired police dog Neeko with a stick
Retired police dog Neeko recovering

Neeko retired with a clean bill of health so when he suddenly collapsed the family was shocked.

Nicole added: “Neeko seemed a bit slower than usual but nothing particularly noticeable. Then we woke one morning and he couldn’t stand up; he was clearly in a lot of pain.”

They rushed him to the vet and he was sent to a specialist for scans and tests. Vets found he’d broken a disc in his neck which was putting pressure on his spinal column, affecting his ability to stand and walk.

He had surgery and returned home to begin his long road to recovery, with medication, regular physiotherapy and check-ups, covered by our Foundation.

Retired police dog Neeko with his toy

“It was absolutely awful when we found Neeko unable to stand; he couldn’t get up and we had to carry him to the car while he was crying. We’re so grateful the Thin Blue Paw was there to help us.”

Nicole, Neeko’s owner

BENEFICIARIES OF OUR GRANTS

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