MEET

RPD Orson

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeKent Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionSpondylitis

Grant amount received£3,000

Year of birth to year of death2012-2025

  • Retired police dog Orson
  • Retired police dog Orson on a walk
  • Retired police dog Orson

MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG ORSON

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What are the highlights from Orson’s career?

Orson once tracked a missing person for approximately six miles and found that person safely.

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What does retirement look like for Orson?

“Orson enjoys chasing his football and will do almost anything for his Kong toy (as well as the odd cube of cheese). He has become a master of the ‘relaxation on the hearth rug technique’!”

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What’s your favourite memory with Orson since his retirement?

“Attending the recording of ITV’s ‘The Pet Show’ to promote the Thin Blue Paw Foundation.”

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Tell us a funny story about Orson…

“The first time someone came to our door after Orson came home he showed his prowess as a guard dog.. he was asleep on the rug and slept through the whole experience!”

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG ORSON IN RETIREMENT

RPD Orson spent six years working as a general purpose dog with Kent Police before retiring in 2020 due to a diagnosis of spondylitis – arthritis in the spine – and an enlarged prostate gland.

He was adopted by Peter Halsey, and his family, from Essex. Peter said: “Orson’s a lovely lad who’s given so much over his life and I’m glad we could offer him a retirement home to live out his days.”

Sadly both of his health conditions are painful so he needs regular medication to manage the pain, and this can be quite costly.

Orson’s insurance wouldn’t cover the cost because it was a pre-existing condition.

Retired police dog Orson
Retired police dog Orson with owner, Peter

The Foundation pays for the monthly cost and we also cover the costs of medication to treat his skin problem.

Peter said: “When we found out about the Thin Blue Paw and they agreed to cover Orson’s medication costs we were over-the-moon! Now all anxiety regarding his medication and treatment are covered by the Foundation.

“It gives us peace of mind knowing we do not have to shoulder the financial burden alone which is a cost that’s constantly rising. The Foundation is a lifeline for us.”

RPD Orson passed away in October 2025 after almost six years with his family.

IN MEMORY OF

RPD ORSON 2012-2025

“Heartbroken doesn’t come close to how we feel. Orson, your service is done and you made our family complete. We will miss you every day.” – Peter 

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