MEET

RPD Riley

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeDerbyshire Constabulary

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionSepsis

Grant amount received£7,000

  • Retired police dog Riley on the mend
  • RPD Riley home in front of the Christmas tree
  • Retired police dog Riley at the vets

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG RILEY

RPD Riley served as a general purpose dog with the Metropolitan Police for four years before joining Derbyshire Constabulary.

During his service with his handler, PC Andy Bailey, he received a highly commended certificate at the 2021 Thin Blue Paw Awards.

When he retired in 2022 he was adopted by fellow police officer – and namesake – Sgt Scott Riley.

He said: “He was a wonderful dog and, as my namesake, I felt we had to offer him a home!”

Retired police dog Riley sick at the vets
RPD Riley home in front of the Christmas tree

In December 2025, Riley was taken to the vets after a patch of dry skin on his elbow cracked. Vets gave him spray to use but, just days later, the wound had turned septic, with the infection spreading to his join, and Riley was fighting for his life.

Scott said: “Riley went dramatically downhill; he couldn’t eat, drink or stand. He was dying in front of us.”

Initially, his owners thought the only option was to put him to sleep. But after advice from our Foundation and more meetings with his vets, we felt surgery would be in his best interest.

We covered the £7,000 bill and, thankfully, Riley pulled through to return home to recover with his loving family.

RPD Riley with his owner, Scott

“We are so grateful to the Thin Blue Paw for helping us navigate through Riley’s treatment, helping with the costs, and undoubtedly saving his life. We’re hoping for many more years with our boy.“

Scott, Riley’s owner

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