MEET

RPD Ruger

Breed of dogSpringer Spaniel

Location of servitudeDurham Constabulary

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

  • Retired police dog Ruger gives a 'paw'
  • Retired police dog Ruger poses in the garden
  • Retired police dog Ruger with his toy

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG RUGER

RPD Ruger started his working life with the prison service but, when it didn’t work out, he was transferred to Durham Constabulary.

Ruger licensed as a cash, drugs and firearms detection dog and served for over three years.

His handler, Jon Hamilton, said: “I was lucky enough to be Ruger’s handler and jumped at the chance to keep him when he retired. He’s the most loving dog with his family and friends, who all worship him.

“During his career, he found many caches of hidden drugs and money and, in one of his final searches, located a viable firearm.

“Despite being large for a springer spaniel (I never went on a search without an officer commenting on his size!) he can be timid around people he doesn’t know.

Retired police dog Ruger poses in the garden
Retired police dog Ruger with his toy

“I was once asked to take him around a college to search for drugs but poor Ruger spent the entire time trying to dodge all the students who wanted to give him a cuddle!”

Jon’s wife, Karen, said: “Ruger settled into retirement with ease and enjoys nothing more than cuddling up on the sofa or bed with us. His favourite toy is his ball but he has had to slow down recently and can’t play chase like he used to!

“He’s kept us on his toes since retiring, after eating a chicken skewer and needing an emergency operation to remove it. More recently, he had to have a growth removed from his lip which, thankfully, wasn’t anything serious.

“He is the most gorgeous, gentle boy and we feel privileged to have him in our family. He is the best therapy after a long day at work.”

Retired police dog Ruger gives a 'paw'

“We’re pleased to register Ruger with the Foundation. Ruger deserves the best and putting his paws up in retired life suits him!“

Karen, Ruger’s owner

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