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MEET
RPD Saul
German Shepherd
Police Scotland
General Purpose
MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG SAUL
What are the highlights from Saul’s career?
“Saul was a great tracking and search dog. We once attended a domestic incident where the male made off and Saul began tracking through a housing estate in the early hours of the morning. I trusted him and he led me to the front door of an address where fresh spots of blood were found on the doorstep, we awaited the arrival of other officers and the suspect was found within. Our control room supervisor contacted me after the incident thanking us; I was so proud of Saul.”
What does retirement look like for Saul?
“Saul has a good life and is very much loved by my family and I. He adores my little grandsons and is very respectful around them. He loves interacting with my other dogs, carrying his red ball everywhere with him, and playing outside. He also enjoys fine dining; especially an air-fried roast chicken!”
What’s your favourite memory with Saul since he retired?
“I was saddened to leave Saul behind on my retirement (he was re-handled) so when he was returned six months later he just embraced being back amongst his pack and heading out with them on walks. I have no doubt had he not sustained an injury this boy would have still been keeping people safe out there, he is a super dog.”
Tell us a funny story about Saul…
“One Sunday I prepared a beautiful brisket joint for a family dinner. I left it to rest in the kitchen for a short time but later returned to find it gone! My other three dogs just stood looking at me with that ‘It wasn’t us, mum’ face. The big handsome boy had managed to acquire it and was tucked up in his bed happily working his way through the brisket. I just laughed at him and left him to enjoy his hearty meal, a lesson learned on my part!”
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG SAUL
RPD Saul was bred and born in Lancashire and transferred to Police Scotland at just nine-weeks-old in 2020.
He was paired with PC Linda McBride to replace her soon-to-retire general purpose dog, Luna.
Linda said: “Saul was a fabulous pup; full of character, and took to learning all in his stride.
“After we licensed in September 2021 we had success quickly and I was extremely proud of him. I just loved working alongside him on the street.


“He had a presence about him so criminals on the street gave themselves up to us pretty quickly when he emerged from the back of my police van.”
When Linda retired in 2022, Saul was rehandled but Linda was heartbroken to be separated from him.
Just a few months later Saul suffered a mouth injury whilst training and the decision was made to retire him.
“Much to our delight, Saul returned to us and our pack!” Linda added.

“I’m so grateful to have Saul registered with the Thin Blue Paw Foundation and to know he’ll get support if he ever needs it.”
Linda, Saul’s former handler and owner
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- Sponsorship certificate
- Photo of your sponsor dog
- A cuddly German Shepherd teddy
- Quarterly email updates on your sponsor dog

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