MEET

RPD Ted

Breed of dogLabrador

Location of servitudeMinistry of Defence Police

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

ConditionCancer

Grant amount received£4,000

Year of birth to year of death2014 – 2025

  • Retired police dog Ted
  • Retired police dog Ted with Sophie
  • Retired police dog Ted celebrates his birthday

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG TED IN RETIREMENT

RPD Ted spent six years working as a sniffer dog for the Ministry of Defence Police, based at HMNB Portsmouth, carrying out routine searches. 

Eleven-year-old Ted retired early, in 2021, at the age of eight, after being diagnosed with hip dysplasia. 

He went to live with fellow police officer Sophie Ray, in Hampshire, after she fell in love with him when she met him on the job.

Sophie said: “Ted thoroughly enjoys retired life and loves playing in water and mud, although doesn’t enjoy being bathed! He gets a sausage as a weekend treat and is very loving, leaning on you when he wants a tummy rub.”

Retired police dog Ted jumps in a lake
Retired police dog Ted celebrates his birthday

In December 2023 Ted was diagnosed with terminal cancer and we supported Sophie with the costs for his diagnostic tests and pain-relief.  

Sophie said: “The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has been amazing and helped me with the significant costs for all the tests.”

Ted was diagnosed with cancer in December 2023, and after a rapid deterioration he passed away in April 2025, aged 11, with his family around him.

Sophie added: “I will forever be grateful to the charity for helping Ted have longer to wag his tail and be with me.”

Retired police dog Ted with Sophie at the beach

IN MEMORY OF

RPD TED 2014-2025

“Ted will be heavily missed and is leaving behind a massive hole in all of our lives. Ted, adopting you was the best decision I have ever made. Sleep well my boy and thank you, for everything.” – Sophie

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