MEET

RPD Tina

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeMinistry of Defence Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionKidney failure

Grant amount received£780

  • Retired police dog Tina
  • Retired police dog Tina with her friends

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG TINA IN RETIREMENT

RPD Tina was two when she joined the Ministry of Defence Police dog section at HM Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth, Devon, in 2014.

She was partnered with handler, Duncan Fleming, and trained as a general purpose dog before embarking on patrols at the base and supporting officers of Devon and Cornwall Police.

After four years of service, Tina started struggling with lameness and was diagnosed with lumbosacral disease (dysfunction of the lumbosacral intervertebral joint and compression of surrounding nerve tissue) and spondylosis (degeneration) in the spine.  

Tina was retired in 2018 and signed over to Duncan to stay with him and his family, in Devon, as a pet.  

Duncan, who is also now retired, said: “Although Tina’s operational career only spanned four years she was always good at her job and I was proud to be teamed up with her. She was a credit to the force.

Retired police dog Tina relaxing
Retired police dog Tina with her friends

“Tina has a wonderful nature and loves to be around people. She loves good, playing with a ball of any size and is a big water baby and is always the first to find anything from a puddle to a river to play and splash in when we’re out on walks!

“At home Tina settled into her retirement very well alongside our other dogs, Charlie and Fizz. Tina is my shadow and likes to follow me around the house.”

Duncan had to cover the costs of Tina’s medication for her spine problems as well as a special renal diet to support her kidney function.

Duncan added: “When Tina began deteriorating our vet suggested a new monthly injection and it has given her a new lease of life. She is now able to keep up with our other two dogs on our daily moorland walks.”

Retired police dog Tina

“I cannot thank the Thin Blue Paw Foundation enough for covering the cost of this injection and for allowing me more time with my wonderful Tina.”

Duncan, Tina’s former handler and owner

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