MEET

RPD Xavi

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeCivil Nuclear Constabulary

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

Year of birth to year of death2013-2026

  • Retired police dog Xavi lays in the sunshine
  • Retired police dog Xavi on the beach with one of his owner's sons
  • Police dog Xavi on duty with his handler, Annie

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG XAVI

RPD Xavi worked with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary before he retired early in 2019 when his handler went on maternity leave.

Xavi was bred by West Yorkshire Police before joining the Counter Terrorism Police unit at 20-months-old.

He served as a general purpose dog for over four years patrolling and securing the site at Sellafield Nuclear Site in Cumbria.

Handler Annie Ashburner adopted him on his retirement and he enjoyed life as a family pet and companion to her two sons as they grew up.

Police dog Xavi on duty with his handler, Annie
Retired police dog Xavi is fed by one of his owner's sons

Annie said: “He really enjoyed retirement and was such a gorgeous boy, inside and out. He turned his policing career into a childminding career and excelled at both. He was such a good family dog.”

He was in good health until his final year when he started to struggle with his mobility.

Annie added: “He suddenly weakened in his final days. One morning he could no longer get up out of his bed so I hand-fed him some breakfast and the vet came to put him to sleep peacefully with me by his side.

“I’m going to miss him so much. I was so lucky to have him and will forever be grateful. He was such a good family dog.”

Police dog Xavi sits by the police car

IN MEMORY OF

RPD XAVI 2013-2026

‘What a beautiful dog to have, he’s left such a void in our home and our hearts. If only dogs could live for longer, I’d have chosen to have him by my side forever.’ – Annie

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