The Foundation stepped in to help retired police dog Bear when he fell seriously ill and needed emergency surgery.
Springer spaniel Bear, 10, served with Sussex Police for seven years, as an explosives detection dog, based at Gatwick Airport.
He was rushed to vets in West Sussex for emergency surgery to remove a large part of his intestines after a blanket blocked his gut. They found the material had wrapped around a piece of plastic the spaniel had also eaten.
The Foundation helped Lauren with advice and support, and is picking up the £5,000 bill for his treatment. He remains in a critical condition with vets but has started to show signs of improvement.
“It was heartbreaking to see him so poorly,” said Lauren. “I knew something was really wrong.”
Lauren – who described Bear as her ‘heart and soul’ – added: “I’m exhausted and emotionally drained but I know he’s in the best place and I’m full of gratitude for the kindness and support I’ve received from the Thin Blue Paw.
“I’m on maternity leave at the moment so money is already extremely tight. Bear is my soul mate; my family. He deserves a chance and, even though it’s incredibly expensive, I’d have found a way to get him the treatment but, without the charity, I would have had no choice but to get a bank loan.
“Bear means more to me than I can ever describe. I am hopeful that he will pull through and come home to us, and I’m beyond grateful to the Thin Blue Paw and everyone who supports them for helping my best friend when he needed it most.”
