A police dog who retired to live with the family who cared for her as a puppy has helped to heal a heart broken by grief.
Springer spaniel Red lived with the Sexton family in 2020 before starting her training with the police. She went on to work as an explosives detection dog with Bedfordshire Police, serving at Luton airport.
Unfortunately, her career came to an early end when she was injured in an accident, in 2024, fracturing her elbow. She had two operations to try to repair the bones in her elbow but had to retire a few months later.
Elizabeth Sexton, from Berkshire, said: “There was never any doubt that she’d come back to us when we found out what had happened. My husband, John, didn’t hesitate to offer her a home for the rest of her life.”
“He adored her and spent many hours sitting with her and taking her on little walks as she slowly recovered and regained her strength.”
Tragically, John had just a few months with Red, and he died suddenly in May 2025, at the age of 85, leaving the whole family heartbroken.
Elizabeth added: “Red has been an absolute blessing and has brought me a lot of comfort and company since losing John. We believe she came back to us for a good reason.”
Red is registered with the Foundation, and founder Kieran Stanbridge said: “Dogs are so intuitive and emotionally intelligent, so for her to step in and bring comfort to Elizabeth and the rest of the family at such a difficult time is really heartwarming.
“We’re incredibly proud that we can now be there for Red and Elizabeth, through her retirement.”
