Retired police dog Captain is home recovering after undergoing specialist surgery to reconstruct his spine, damaged by years of service.
The German Shepherd retired from West Midlands Police in 2022 following a three-year career. Unfortunately, the physical life led to damage to his spine and the nine-year-old needed discs in his spine repairing.
Specialists first advised surgery in 2024 but Captain wasn’t strong enough for the operation so the Foundation offered to cover the cost of twice-weekly hydrotherapy to prepare him for the procedure.
Captain has had 198 hydro sessions – costing almost £7,000 – as well as pain relief medication, tests and scans, plus consultations, and the surgery – at a total cost of over £20,000.
Captain was in theatre for five hours and spent five days at the vets before being discharged.
His owner, Marcus – who handled him during his police career – has been by his side throughout. He said: “Captain is so special; he’s my best mate and is always with me. He was my partner at work and now he’s my partner in retirement.”
Marcus added: “Without the continued support of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation I fear that, due to my own circumstances, Captain may have been put to sleep.
“The Foundation has gone above and beyond for Captain and it shows why they are the best charity supporting our wonderful retired police dogs.
“I will be eternally grateful for the charity and its supporters for giving Captain a second chance at having a happy retirement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
