RETIRED POLICE DOG ATOS

Atos was just 12-months-old when he joined the Ministry of Defence’s explosive search team and was paired with his handler, PC Claire Addems. The duo worked to keep members of the Royal Family safe and secured large public events. 

The duo – based at AWE Burghfield, in Reading, Berkshire – spent five years working tirelessly to keep the public safe until the springer spaniel was forced to retire early after being diagnosed with a fear of travelling in the car and chronic arthritis. 

Claire and Atos – who now live in Devon – were enjoying a quieter life when, during a normal daily walk, the eight-year-old ruptured his cruciate ligament. 

“We were faced with a substantial vet bill and, due to him being a retired police dog, we had struggled to get insurance for him,” Claire added. “That is when Thin Blue Paw Foundation stepped in and approved to cover all of Atos’s medical bills which were in excess of £3,000. I cannot express how grateful I am to the charity for their generosity and the financial pressure it has taken off me and my family.”

Atos was the first dog the charity supported. The surgery was successful and Atos is now back home and enjoying retired life to the full. 

Claire added: “With lots of love and cuddles, Atos is now back to himself. He’s pain-free and can enjoy walks again, he can run and his can swim. It’s so wonderful to see. He’s on pain-relief for his ongoing arthritis but he is comfortable and happy, and that’s all I could wish for.”

You can help us support retired police dogs like Atos by making a one-off or monthly donation today!