RETIRED POLICE DOG FIJI

Fiji saved lives, won awards and helped protect the public during her six-year career with Surrey and Sussex Police.  

The Belgian Malinois came to the force when she was just four-months-old having been rescued when her owner tragically committed suicide. She was paired with operational dog handler Claire Bird who had just returned from maternity leave. After a three-month training course the pair hit the streets and it wasn’t long until they had their first real test.  

Claire said: “An emergency call came in for a high-risk missing person and there were concerns he may have been suicidal. Within just a few hours, thanks to Fiji’s amazing nose and her training, we located him. He was unconscious but alive; and Fiji had saved his life.” 

She received a commendation for her work that night, but she went on to help so many people. When she pulled the ligaments in her leg jumping for a toy, her career ended and she retired to live with Claire and her family.  

As she got older she started to get really itchy and vets prescribed her with a special injection to be administered every six weeks, costing £140. As an ex-working dog, Fiji couldn’t be insured so the Thin Blue Paw Foundation agreed to pay for every injection for the rest of her life.  

Claire added: “The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is amazing. Having had police dogs injured at work before and having always kept my working dogs when they retire, it’s great that Fiji can be looked after with the support of Thin Blue Paw. If she needs any medical help the charity will always be there to help.   

“I am so grateful that the organisation can cover the costs of Fiji’s regular injections helping her to continue being happy in her retirement.” 

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