RETIRED POLICE DOG PABLO

When springer spaniel Pablo retired from Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies’ Joint Dog Section in August 2019 he was fit, healthy and ready to enjoy the quiet life in his new home. Carly Laflin and her husband – both serving police officers – fell in love with Pablo after meeting him out in the field

Carly said: “My husband came home one night to tell me about Pablo being sent in to search a car that was suspected of being involved in county lines drugs and coming out with the suspects’ Big Mac they’d just picked up from the McDonald’s drive-through! I think it was true love from that point forward!”

The 10-year-old ‘hero’ recovered more than £250,000 worth of drugs, cash and weapons and played a part in the arrest of hundreds of criminals during his eight-year career.  

“The police take really good care of them while they’re working but, unfortunately, once they retire they don’t offer any further support,” Carly added. “As police officers we get pensions and we get looked after when we leave but the dogs just get a ‘thank you’ and a ‘goodbye’. Taking on a retired service dog is a huge responsibility.” 

When Pablo started having difficulty going to the toilet over Christmas 2020, his new owners rushed him to the vet where they found a 4cm mass in his abdomen. The Suffolk couple had already spent £1,500 on investigations when vets said he needed £4,000 surgery to remove the tumour, and they weren’t sure how they’d manage to afford the bills. That’s when we stepped in and offered them a grant to cover the full cost of surgery and ensure Pablo had a chance to live out his days.  

Carly added: “The Thin Blue Paw Foundation ultimately saved Pablo’s life. You can’t put a price on Pablo; not only is he our beloved pet, but he’s also a hero and he’s given so much to our communities. We had already decided that we would go ahead with the surgery but we were really concerned about how we would find that sort of money so the charity has really helped to fill that huge gap.” 

The surgery was carried out in January 2021 and found the tumour was benign so Pablo has now been given a clean bill of health and is back home enjoying long walks, playing with his tennis ball and cuddles on the sofa. 

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