RETIRED POLICE DOG TAI

In PD Tai’s seven years of service with Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit he assisted with hundreds of arrests, excelled at tracking and searching, and even entered a burning flat to help officers detain an offender and rescue a hostage.

“Tai was known as a ‘thief taker’ within the force and was excellent at his job,” his owner, Jessica, said. 

The 10-year-old Belgian Malinois was abandoned at a kennels in Watford by his previous family when they no longer wanted him and PC Carl went to collect him and enrolled him into the general purpose police dog training, qualifying in 2012.

“He helped with hundreds of arrests and managed to track some suspects for around two miles; he event helped locate a group of people who were wanted for murder,” Jessica added. 

Carl and Tai worked together for seven years and received several commendations for their achievements before Tai retired in 2019, returning to the family who had grown so attached to him. Now he enjoys going for long walks with Carl, Jessica and their two sons, Ewan, 12, and eight-year-old, Aaron.

“Carl and Tai had many good years together and formed an excellent partnership so we couldn’t bear to part with him and, when he retired, he became a much-loved family member,” Jessica said.

“There was no question Tai was coming home to us after his final shift; we owe him a happy retirement and lots of fun times. We’re so grateful to Tai for protecting my husband and the boys’ daddy and making sure he came home at the end of each shift. The work handlers put into their dogs is returned in loyalty, protection and love.”

Poor Tai started to struggle with back and hip problems in his older age and the family registered him with the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for support. 

“The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has been a lifeline and helped with his veterinary treatment and costs,” Jessica said. “Without them I’m not sure we could have committed to the treatment.”

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