RETIRED POLICE DOG TED AND SHAMUS

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is supporting ongoing care for two ex-police dogs who dedicated 83 (dog) years of their lives to keeping the public safe. 

Ted joined Sussex Police in 2008 when he was rescued from a gamekeeper after failing to make a suitable working dog. The springer spaniel was paired with handler Michelle Innes and worked as a proactive explosive search dog, including at high-profile events such as events in London and Weymouth during the 2012 London Olympics and at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Labrador Shamus joined British Transport Police specifically for the 2012 London Olympics and, once the Games were over, moved to Sussex Police to join Michelle and Ted to work as a passive explosive search dog.

The trio worked together at Gatwick Airport to keep travellers and aircraft safe, as well as being deployed at large events. Ted served for nine years and Shamus for six; that’s a combined total of 83 dog years! 

Michelle, who served the police for 30 years spending 25 years with the dog unit, now works in the police control room. She said: “Ted and Shamus were both by my side until my retirement in February 2019 when the three of us all retired together. Ted was almost 11 and had spent almost his whole life working with me; an incredible achievement.”

Ted is now struggling in his older age. He is deaf, losing his eyesight and is receiving vital end of life care following pulmonary failure. Shamus suffers from epilepsy which is a condition that needs to be managed. 

“With an elderly dog and an epileptic dog – neither of whom are insurable – the Thin Blue Paw Foundation has been a lifeline to my family and me,” Michelle said. “With two retired dogs, both with ongoing medical needs, the charity has assisted in helping me keep them fit and well.

“Their medication alone costs around £120 a month and, without the help of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, I’d struggle to cope. I can’t thank the organisation enough.”

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