Retired police dog (RPD) Max worked as a passive drugs detection dog with Kent Police until retiring in 2022 due to hip problems.
The Labrador was adopted by Jackie and Keith Buckingham, from East Sussex, after hearing that he was on the look-out for a retirement home from their son who is a police officer.
As with many retired police dogs, Max’s owners found it difficult to find affordable insurance that would cover him and turned to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for help.
The charity supports more than 170 retired police dogs across the UK, assisting owners with financial help for veterinary treatment, rehabilitative therapy and medication that can be very costly.
Max is currently recovering at home, in Heathfield, following surgery to remove a mast cell tumour from his chest.
Jackie said: “Our vet examined the tumour while Max was under anaesthetic for dental work and tests indicated that it was high grade and aggressive, which was hugely worrying for us.
“The vet recommended urgent surgery to remove the tumour and we contacted the Thin Blue Paw Foundation right away for support.”
The surgery took place on 20th January and, thankfully, the tumour was completely removed. The bill came to almost £1,400 and the Foundation has covered the full cost.
Jackie added: “Max was very brave and is now home with us. He’s such a lovely dog and we’re so grateful to have more time with him, thanks to the quick actions of the vets and the support of the Thin Blue Paw.
“Max enjoys being centre of attention and spending time with our whole family. He likes going for walks and running in a secure field where he can enjoy complete freedom and sniff everything!
“He has regular hydrotherapy and is reluctant to get out of the pool.”
The Foundation has supported Max previously, when he fell ill due to inflammatory bowel disease. The charity paid more than £5,000 for tests, investigations and referral to a specialist.
Thin Blue Paw Foundation founder Kieran Stanbridge said: “We set up the Foundation for dogs just like Max. He gave years of his life to serving his community, supporting police, and helping to fight crime.
“He deserves to have a long, happy and healthy retirement and, while much of the responsibility in giving Max a wonderful retirement comes down to Jackie and Keith, we’re incredibly proud to be there to support them when they need it the most.
“We’ve spent more than £6,000 supporting Max and his owners over the years, ensuring he could have the very best treatment without the burden of cost falling solely to his family.
“We’re so pleased that this tumour was caught early and removed, and we hope this swift treatment means he’ll have many more years to enjoy gentle walks, long evenings with his cuddly toys, and lots of tasty treats. It’s the least he deserves for being such a good boy.”
To donate to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, please visit https://donate.thinbluepaw.org.uk/.
The Thin Blue Paw is campaigning for mandatory centralised financial support for all police dogs when they retire. Sign our petition calling for Pensions for Police Dogs online: www.thinbluepaw.org.uk/pensions-for-police-dogs.
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