08/06/2026
Another wonderful reason to support our retired police dogs being looked after by The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, thank you ππΎπ«Ά x
You may remember retired police dog Bear after he saved the life of an elderly missing man back in 2024, on his 12th birthday, following surgery. He is a true hero, and sometimes heroes need help too.
Recently, Bear has been struggling with his mobility, and his owner, Julia, feared the worst. When she reached out for support, we knew the pawfect person for him to see. In Juliaβs own words, this is Bearβs story, made possible thanks to you, our incredible supporters. π«Ά "Bear is now 13 and a half and has had arthritis in his elbows for a while- not surprising given the demands of his police work. Over the last few months though it's got much worse and clearly affecting him. He still wants to play (all the time!) but it's awful watching him struggle. His pain has been managed with medication plus hydrotherapy and physiotherapy but the pain meds have side effects.
Recently, he also started to lose strength in his back legs. It made him a bit more wobbly and a bit less stable and meant his front legs have had to do more to compensate.
He's still a really happy dog, into everything, eating everything (given half a chance) and hogging the sofa!
It was possible that his symptoms could have been due to a degenerative and life limiting condition.
Thanks to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation Bear has been able to see a specialist vet who was absolutely amazing.
A lengthy and in depth examination later- plus some anaesthetic and xrays- he has had treatment on his elbows and spine (which has been causing the wobbles) and in possibly even better news he hasn't got the condition that was suspected. That was like being given the best present ever as we thought our time with him might be cut short.
The specialist vet and his team were outstanding and were so good with Bear. He was very chilled!
Without the Thin Blue Paw we wouldn't have been able to do this. It's not just about the financial assistance, it's seeking out professionals that can help, being proactive with options and sometimes just being on the end of the phone and understanding.
We know Bear isn't immortal but he's happy, he's loving the games and the treats and there's life in the old dog yet!"
Every month, the Foundation supports heroic retired police dogs across the UK, with over Β£15,000 of veterinary and rehabilitation care covered in full in May alone. We couldn't do this without your support. ππΆππ¬π§