Hero’s got talent
Police dog that almost died in knifing moves judges to tears
A HERO police dog that was almost stabbed to death while saving his handler’s life leaves the judges in tears on Britain’s Got Talent tonight.
German shepherd Finn saved Dave Wardell’s life by leaping between the PC and a knifeman – and getting stabbed himself with a 10in blade.
The 10-year-old, subsequently awarded a Daily Mirror Animal Hero award, performed an incredible “mind -reading trick” with Dave, which leaves judges and the audience stunned.
During the act, a video featuring Finn’s story is shown, including pictures of the injuries he suffered and his amazing recovery.
Emotional Simon tells Dave: “If I had a golden buzzer left I’d give it to you. When I hear about animal cruelty, especially dogs, it upsets me. A dog will literally give up its life for you. Finn’s beautiful, I love him.” Simon later joins the duo on stage as part of the trick.
Finn nearly died after the blade missed his heart by millimetres in the attack in Stevenage, Herts. He did not let go of the attacker until back-up arrived to arrest him. Finn needed four hours of surgery, and retired soon after.
The attack on
Finn was regarded as criminal damage to property in the eyes of the law.
Dave described it as like “breaking a window”.
He campaigned for Finn’s law, which gives greater legal protection for service animals.
He said: “There isn’t a bigger stage than Britain’s Got Talent. Dogs like Finn are out there day and night doing incredible work. If I can tell Finn’s story, showcase service animals and talk about Finn’s law, I’ve already won.
“My day job is running through gardens at 3am chasing after car thieves, so you can imagine walking out in front of thousands of people in front of four of the most famous people in the land. It was surreal.
“I got tongue-tied when I saw Simon Cowell but Finn didn’t. Like when we were on the streets, Finn pulled us through. It’s a different world, but we smashed it.”
Dave said he and Finn, who now lives with him, have “an incredible bond” and “know each other inside and out”. He said: “My wife may not thank me for this but Finn and I get each other more than anyone. I spend more time with him than my family.”
Dave said police bosses were fully behind his BGT bid. He said: “My assistant chief constable was excited. I thought he might look at me as if I had three heads.” Dave with Finn at Animal Hero awards