The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Police pooch Patch retires after nine years on the beat
Animals: Springer spaniel helped protect Royal Family on Deeside
“I can assure you Patch will have a very enjoyable and stress-free retirement”
A north-east police dog who helped guard the Royal Family during visits to the area is retiring after nine years of loyal service.
Patch, a 10-year-old springer spaniel, first joined the force in 2008 after excelling during an eight-week training programme in Glasgow.
Over the course of her career, she has helped out at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
However, the majority of her work took place in the north-east – particularly Royal Deeside where she helped protect the Royal family during their visits.
The highlight of her career came in October 2015 when she was given the chance to meet the Queen.
Now free from service, she will be able to enjoy retirement at the home of Constable Steve Warden, who handled her during her time with the police.
He said she was proud of her “distinguished career”.
He said: “I have been very lucky to have been teamed with Patch over the last nine years.
“She has been a delight to train, work and live with. Patch and I have been inseparable over the years and I am so proud of her distinguished career.
“I am delighted to have had her as my shift partner and she will be remembered fondly by all those that have met and worked alongside her.
“I can assure you that Patch will have a very enjoyable and stress-free retirement living with my other dogs and family members at home.
“It’s the least I can do to thank her for her many years keeping people safe across the country.”
Mr Warden has recently trained up a sprocker spaniel called Bruce, who he hopes will follow in the success of Patch.