Charity saves life of retired police dog
IT WAS touch and go for 10-year-old Hoby when he suffered a blocked colon, writes Emma Merchant.
Life saving treatment at a cost of more than £2,000 was required to save his life and his family worried how they would be able to pay for the treatment.
Hoby is a German Shepherd, bred in Holland for the Ministry of Defence Police.
After completing his general training when he was two, he was partnered with his handler, Scott Milligan.
Together they worked in Berkshire, in Gloucestershire, and with Thames Valley Police.
Hayley Cherry-Milligan, Scott’s wife, said: “Hoby worked until he was nine, at which time he still had all of his courage and fight but his body was beginning to fail him.
“He had been excellent at his job. “He once tracked a suspect into a half-flooded storm drain and was so determined to keep tracking that he swam underwater and through a small opening to follow the scent.
“When he stopped working there was never any question that we wouldn’t keep him. He’s a member of our family, and I’ve loved him since the day he joined us.
“He has been an absolute sweetheart from the moment he arrived.”
In early April Hoby was rushed to the vets, where he stayed for five days. Investigative surgery revealed that scar tissue on his colon had led to a blockage, and an operation was required to save the dog’s life.
Following the procedure Hayley and Scott were relieved to be able to bring him home to recover, but were then hit with a bill of £2,400.
“We tried to find pet insurance but the cheapest quote was for over £120 a month. It just wasn’t realistic,” explains Hayley.
At this point Thin Blue Paw stepped in and agreed to cover the entire cost. The charity specialises in providing support to retired police dogs.
“We couldn’t believe it,” continues Hayley. “And we couldn’t be more grateful.”
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation was set up in 2020 by a group of dog-lovers to celebrate, protect and support working and retired police dogs across the UK.
The charity has more than 300 retired service dogs registered, and issues grants to their owners for expensive medication, ongoing treatment and therapy, as well as covering the cost of emergency veterinary treatment like Hoby’s.
Charity trustee Kieran
Stanbridge said: “Veterinary treatment is expensive and if your dog suddenly falls gravely ill and needs emergency treatment the bill can quickly spiral into the thousands.
“Dog owners take out insurance so they have peace of mind that they can access the treatment their beloved pet needs should the unthinkable happen.
“But for the owners of retired police dogs it’s not always that easy.
“Due to the specific training they’ve had and the strenuous working lives they’ve led, exservice dogs often leave the force with lifelong injuries or medical conditions.
“They can be uninsurable.
“We believe these dogs deserve access to the very best veterinary care and we don’t want adopters to feel they have to choose between paying the bills and getting medication for their pet.
“That’s why we’re here to help.”