MEET

RPD Blaze

Breed of dogBelgian Malinois

Location of servitudeMinistry of Defence Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionNeurological condition

Grant amount received£400

Year of birth to year of death2011 – 2021

  • Retired police dog Blaze
  • Retired police dog Blaze exploring with his friend
  • Retired police dog Blaze with Steve

MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG BLAZE

RPD Blaze was bred as part of the Ministry of Defence Police breeding programme and joined handler Steve Wayne, from Devon, when his previous dog, Kite, retired.

He was six when he retired, alongside Steve, from life at the naval base at Devonport at the end of 2016. While he was still young he’d showed early signs of hip problems.

The duo enjoyed retirement; Steve said: “Blaze was my constant companion.”

When Steve was diagnosed with cancer, Blaze and his other dogs helped him: “They kept me going during a difficult time. I never missing a walk, even when I felt at my worse. The worth of the love of dogs was never demonstrated more.”

Retired police dog Blaze with Steve
Retired police dog Blaze exploring with his friend

Steve said: “Blaze was certainly a special dog and is greatly missed. Blaze and I took to each other like ducks to water and he equally took to home life with us immediately.

“He had a fantastic temperament and we took part in many dog displays, visits and demonstrations, including one in front of a 10,000-strong crowd at a rugby match.”

Blaze was suffering from a neurological disorder and we stepped in to help with diagnostic tests and medication but, sadly, he deteriorated and Steve had to make the difficult decision to have him put to sleep in 2021.

Steve added: “The Thin Blue Paw has been extremely understanding and generous; it’s excellent that there’s some support for these fantastic dogs when they retire.”

Retired police dog Blaze

IN MEMORY OF

RPD BLAZE 2010-2021

“He was as good a work dog and companion as you could wish for. And when we both retired he helped me immensely through some difficult times.” – Steve

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