MEET

RPD Ernie

Breed of dogLabrador

Location of servitudeLuton Airport

Type of serviceSearch & Detection

ConditionArthritis

Grant amount received£1,760

Year of birth to year of death2006 – 2022

  • Retired police dog Ernie
  • Retired police dog Ernie on a walk

MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG ERNIE

RPD Ernie Max spent his life working to save lives and ensure holiday-makers could travel safely as an explosive detection dog at Luton Airport.

He retired at the age of eight, in 2019, and was adopted by Zoe and Craig Bennett to join their three-year-old Labrador Sam, who previously failed his explosives detection training. 

Police officer Craig knew Ernie from when he first started out as a rookie and Zoe had met him several times over the years.

Craig said: “Ernie loves a tennis ball and will do anything to get one! He also loves cuddly toys and sometimes tried to steal them from kids at the airport!

“These days he spends his time chilling and is always glued to Zoe’s side. He absolutely loves a cuddle and will sit with his head in your lap dribbling all over you.” 

Retired police dog Ernie
Retired police dog Ernie on a walk

“In retirement, Ernie spent his time chilling, usually glued to Zoe’s side. He loved a cuddle and would sit with his head in your lap dribbling all over you!”

Ernie injured himself while running in the park, sparking arthritis in his hind legs. He was supported with medication by our Foundation.

“Ernie could get stiff and slowed down but was still a happy old man,” Craig added.

“The Thin Blue Paw Foundation was a huge support and helped to pay for Ernie’s tests and checks and covered the cost of medication for his ongoing treatment. It was hugely helpful and allowed us to give Ernie everything he deserved.”

Sadly, Ernie passed away in May 2022 after his arthritis worsened.

Retired police dog Ernie

IN MEMORY OF

RPD ERNIE 2006-2022

“Ernie was such a loving, gentle boy who just wanted to be near anyone that was in the house. It was like losing a shadow, but right up to the end he still acted like a puppy as soon as he saw a tennis ball!” – Craig

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