MEET

RPD Finn

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeSussex Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionSepsis peritonitis

Grant amount received£22,000

  • Retired police dog Finn in the garden
  • Retired police dog Finn at the beach
  • Retired police dog Finn after surgery

MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG FINN

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What was Finn like as a police dog?

Finn worked as a general purpose police dog with Sussex Police for five years with his handler, Sue West. He was hard-working, committed and loyal.

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What does retired life look like for Finn?

“Finn loves retired life but still finds it hard when Sue leaves to go to work with her current working police dog. He still wants to go with her and often pushes his way through the door to try to go! Despite that, Finn has enjoyed his well-earned retirement, going on holidays and enjoying long walks.”

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Why did Finn retire?

Finn had to retire early, at just six, when he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.

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Why are you so grateful to the Thin Blue Paw?

“We would have found the money somehow, but it would have been incredibly difficult. Our dogs are like our family so we would have done whatever we needed for Finn.”

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG FINN IN RETIREMENT

RPD Finn spent five years working tirelessly as a general purpose police dog with Sussex Police, from 2016 to 2021.

He worked with his handler, Sue West, until he was forced to retire early due to hip dysplasia, going to live with Sue and her partner, Adam, and their four other dogs.

Finn struggled to adjust to retired life initially but now loves long walks at the beach and even going on doggy holidays.

In May 2023, Finn was rushed to the vet when he suddenly fell ill at home and investigations found he had ingested part of a toy which then got stuck in his stomach and small intestines. 

Retired police dog Finn at the beach
Retired police dog Finn after surgery

He had surgery to remove the toy but, a few days later, fell seriously ill with sepsis peritonitis. One of the incisions in his small intestines was degrading and leaking into his body so had to be cleaned up and flushed through.  

Adam said: “He was in a critical condition and needed round-the-clock care with the specialists to bring his infections under control and try to get his stomach working again.”

Finn needed multiple life-saving operations but vets described him as an ‘absolute fighter’ and he pulled through. The bill came to £22,000 – the highest our Foundation has ever faced – and we launched a special appeal to help us raise the funds to help.

Retired police dog Finn

“Finn had been registered with the Thin Blue Paw for 18 months and we’re so grateful to them for offering to cover his costs.”

Adam, Finn’s owner

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