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MEET
RPD Max
Belgian Malinois
Ministry of Defence Police
General Purpose
Cruciate ligament
£3,500
MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG MAX
What are some of the highlights of Max’s career?
“Max had a relatively short career so didn’t get as many jobs under his belt as he’d have liked. But one job that always makes me chuckle is when we were called to a report of armed intruders inside an empty building, and as I issued the challenge he was so vocal that the sound of him alone made the intruders decide it wasn’t worth it and they gave themselves up!”
What does retirement look like for Max?
“Max loves laying in front of the fire and insists on cuddles from anyone who comes into the house after bringing them his squeaky dinosaur! He wasn’t quite ready to retire when he did though so when he comes into work with me he enjoys a short track or search to keep his brain ticking over. He loves going on exciting walks to new places, chasing his frisbee, and swimming.”
What’s your favourite memory with Max since he retired?
“There are so many favourite memories since his retirement that it’s hard to choose one. He loves being out and about on Bodmin Moor and adores chasing his floating toy in the water.”
Tell us a funny story about Max…
“Max was banned from the local kennels after deciding the accommodation wasn’t up to scratch for him and making a bid for freedom! He chewed through the outside run, climbed up an 8ft bank, and the owner heard a thud and caught him trying to jump the 6ft fence into the car park. Thankfully his escape attempt failed and when I left early to collect him, they said that he was a lovely dog but couldn’t stay with them anymore…!”
HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG MAX IN RETIREMENT
RPD Max spent almost three years working for the Ministry of Defence Police, based at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, Devon, before retiring in September 2022.
The seven-year-old had to retire early following an injury to his cruciate ligament and meniscus so his handler, Natalie Sutton, adopted him.
When he was diagnosed with arthritis in his joint, we stepped in to pay for a series of hydrotherapy sessions to help with his rehabilitation. And when his other cruciate ruptured in October 2023, we paid for the surgery.
Max had to be crated with no exercise for seven weeks but has recovered well.
Natalie said: “Max’s recovery has been far better than I ever expected. And the financial support was a huge help for me.
“I only have one household income so the cost of the surgery would have wiped out all of my savings and put me on the verge of financial difficulty.
“You do what you have to for your dog, and I would have found a way, but I can’t express how grateful I was for the help.”
“The Thin Blue Paw funded Max’s surgery which is hugely appreciated by both of us and has given him a new lease of life!”
Rebecca, Max’s owner
BENEFICIARIES OF OUR GRANTS
Sponsor a retired police dog
Help us with the costs to rehabilitate heroic retired police dogs once they leave the line of duty by sponsoring a dog to support their ongoing care and treatment.
Your sponsorship pack will include:
- Sponsorship certificate
- Photo of your sponsor dog
- A cuddly German Shepherd teddy
- Quarterly email updates on your sponsor dog
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