MEET

RPD Tai

Breed of dogBelgian Malinois

Location of servitudeBedfordshire Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionOsteoarthritis

Grant amount received£3,719

  • Retired police dog Tai on a walk
  • Retired police dog Tai with his family

MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG TAI

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What are some of the highlights of Tai’s career?

“Tai assisted with hundreds of arrests, excelled at tracking and searching, and even entered a burning flat to help officers detain an offender and rescue a hostage.”

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How did Tai become a police dog?

Tai was abandoned at a kennels when they no longer wanted him but the police spotted potential in him and enrolled him into training, qualifying in 2012.

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What makes you proud of Tai?

“We’re so grateful to Tai for protecting Carl and making sure he came home at the end of each shift. The work handlers put into their dogs is returned in loyalty, protection and love. We’re so proud of him.”

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What is life with Tai like now?

“Carl and Tai had many good years together and formed an excellent partnership so we couldn’t bear to part with him and, when he retired, he became a much-loved family member. Now he enjoys going for long walks with us and our and two sons, Ewan and Aaron.”

HOW WE HELPED RETIRED POLICE DOG TAI IN RETIREMENT

RPD Tai served with Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Dog Unit for seven years, in which time he was known as a ‘thief taker’ and helped secure hundreds of arrests.

He’d been abandoned at kennels in Hertfordshire by his previous family when they no longer wanted him.

Police officer Carl went to collect him and enrolled with him on the general purpose dog training course. The pair qualified in 2012.

“Tai helped with hundreds of arrests and managed to track some suspects for around two miles; he event helped locate a group of people who were wanted for murder,” his owner, Jessica, said. 

Retired police dog Tai sits
Retired police dog Tai with his family

Carl and Tai received several commendations for their achievements before Tai retired in 2019 to his handler and his family.

“There was no question Tai was coming home to us after his final shift; we owe him a happy retirement and lots of fun times,” Jessica said. 

Poor Tai, now 14, started to struggle with back and hip problems in his older age and the family registered him with us for support. We cover the cost of monthly pain medication so he has a better quality of life.

Retired police dog Tai on a walk

“The Thin Blue Paw has been a lifeline and helped with Tai’s veterinary treatment and costs. Without them I’m not sure we could have committed to the treatment.”

Jessica, Tai’s owner

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