HEROIC POLICE DOG FINN LAUNCHES NEW NATIONAL CHARITY TO SUPPORT POLICE DOGS IN THEIR RETIREMENT

HEROIC POLICE DOG FINN LAUNCHES NEW NATIONAL CHARITY TO SUPPORT POLICE DOGS IN THEIR RETIREMENT 

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has been set up to plug a gap in supporting serving and retired police dogs across the UK 

A new national charity to support police dogs has been launched today, with now retired hero Police Dog Finn (Finalist on Britain’s Got Talent 2019 and of Finn’s Law), who was stabbed in the line of duty in October 2016, named as the official ambassador. 

The ‘Thin Blue Paw Foundation’, set up to support both serving and retired police dogs in the UK, plugs a huge gap for man’s best friend. There is currently limited financial support (updated 17/09/2020) for these dogs which have often served as vital police dogs their whole lives, meaning that the cost of their care falls to their new owner or ex-handler. Unable to get pet insurance due to their working life, many are left with ongoing vet bills which can amount to thousands. 

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation provides much needed financial support to these unsung canine heroes and their owners to enable them to have a long and happy retirement. 

Elsa is one of the four-legged heroes the Thin Blue Paw Foundation will make a huge difference to. A German Shepherd and retired Surrey police dog, Elsa was adopted by Steve Ellis and his wife in August 2019. Less than a month later they discovered a lump on her mammary gland, which they suspected could be cancer.  She was rushed to the vets for investigation and treatment where the lump was removed and tested. 

 Fortunately, it was benign and Elsa has made a full recovery. However, the operation itself cost £1,500, and if it had been cancer there would have been significant additional vet and treatments costs, as well as difficult decisions about continuing treatment - with all costs coming out of Elsa’s adopted owners’ pockets, with no financial or emotional support.

Elsa is now signed up to receive support from the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for future treatment, meaning the couple can enjoy their time with Elsa without worrying about how to pay for future vet bills due to support from the foundation.  

Steve Ellis who owns Retired Police Dog Elsa said: “I’m so grateful that the Thin Blue Paw Foundation now exists, without a charity like this our retried police dogs wouldn’t have the support they so very much deserve. It’s thanks to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation that we can spend quality time with Elsa, knowing that if we need support, they will be able there to help us.” 

 PC Dave Wardell, a trustee for the foundation and owner of retired police dog Finn said: “I’m extremely proud to have founded this charity with our board of trustees. As a serving police dog handler, I know first-hand the amazing work these incredible canines do on a daily basis, from finding suicidal people to catching armed robbers it’s only right that when they retire, they’re treated like the heroes that they are. 

“I will be forever grateful to Finn for saving my life on that frightful night in October 2016 and I can’t wait to support other retired police dogs through the foundation, who like him have served their country with courage, bravery and selflessness. We will be forever in your debt.” 

You can find out more about these unsung canine heroes and donate to the charity via our website: www.thinbluepaw.org.uk

ENDS

Images: Download images here - https://we.tl/t-5dmE6Lv86L includes photos of RPD Finn, RPD Elsa and PC Dave Wardell. (available to download until 29th August 2020)

For journalists who would like further press information, images or interview requests please email press@thinbluepaw.org.uk

Website: www.thinbluepaw.org.uk

Facebook: /ThinBluePaw

Twitter: @ThinBluePaw

Instagram: @ThinBluePaw 

Registered Charity Number: 1190959