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RPD Fiji’s life saved by emergency surgery
A retired police dog is home recovering from major surgery to save her life.
Twelve-year-old RPD Fiji spent six years with Surrey Police as a general purpose dog. She joined as a puppy after being rescued when her owner tragically took their life.
The Belgian Malinois worked with Claire Bird but had to retire early after injuring herself jumping to catch a toy. Claire, who’d fallen in love with her canine partner, adopted her.
We’ve supported Fiji with various ailments ever since she retired. But she needed us urgently when she fell ill in January 2025.
Claire said: “I was chilling on the sofa with Fiji after working a night shift and I’d given the dogs a bit of leftover roast lamb and Fiji was being sick in the garden.
“I went to check on her and I noticed her stomach was getting bigger and rushed her to the vet.”
Vets x-rayed her and rushed her straight into surgery while Claire waited nervously for news. Fiji had to have her spleen removed but pulled through and was released from the vets to recover at home the following day.
We stepped in to cover the bill of £4,300 in full after vets kindly offered a discounted price.
We’ve spent approximately £10,000 on Fiji, including monthly medication to help manage her itchy skin to emergency treatment in 2023 for pyometra, a bacterial infection of the uterus.
Our chairman Kieran Stanbridge said: “This is why we founded the charity; to be there for these heroic dogs in their hours of need. I’m proud that we’ve been able to be there and play a part in saving Fiji’s life so she can continue to enjoy her retirement with her loving family.”
Claire added: “I’ve kept all of my working dogs when they retire and, as any dog owner knows, taking care of them is expensive. But I couldn’t turn my back on them after everything they’ve given.
“I’m so incredibly thankful to the Foundation – and everyone who donates to them – for helping to save Fiji’s life.”
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