RETIRED POLICE DOG AXLE

An ex-police dog who was lucky to survive after being stabbed three times while chasing a fleeing suspect has registered with The Thin Blue Paw Foundation for support in his retirement.

Ten-year-old Axle made headlines in July 2018 after being stabbed as he chased and caught a man in Riddings, Derbyshire. He jumped into some water after the suspect where he was knifed three times. He needed two life-saving operations but luckily pulled through and returned to duty for a further year before retiring at the age of eight in November 2019. He received a special award for his bravery and went to live with police community support officer, Karen Pykett, on her smallholding in the countryside. 

The German shepherd – bred in Germany and trained using only German commands – spent six years working with Derbyshire Constabulary and caught countless criminals including a murderer who was on the run. It was a shock for the active dog when he retired from service. 

Karen said: “He’s only ever known the working life and it’s been a huge change for him but he’s settling in well and he’s learned to trust us. We feel so lucky to have him, he’s our baby and we spoil him rotten!”

Shortly after adopting him, Axle needed an operation, costing £1,000. Karen said: “We paid for it ourselves, we expected to. We knew taking on a big, retired dog wouldn’t be cheap. But when I heard that the Thin Blue Paw Foundation had launched we signed up straight away. It’s fantastic that it’s there if needed. 

“Thankfully we’ve not had to ask for anything yet, but that day may come and it gives us peace of mind. You know when you take these dogs on that there may well be problems because of their breed and the lives they’ve led; we knew we’d have to cover costs. But to have the charity there if something serious crops up is a huge comfort.

“Everyone I speak to is surprised that Axle has no ongoing support. It’s unacceptable. Police officers get pensions; surely there could be something in place for the dogs too? They deserve to be looked after when they’ve given so much of their lives to us; working 12-hour shifts, six days or nights a week; it’s a hard life.

“He has a much easier life now! The only downside to taking on an older dog is that you don’t get as long with them as you’d like. But we feel incredibly lucky to now call this hero our pet, and we’re enjoying every minute we have with him.”

You can help us support retired police dogs like Axle by making a one-off or monthly donation today!