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The Thin Blue Paw Foundation
You may be aware that we couldn't live our lives smoothly and safely without the hard work of our wonderful police dogs. They live fulfilled, happy lives with a purpose, the best of care, and lots of companionship and love. They are held in high esteem as valued and highly effective members of the police force. All their needs are met and paid for by the force they serve.
But did you know that when their careers end, that financial support ends too. In a climate of budget cuts and hard decisions, that's understandable, but it can lead to owners (either the police officer who handled the dog, or a new civilian owner) being forced to make choices they don't want to because they lack the funds to pay for medicine or veterinary treatment.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has now been helping retired police dogs for around one year, and is supporting dogs who need short or long term support. The charity was founded by Gemma and Dave Wardell and Kieran Stanbridge, who are the charity's trustees. In this interview Kieran talks about his inspiration for starting the charity, his love for his dogs, and the massive challenges for those who take on a retired police dog. For example, insurance is virtually impossible to take out on a retired police dog, leaving owners to find significant amounts of money.
To find out more, and to support The Thin Blue Paw Foundation visit their website their Facebook or Twitter or Instagram.
Dave of course is the owner of Finn. Together the pair have spearheaded the campaign to establish Finn's Law . You can hear Dave talk to Julie in Episode 193 of DogCast Radio.
- Kieran Stanbridge Thin Blue Paw Foundation Trustee
My Rescue Pet Rescued Me
My Rescue Pet Rescued Me is written by Sharon Ward Keeble, who has seen first hand the power of the love of a rescue dog. As well as having her own dogs, she has seen her daughter's dog Micco help her daughter cope with her father's Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis.
The book contains the stories of many dogs who inspire their humans in various ways. Zippy the Dachshund was caught in a car in a dangerous flood with his human, and helped her recover. When Gaby suffered a horrendous dog attack, it was her own dog, Mo, who gave her the courage to let the world see her again. Beautie saw her owner Lisette through grief, and has been by her side as she launched the DoggyLottery.
You can find out more about Sharon and her books at her Sharon Ward Keeble website. She's also on Facebook.
- Sharon Ward Keeble