We’re raising funds to pay for the treatment RPD Captain needs. Can you help?

German Shepherd Captain worked for West Midlands Police for three years but retired early, in 2022, after rupturing his cruciate ligament in 2021.

During his three years of service, the wear and tear on Captain’s body from his strenuous days patrolling the streets, and chasing and detaining suspects, has now left him with significant spinal damage which requires major surgery.

The treatment and diagnostic tests including an MRI have so far have cost £4,500 covered in full by the foundation; and we’re now facing a bill of approximately £5,000 - £7,500 for spinal surgery.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation trustee Kieran said: “The Foundation has supported Captain since his retirement and we’ve helped his owner, Marcus, with the costs of his veterinary care. We have helped with the cost of his regular hydrotherapy sessions, but this surgery comes at a huge cost so we’re asking our supporters and the public to help us give Captain this lifeline.

“Unfortunately, the wear and tear from Captain’s working life has left its mark on his body, and he’s been struggling on his rear legs for some time. Tests have shown that he’s got severe damage to his spine which needs surgery so he can continue to have a quality of life.

“Captain gave years of his life to working as a police dog and now he deserves to have a long and happy, comfortable retirement, so we want to give him the very best chance at that.”

PC Marcus Cottrell and Captain qualified in December 2018 and had a successful partnership, winning the Police Chief’s Certificate of Achievement.

Captain’s owner and former handler, PC Marcus Cottrell, said:

“Captain is fearsome but also extremely sociable; he detained countless criminals – including a suspect who’d stabbed two people – and used his nose to find people on the run, as well as weapons used in incidents.

“He’s also taken part in visits to schools and community groups to introduce the public to the work of police dog teams."

“In 2021, Captain and I were deployed to Cornwall to support security at the G7 Conference in St Ives. Since he retired, we’ve returned to Cornwall so he could enjoy a holiday.”

“The support that the Foundation provides to Captain with this has made a huge difference to his life post-retirement. The latest condition has been very traumatic and the Foundation has been amazing with their support and getting him seen at one of Europe’s leading referral centres.”

All funds raised over the fundraising target will go towards supporting other RPDs like Captain who need our support.