Retired police dog critically ill after emergency surgery

Ten-year-old Springer Spaniel Bear served with Sussex Police alongside his handler, PC Lauren Gould, during a career spent primarily at Gatwick Airport.

He was taken seriously ill last week after a piece of plastic and part of a blanket became lodged in his gut, requiring vets to remove a large section of his intestines.

Bear, who retired in 2024 and was subsequently adopted by PC Gould, had been in good health and was enjoying his retirement before suddenly becoming ill.

The day before he was taken to the emergency vets, he had entered a charity dog show, winning the ‘Golden Oldies’ class and then ‘Best in Show’.

PC Gould said Bear began eating grass and vomiting at about 6pm that evening. “I was up with him all night,” she said. “I took him to the vets the next morning and it got worse from there. I knew something was really wrong.”

Vets discovered the obstruction and operated to remove the foreign material and damaged intestines. Bear has since been transferred to his local veterinary practice, but his condition remains critical and the next few days are expected to be crucial to his recovery.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which supports retired police dogs and their owners, is covering the cost of Bear’s treatment, which is expected to exceed £5,000.

Kieran Stanbridge, founder of the charity, said Bear had been a “remarkable detection dog” who had helped keep “millions of people safe” during his career. He added that retired police dogs do not receive a pension when they leave service, meaning their owners can face substantial veterinary bills.

Bear’s career included several assignments away from Gatwick, including 18 days working at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

PC Gould described him as an “extremely talented” search dog whose enthusiasm for his work was a key part of his success.

“Bear was a wonderful search dog, mainly because of his pure obsession for the game,” she said. “He had an incredible nose and, because of his size, he was able to search to a height that many spaniels cannot reach.” PC Gould, who is currently on maternity leave, said the financial support from the charity had been particularly important.

“I’m exhausted and emotionally drained but I know he’s in the best place and I’m full of gratitude for the kindness and support I’ve received from the Thin Blue Paw,” she said. “Bear is my soul mate; my family. He deserves a chance. Bear means more to me than I can ever describe. I am hopeful that he will pull through and come home to us.”

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has supported more than 170 retired service dogs since it was established in 2020, providing more than £400,000 in financial assistance to their families.

The charity is campaigning for mandatory centralised financial support for police dogs after they retire.