Former stray Kent Police dog honoured with national crimefighting award
PD Boss and handler PC Carter celebrated by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation
Last updated 1st Oct 2026
A retired police dog, who started life as a stray, has received a national crimefighting award alongside his handler from the Thin Blue Paw Foundation.
PC Daniel Carter and PD Boss, a German Shepherd who joined the police force after being found wandering alone in Norfolk, have won the coveted 'Crimefighting Duo Award.' The ceremony took place at The Royal Kennel Club in Mayfair, London, on 29th September 2026.
PD Boss was discovered in 2023, underweight and unkempt, before being identified as having the potential to serve as a police dog due to his strong drive and personality.
PC Carter expressed his satisfaction with his decision to work with PD Boss after swapping his original dog for Boss during his training course: "It was the best decision I ever made!" he said.
Despite the dog's medical retirement in June 2026 due to degenerative arthritis, PD Boss made significant contributions to the force, assisting in over 100 arrests and completing an intensive three-week course to become accredited as a Firearms Support Dog.
PC Carter shared the exhilarating experience of working with Boss: "The adrenaline you feel when you're running through the darkness at 2am, trusting your dog is taking you the right way and then suddenly finding someone hiding – there is simply no better feeling."
Since retiring, PD Boss has found a new home in the Welsh countryside with PC Carter's parents, while Carter continues to train a new canine partner.