Former Gatwick Airport police dog in critical condition after surgery
Bear, a retired police dog, is receiving urgent veterinary care
A retired police dog who served as an explosives detection dog at Gatwick Airport for seven years is in a critical condition in a veterinary hospital.
Ten-year-old Springer Spaniel Bear worked alongside his handler, PC Lauren Gould, for Sussex Police before retiring last year.
Bear was suddenly taken seriously ill last week and underwent emergency surgery when a blanket blocked his intestines.
The operation removed both the blockage and a damaged section of his intestines.
Bear is now recovering at a local veterinary centre, but experts say the coming days are crucial for his recovery.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity supporting retired police dogs across the UK, is covering the costs of Bear's treatment.
His bills are expected to exceed £5,000.
Lauren, who adopted Bear after his retirement, expressed her gratitude towards the charity.
‘It was heartbreaking to see him so poorly,’ Lauren said.
‘Bear was perfectly fine until the morning I brought him to the vets. It got worse from there, and I knew something was really wrong.’
The charity's founder, Kieran Stanbridge, praised Bear's career in detection and the importance of supporting retired police dogs.
‘Bear was remarkable at keeping millions of people safe during his career. It's our privilege to assist him in his hour of need,’ Stanbridge said.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is advocating for mandatory financial support for retired police dogs and calling for donations to aid dogs like Bear.