In 2016, the Countess of Bathurst established the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals to assist retired service animals and their handlers.
‘Many overlook the significant role these animals play,’ the Countess of Bathurst, founder of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), laments. ‘After a lifetime of service ensuring our safety, it’s our collective duty to support them as they age. It’s a simple act of gratitude for their commitment.’
During her term as High Sheriff of Gloucestershire in 2016, Lady Bathurst realized that financial support for service animals ceases once they retire. ‘Handlers often choose to take care of their retired partners, affording them food, toys, and shelter; however, veterinary expenses present a hefty challenge, especially with insurance being hard to secure for older dogs,’ she notes. ‘The thought of an officer having to give up their loyal companion due to fiscal concerns spurred me into action.’
Since launching in 2022, the charity has been contributing to the healthcare bills of retired dogs and horses from various services. ‘Working in conjunction with local retired-police-dog charities, the NFRSA steps in to ensure that service animals and their families are appreciated for their protective duties,’ says Lady Bathurst. ‘We want to lessen the burden of veterinary costs in their later years, and I’m elated by what we’ve accomplished.’
At the Metropolitan Police Dog Training Establishment in Kent, handlers are touched by the support from ‘Lady B’. ‘It’s comforting to know we have backup for when our dogs retire,’ shares Inspector Stephen Biles, the head of the establishment. ‘Being a handler goes beyond a profession; our dogs are family. They safeguard us and, in turn, forge profound bonds. They’ve earned our enduring care.’
For more information, visit www.nfrsa.org.uk
‘These dogs don’t just save lives through physical acts; their presence alone can be life-saving’
Keela: A Former Service Dog Beyond Compare
At a particularly heated protest in Dover, 2016, police officer Sam Appleby was relieved to have Keela, her German shepherd, at her side. ‘Amidst the conflict, I took comfort in Keela’s presence,’ she reflects. ‘She was always my protector.’
Keela proved her worth throughout seven years with Kent Constabulary, contributing to criminal pursuits, evidence discovery, and the search for missing individuals. ‘In one instance, her bravery in locating a person who was presumably held captive was invaluable,’ Ms. Appleby shares with pride.
Not long into retirement, Keela faced a dire medical emergency and surgery was essential. ‘It’s my responsibility to keep her safe—she’s my partner,’ declares Ms. Appleby. ‘Faced with a staggering £6,000 bill, I resolved to cover the cost at any means.’
Upon discovering NFRSA, Ms. Appleby reached out, and they managed to not only reduce the fees but also completely take care of them. ‘Lady Bathurst’s generosity remains unparalleled, and we will always be grateful,’ she says.
Bowron ‘Little Dave’: A Distinguished Retired Police Horse
Bowron, also known as ‘Little Dave’, with Samantha Pawley. Photo credit: Simon Buck/Country Life Picture Library
Sam Pawley, the owner of ‘Little Dave’, a retired Czech warmblood, remarks on his amiable nature and why the police found him indispensable. ‘He’s dependable, curious, has a spirited personality, and gets along wonderfully with people — the epitome of an old gentleman.’
During a career full of diversity, Little Dave handled everything from crowd control at games and ceremonial events to public order at riots and even the London 2012 Olympics. Having retired to Cambridgeshire with Mrs. Pawley, Little Dave faced a challenge during a dental procedure which required a rush to Rossdales Equine Hospital.
‘The ordeal was heart-wrenching, causing me great worry about him. However, he thankfully recovered,’ Mrs. Pawley recounts. ‘While I managed to address the vet costs with a no-interest card, Lady Bathurst learned about the situation and the NFRSA paid the bill. Her kindness left me speechless.’
These days, Little Dave enjoys his leisure time, though his instincts are hard to shake. Mrs. Pawley chuckles, ‘He can’t resist joining a crowd at the bus stop, just to keep an eye on things.’
Buzz: Another Esteemed Retired Service Dog
‘Police dogs do so much more than the chase and apprehension people expect,’ explains Dave Stuart from Derbyshire Constabulary. ‘Buzz’s most memorable achievement was locating a despondent man lost in the woods, a task that would have been daunting for a search team. It’s amazing how these dogs can mean the difference between life and death, in ways greater than physical.’
Buzz, a nine-year-old retired Dutch shepherd, had an illustrious career as a fearless GP and firearms support dog. Unfortunately, he sustained a leg injury when he slipped while trying to jump into a vehicle after a walk. The veterinary expenses soared to nearly £7,000, which was a considerable amount for Mr. Stuart to handle. Fortunately, the National Fire and Rescue Service Association (NFRSA) provided a £5,000 grant to cover most of the costs. Mr. Stuart deeply appreciates this help, recalling the numerous times Buzz protected him from harm—and feeling he owes Buzz a great deal.
Mollie, a retired prison search dog, was skilled at locating drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in prison cells. Owner Jess Beardsworth and Mollie’s handler, Terry (Jess’s father and a senior prison officer for HMPS North West search teams), both attest to Mollie’s unwavering dedication to her job, even amidst the chaotic prison environment. Unfortunately, an accident led to the amputation of one of Mollie’s front legs, requiring her to retire earlier than expected. The NFRSA quickly stepped in, funding Mollie’s special mobility wheels, hydrotherapy, and physiotherapy. Thanks to the charity’s assistance, Mollie, ever determined and joyful, is recuperating well and continues to pursue her beloved tennis ball.
In 2023, Reqs, a black Labrador and the UK’s longest-serving fire investigation dog, was honored with the PDSA Order of Merit for his exceptional service and dedication. Nikki Harvey, his handler and watch commander with the Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, reflects on Reqs’ eleven years of service and his over 500 fire scene investigations. Despite the need for confidentiality in his work, Reqs’ critical role in detecting traces of ignitable liquids was essential to the investigation process, often determining the origins of fires. Now retired, Reqs still enjoys playing with his favorite toy, a tennis ball. Nikki has registered Reqs with the NFRSA, grateful for the support from an organization that values the contributions of service animals like him.
[There is a photograph of the retired prison dog Mollie with owner Jessica Beardsworth, provided by Jonathan Yearsley/Country Life Picture Library, and a photograph of Reqs with his PDSA Order of Merit Medal, provided by Shaun Fellows/Shine Pix Ltd.]
Additionally, there are mentions of the melodious woodlark, advice from award-winning dog trainer Ben Randall, an invitation to participate in the Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards, and a look at the legacy of Revd John Russell, the namesake of the Jack Russell terrier. These are accompanied by credited photos from various photographers.
