Page 24 - WMPF December-January Magazine.url_Neat

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and Wolfie were seriously injured in a road
traffic collision in November 2018 while
care. pursuing a group of robbers armed with
Terry said: “Police dogs don’t receive a machetes and chainsaws.
pension when they retire from active duty. Despite suffering a fractured jaw, eye
Their care and ongoing treatment becomes socket and back damage, wrist and ankle
the responsibility of their handler or injury and extensive bruising, Louise was
adopter. able to drag herself and Wolfie from their
“Families who take on retired police burning vehicle.
dogs receive no financial assistance. The Wolfie suffered severe muscle damage
cost of insuring them can be prohibitive and and required continual medical treatment
the cost of care and treatment can soon and physiotherapy alongside hydrotherapy.
mount up. However, he was eventually retired from
“The Benevolent Fund eases the service because of post-traumatic stress
financial pressure on people who look after disorder (PTSD).
the dogs with regards to veterinary fees so Wolfie lives his retirement with Louise,
that they can live out a long and happy and Terry said: “Their story underlines the
retirement. Without us, the decision to take close bond that handlers have with their
on a retired dog can be a very difficult one dogs. “It’s great that the fund can support
to make. them and their handlers in their retirement,
“We aim to ensure that all retired West and we want to be able to continue doing
Midlands Police dogs enjoy the retirement that long after the Covid-19 pandemic.”
they deserve, with the highest levels of For more information on the Retired
ongoing medical care and treatment. West Midlands Police Dog Benevolent Fund
“Hopefully, any heart-wrenching and attendance at events such as Crufts. or to make a donation, visit
decisions about the dog’s future will not Indeed, it was from this year’s Crufts retiredwmpd.org.uk
come down purely to financial - which took place at the NEC in March The fund is
considerations,” Terry added. before the lockdown - that the fund seeking help in
The fund raises money through a received a £1,000 donation from PC Louise maintaining and
membership subscription, sales of Mullen and her German shepherd Wolfie. developing its
merchandise and donations from the Wolfie topped The Extraordinary Life of website and would
public. It raises awareness through its a Working Dog category in the Kennel Club like to hear from
website – retiredwmpd.org.uk - social Friends For Life competition. anyone who could
media presence on Twitter and Facebook, A firearms dog support team, Louise help with this.

Expert Hand. Human Touch.
I am able to have peace
of mind for the future

Our family team are hugely
experienced in advising and

supporting members of the police
force dealing with separation,
divorce, financial or children
matters, including looking after
your pension.

For free initial advice call the
Birmingham office on
0121 214 5278 and ask to speak
to Clare Wiseman or Mark Hands.

W-FA-1007 irwinmitchell.com

24 federation December 2020/January 2021 www.polfed.org/westmids