A charity who awarded a retired police dog and his handler with a top award has stepped in to save the canine’s life when he fell ill with canine coronavirus.
etired police dog (RPD) Gilly – a 10-year-old German Shepherd – was rushed to the vets on 2 February after falling ill. Vets diagnosed canine coronavirus and he was immediately placed on a drip and given medication. He spent two days in the surgery before returning home to continue his recovery.
Gilly’s former handler and owner, Darren Sewell, said: “My working police dog, PD Jura, had been poorly a few weeks earlier and the force ensured he received the very best care and, thankfully, he was back on his paws in no time at all.
“But when Gilly fell ill too I was incredibly worried. While he’s insured we knew we’d be responsible for the excess and 20% of the total bill which would still be a large amount with the overall bill coming in at over £1,000. The Thin Blue Paw Foundation has kindly offered to help with these amounts which is gratefully received especially after Christmas and with the current cost of living increases.
“It’s been a huge help as this was a cost that we didn’t expect that came out of nowhere so finding it would have been difficult.”
RPD Gilly served with his handler, PC Darren Sewell, at Leicestershire Police for eight years before retiring in 2021.
The duo – and PC Sewell’s new general purpose police dog PD Jura – were honoured with a Special Recognition Award at the Thin Blue Paw Awards in 2021. The award celebrates an individual who has made a significant impact to the police dog community in the UK.
PC Sewell and his two dogs were chosen by the Foundation’s trustees to receive the award after their commitment to training police dogs in Leicestershire, despite the officer’s own health problems.
Gilly stayed by Darren’s side when, in 2020, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 blood cancer which had spread to his chest, lungs, liver and hip. He was signed off work to undergo chemotherapy but Gilly – and his other dogs – were by his side every step of the way.
Darren said: “Gilly and I had worked together for six years, he was my partner in crime and now he was my therapy dog during treatment. He stayed with me throughout the treatment. Having him here with me and getting out to walk him has helped my treatment, health and recovery hugely.
“I knew I had to be there for Gilly and ensure he had the very best treatment during his hour of need. But veterinary care like this comes at a cost and I’m hugely grateful to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for stepping in to cover the bill from his emergency stay.
“It was incredibly humbling to receive the special recognition award from the charity in 2021. But for them to support Gilly during his illness has been even more amazing. I’m so incredibly grateful.”
Gilly is now home with PC Sewell who has also finished cancer treatment and returned to work after receiving the all-clear from doctors.
Thin Blue Paw trustee Kieran Stanbridge said: “PC Sewell is an inspirational man who has given so much of his life to the police, to his dogs and to keeping the public safe. He couldn’t have done his job without RPD Gilly by his side and the duo made a formidable pair.
“We were honoured to give them an award at our inaugural awards in 2021 and we’re pleased that we could be there to support Gilly in his hour of need, as well as easing the financial burden on Darren and his family.
“Police dogs can often retire from their force with lifelong health problems due to the strenuous lives they’ve led. And unexpected complications that can cost thousands in vet bills can come at any time too. This is a huge worry for owners of these dogs who often struggle to find insurance for their pets so we’re pleased that we can be there to fill the gap and ensure our canine heroes get the help they deserve.”
