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Retired explosives detection dog is a 'blessing'

Matthew LockwoodBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageThe Thin Blue Paw Foundation A close up of a springer spaniel looking up. She has a red collar, a brown face, brown droopy ears with shaggier fur on them, while her neck and body have white fur. She is in a grassy area with bluebells growing in the background.The Thin Blue Paw Foundation
RPD [retired police dog] Red served at London Luton Airport

A former explosives detection dog who served at an airport has been an "absolute blessing" for a widow.

Springer spaniel Red came to live with Elizabeth and John Sexton's daughter when she was just a few months old, before she left to work for Bedfordshire Police and served her whole career at London Luton Airport.

The dog suffered a "catastrophic injury" in September 2024 when she fractured an elbow, forcing her retirement.

She now lives back with Elizabeth, 78, in Bracknell, Berkshire, who said the dog had been "an absolute blessing and brought me a lot of comfort" since her husband's recent death.

"We believe she came back to us for a good reason," said Elizabeth.

News imageThe Thin Blue Paw Foundation Red is curled up in her bed with her eyes shut. She has a white coat and brown face and ears. The Thin Blue Paw Foundation
RPD [retired police dog] Red had to have two operations to repair a fractured leg

In 2020, Red came to live with the Sexton family, at seven weeks old, before she started her training with Bedfordshire Police when she was about 10 months old, in 2021.

Her career at the airport came to an end when she had two operations to repair the bones in her fractured elbow, and she had to retire a few months later.

When John found out what happened to Red, he gave her a new home.

"There was never a doubt that she would come back to us when we found out what had happened," Elizabeth said.

"He adored her and spent many hours sitting with her and taking her on little walks as she slowly recovered and regained her strength."

John had just a few months with Red, before he died, aged 85, in May last year.

News imageThe Thin Blue Paw Foundation John Sexton is stroking Red who is laying on the floor. It is Christmas time in the household with a tree up in the background. The Thin Blue Paw Foundation
John Sexton "adored" Red and he would sit with her and take her for walks

Red is registered with the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which supports retired police dogs.

The charity said police dogs receive no financial support or pension when they leave service and "sadly they require more veterinary treatment and care than pet dogs due to injuries and conditions they have developed as a result of their strenuous careers".

Kieran Stanbridge, the charity's chairman, said: "Red gave four years of her life to help police keep staff and passengers at Luton Airport safe.

"It is a shame her career ended early and that she suffered a catastrophic injury."

Elizabeth added: "Vet bills are a worry for so many pet owners, but the foundation takes a lot of this worry away.

"[It] is an absolute lifeline to these dogs and their mums and dads."

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