NFRSA
@The_NFRSA • 6,372 subscribers
National Foundation for Retired Service Animals, supporting retired animals from the Police/Fire/Prison/Border Force/NCA/NHS. Ch. No: 1200949. UK.
Videos
It was such a happy day going over the border yesterday - but it nearly ended in disaster. Lady B was in the cycle lane, waving to fellow cyclists, just as a woman in a red car dangerously overtook a lorry, nearly hitting her, & causing the support car to swerve. Not a nice experience at all. Please motorists - be careful when overtaking on country roads.. #cyclinglife #cycling #bike #bikelife #driving #dangerousdriving #scotland Police Scotland Police Scotland Horses Police Scotland Control Rooms
NFRSA2,280,094 görüntüleme • 2 yıl önce
Prayers for Retired Prison Dog Bear needed today please family. He was rushed to the vets this morning, after a short period of a wobbly gait, he woke this morning paralysed and in great distress.. His Mum Charley is understandably frantic and we are on call, waiting to see what the next step is going to be. Please will you hold Bear n your thoughts today - he served for nearly 6 years at @HMPBelmarsh with HMPPS Operational Dogs keeping the landings and prison estate safe - and now he needs us all. Surgery is almost inevitable, he is on his way as we speak to Noel Fitzpatrick - who has amazingly stepped in to help. We are waiting, hearts in mouth, for news. Update later. Please get better Bear - we’re right with you. 💔
NFRSA63,165 görüntüleme • 8 ay önce
A much loved member of our family has joined his friends at rainbow bridge. RPD Stark who served with astonishing success from West Midlands Police and WMP Dog Unit passed away on Sunday, 7th December and while we have known since it happened, we respected the privacy of dear Paul Hopley and his wife Michelle who have been struggling to come to terms with his loss. So many of you knew Stark - his phenomenal career as a police dog, and his recent retirement, which while desperately short, was filled with adventure, love and some Spanish sun. We have been supporting Stark with his monthly medications, as well as during his awful sepsis this summer, and we will be supporting Paul with this final chapter too. Stark - it was an absolute privilege to know you personally, and an honour to be able to help you in your retirement. You’ll always be considered a member of our family - and Paul and Michelle will always be in our lives. Bless you dear one - sweet dreams, and thank you for your service, and for the light you brought to so many. We’ll keep an eye on your Mum and Dad for you. Safe travels. 💜
NFRSA51,677 görüntüleme • 8 ay önce
We were honoured to be invited to attend the annual Animals In War Memorial Service at their beautiful monument in London yesterday. We gathered together to remember those who could not speak, but who gave their all and in too many cases, made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts across the world - past and present. We were privileged to be asked to lay a wreath to commemorate each one in love and gratitude. We also remembered the lady who was the leading light behind the poignant statue - Jilly Cooper - who worked tirelessly to ensure those animals are forever remembered. Thank you Jilly. ServiceDogsUK Murphy's Army Purple Poppy Campaign The Kennel Club RSPCA (England & Wales) Dogs Trust 💛🐶 Battersea
NFRSA38,017 görüntüleme • 9 ay önce
We are heartbroken. You’ll remember young Rowan, who has been, for almost a year, growing his hair for Little Princess Trust and at the same time raising money for The NFRSA. The reason Rowan is doing the fundraiser is because his dad is a prison dog handler, and Murphy, his Dads prison dog (now retired), has been his best mate his whole life - and he knows first-hand how important our charity is. Well - tragically, this darling little boy is facing one of most difficult moments of his young life tomorrow, and the one every dog handler dreads. RPD Murphy has developed an aggressive tumour and despite everyone’s best efforts, he is no longer able to cope, or walk, and so his Dad and his wonderful retirement home Dad, James, who lives close to Rowan, have both realised it’s time to let him go with dignity. Rowan and his family went to visit Murphy yesterday to say goodbye, and they made this heartbreaking video. Rowan wanted you to know how much Murphy means to him - and how important his fundraiser is. It goes without saying we will support the family throughout, and we will do an NFRSA tribute to Murphy later - but tonight, this is entirely for Rowan and his family. Please would you think of Murphy tomorrow and send him a little prayer as he crosses gently over Rainbow Bridge, and if you could, send Rowan a donation for his fundraiser, because for an 8 year old boy, his efforts will mean even more to him now. The link is below: We are genuinely devastated for Rowan, his Dad Aaron, and the entire family - our hearts go out to them. Bless you Murphy - safe travels, and thank you for your service.
NFRSA25,662 görüntüleme • 7 ay önce
We have some sad news. But this is Mike’s story - and we share it with you here: ‘It is with heavy hearts we had to say a final farewell to our amazing RPD Blade on 22nd May 2026, at the grand old age of 12 1/2. Blade came to me as an 11 month, long-haired pup with a beautiful coat & innocent eyes, but I was warned Blade was extremely stubborn & would be a challenge. Well, we certainly hit the ground running &, much like all GP Initials, it was a ride! Blade was definitely stubborn - but during his 8 years of service to Dorset Police Dogs as a GP/FSD dog, he grew immensely in confidence & was an incredibly successful Dorset Police dog, especially with his tracking ability, bagging multiple suspects over the years. Blade was received several Divisional Commanders awards locating high risk missing people, as well as tracking & locating suspects from burglary scenes & vehicle decamps. A story that always makes me laugh. We were deployed to a serious assault in Weymouth. The town CCTV operator followed the suspect on camera, who was running down one of the streets. I deployed Blade from the van & waited for the suspect, who was heading in my direction. As he approached, I broke cover with Blade & the suspect tried to change direction. Unfortunately, the street was wet, & he slipped, skidding straight past us before coming to rest a short distance away. Without hesitation, Blade lunged forward, & I noticed he had a baseball cap in his mouth & was shaking it rigorously from side to side. He spat it out & then continuously barked at the suspect who threw himself onto his back & shouted, "IM SO SORRY, I GIVE UP, PLEASE CAN I HAVE MY CAP BACK". I later saw the CCTV footage which showed Blade grabbing the suspects Cap from his head as he slid past us. It was a close call! Another memory that will stay with me was when I was asked to visit a dementia home with Blade. I was initially reluctant, as Blade was extremely vocal & fiercely protective of me. To keep him calm & quiet, I took him into the home carrying his Kong toy. Blade was incredibly possessive over his toy & never liked giving it up. However, what happened inside the home was remarkable. He gently placed his toy onto a gentleman's lap, stepped back, & simply waited. Expecting Blade to lunge forward to reclaim his toy, I instinctively held him back. Instead, Blade calmly & gently took the toy back before placing it down again, it was incredible to see. As we were preparing to leave, a staff member asked whether I could take Blade into a residents room because she was bed ridden but had kept German Shepherd dogs all her life prior to becoming unwell, & would love to see him. The elderly lady was sitting up in bed when we entered the room, but she became overwhelmed with emotion when she saw Blade. He immediately jumped onto the bed beside her & happily played with his toy while she stroked him. I was astounded by how gentle & caring he had been throughout the visit, which just goes to show these dogs are truly amazing animals. However, the moment we left the home & returned to the van, he flicked the switch & became PD Blade again! There are so many wonderful memories this handsome boy gave me during our years working together, but above all else, he was my protector & most loyal companion. In retirement, he was the most affectionate dog to our family and friends - once he had vetted them through the front door first. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lady B and everyone involved with the NFRSA for your incredible support, including the financial assistance towards Blade's treatment prior to his passing. You truly made our lives easier knowing you were always there to support us, and we cannot thank you enough for that. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Blade will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him especially by myself and my family - he has left a huge void in our lives. Rest in peace Boy. xxx’
NFRSA10,359 görüntüleme • 3 ay önce
We are very sad to share the loss of a member of our NFRSA family. RPD Alfie - ‘Alf’ for short, and who served for an astonishing ten years with WMP Dog Unit and West Midlands Police, slipped away with his tennis ball in his mouth last week and Darryl, his handler, shared his wonderful story. “Alf was gifted to West Midlands Police when he was just 10 months old. The reason given by his then owner (who was in tears) “he was so destructive we can’t do a thing with him. He’s a pain in the arse.” What should’ve been a 6 week course was completed in 4 weeks. Turns out he just needed a job.! Alfie went on to work for 10 years during which time he found numerous amounts of drugs, cash and firearms. On one occasion we arrived for our first early shift of the week. A shooting had occurred during the night in a particularly nice part of Birmingham and Alfie and I were tasked with searching for the outstanding firearm. Arriving at the scene I spoke with the Sgt in charge of the search team. “It’s a massive area full of all kinds of s**t. Could you just run Alf over it to see if he shows any interest anywhere. I’ll be in the van, give us a shout.” In typical Alfie fashion, off he went like a stabbed rat, clambering over all manner of junk only to freeze. He’d found it.!! The Sgt hadn’t even taken the froth off his coffee. No matter what time of day or night, no matter what the weather or search conditions Alfie gave his all. With his wonky front foot to his long whippy tail, he made me laugh everyday, he was a real little character. This was summed up on one particular occasion. Monday morning, refresher training. The instructor “We’ve been asked to give a demo at HQ for some VIPs.” Me “No, I don't do media” Later in the day we found ourselves at HQ in front of 100 or so VIPs, all sat in a lecture theatre waiting to be amazed by one of West Mids finest.! The instructor “I’ve hidden the gear (Drugs) in the electrical socket underneath the main screen so everyone can see him work.” In we go and Alfie goes to work, gradually getting closer & closer to the drugs. Standing on his back legs,front feet on the wall. I’m looking on like a proud Dad. Alfies almost on top of the drugs when all of a sudden he drops what he’s doing and shoots towards the audience, running between legs beneath the chairs towards the buffet..!! Oh dear, I thought.! Alfie, having helped himself to a Somosa came running back whilst struggling to swallow the thing. He then went straight back to the drugs giving a perfect “freeze” indication which got a round of applause from the now hysterical audience..!! I reluctantly gave a “click” for a job well done and he come flying over for his ball. As if things couldn’t get any worse and just for good measure Alfie started rolling around on his back all happy with himself and revealed his “pink lipstick”..!! That was Alfie.🥰🐾 Following retirement Alfie went to many a shoot with my wife Jane and our daughter Milly, retrieving & flushing game birds. He was a natural. He passed with a tennis ball in his mouth just the way he wanted. It was an absolute pleasure and honour to have worked Alfie. He put a smile on my face every single day. RIP Little man❤️” What a little star he was - thank you for your service Alfie. Sweet dreams.
NFRSA15,328 görüntüleme • 6 ay önce
We are very sad to share a member of the NFRSA family has left for his next adventure. RPD Ted who served with GMP Tactical Dog Unit and Greater Manchester Police has travelled gently over rainbow bridge. Ted only retired this August, but suddenly fell ill at the end of last week, and it was simply too much for him. His devastated family had to make the hardest of decisions to let him go, and our hearts go out to Paul his handler, and the whole family. Paul told us Ted was one in a million, ‘a fantastic police dog and a straight chase champion. He was one of Manchester’s finest, and held a standard most would find hard to emulate.’ Ted passed peacefully away on Monday with Paul at his side, and we could not be thinking them all more - especially at this time of year. Time to sleep now Ted - thank you for your service. 💜
NFRSA16,882 görüntüleme • 8 ay önce
We end the week on a heartbreaking note. You will remember little RPD Stanley from HMPPS Operational Dogs and HMP Wormwood Scrubs. Stanley has not been well for a while now, and we have been supporting him for the last few months, knowing it would give him more time with his devoted Dad and handler Chris, and his partner Karen. They had a lovely Christmas, but Stan has deteriorated over the last week and yesterday, after a day of no yucky meds, and whatever he wanted to eat, he slipped quietly over rainbow bridge at home - surrounded by familiar smells, love, and cuddles. We’ve got to know Chris and Karen so well and our hearts go out to them both. It’s the worst decision to make, all dog owners know that - but they had to do what was best for him. It would have been Stanley’s 11th birthday today. They decided to let him go yesterday, as Karen said, today may have been his earthly birthday, but instead it’s his Birth Day into his new life, and we rather like that thought. Stan served for 9 and a half years - his finds were legendary. Two particularly memorable discoveries: After a search of one cell under suspicion - with nothing found - Stan kept ‘knocking’ on the next door, and Chris suggested they put him in. He popped onto the top bunk, and immediately put his paws on the wall and stared at the light. When they removed the light fitting, contraband ‘ literally rained down’ on them all.. A huge find. Another search, and Stan was ‘knocking’ round the base of the loo. They looked under at the floor - nothing. But Stan was insistent. He was right, the loo bowl had a false bottom, and there it all was. He always found what he was looking for, and it was only due to ill-health he retired. He was brilliant at his job. Sadly, a long retirement was not meant to be, but what an epic life he led - and what a character he was. Happy Birth Day over rainbow bridge little Stan - you will be missed so much. Sleep well, and thank you for your loyal service. 💜🐾🐾💜
NFRSA15,021 görüntüleme • 7 ay önce
We’re very sad to share we have said goodnight to Retired Fire Investigation Dog Chester, who served with Surrey Fire & Rescue Service for 8 years. Chester travelled over Rainbow Bridge on Sunday after a short, but fatal illness. His final vets bill was just under £4,000 and the NFRSA will be assisting with that cost. His family shared his amazing story: “Chester started training with Bas (Basil) Wood and Firedog Barley in July 2016 with West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service - they later moved over to Surrey FRS. He was Bas’ third firedog since Bas became one of the first handlers in 2004 with FID Hattie. Chester was a rescued Springer who had spent the first year of life indoors. He could not believe his luck when he came to live and work with Bas, and six other working dogs for company. Together they were called out at all times of the day and night across the South East. Chester attended many open days where he drew a lot more attention than Bas. The pair also went to schools, clubs and businesses to give demonstrations and promote the service. Chester served until he and Bas retired in December 2024 - one of his last jobs was an arson at a house where two children narrowly survived. He found the source in an awkward to reach space - a successful conviction would not have happened without the evidence that he found. At home Chester was a cheeky chappie, chasing and often catching pheasants, rabbits or pigeons. He enjoyed a muddy pond and running around with his kennel mates. In retirement he was most happy to sneak onto the sofa, but still kept his paw in. As recently as Halloween he gave a demonstration to raise funds for a local charity. So farewell Chezzie Bean, a hard working, fun loving dog and loyal companion. Thank you to the NFRSA for all you do for our retired animals.” Sleep well little Chester - thank you for your service. Our thoughts and love go out to Bas, Mary and the rest of the pack - he is hugely missed. We will do all we can to support your family. 💜🐾💜🐾💜
NFRSA15,047 görüntüleme • 7 ay önce
The NFRSA Big Bike Challenge awakes to its penultimate day. It’s all been about encouraging awareness for our retired service animals & their needs; saying thank you to the riders & handlers for what they do; & raising funds for the work of the NFRSA. We hope you enjoy the video - please consider sharing it, as well as donating whatever you can spare, so together we can ‘Protect Our Protectors’ in their twilight years. To make a contribution: GoFundMe Visit our website: Or Text PAW to 70450 to donate just £5. THANK YOU. 💜🐾🚴♀️🐴🐾💜 #nfrsa #prisondogs #firedogs #borderforce #prison #fireandrescue #dog #retiredpolicedogs #retiredserviceanimals #animals #animalwelfare #animalhealth #charity #servicedogs #thinblueline #police #policedog #backtheblue #policedogs #dogslife #dogsonx #dogsofx #dogs #animalcharity #paws #pawcircle #workingdogs #horses #policehorse #policehorses
NFRSA37,762 görüntüleme • 2 yıl önce
The NFRSA has reached an amazing milestone… Since our launch in 2022, we have now gifted over £200,000 in financial grants to the amazing retired service animals who have given us all so much. THANK YOU from the bottom of hearts, for your love, support and for being there when our four-legged heroes needed us the most - just as they were here for us during their working careers. Without you, this would never have happened and we are so grateful for everything you have done, in so many ways, to make our work possible. This isn’t just a charity, it’s a community - and our members are family to us. Together we have made a real difference. Here’s to the next chapter and helping many, many more retired dogs and horses from the police - fire - prison - RAF police MWD - MOD police - border force - NHS - and NCA services.
NFRSA12,434 görüntüleme • 10 ay önce
There is awful news coming out of Scotland today. PD Zeus has been attacked by a man with a knife during an arrest in Aberdeen, and was rushed to the veterinary hospital where he has undergone surgery. Our first thoughts are with PD Zeus, his handler and all at Police Scotland Dogs, Police Scotland Aberdeen, and Police Scotland after this horrific incident. Zeus is now home after his procedure, and we wish him a speedy recovery. The bravery and determination of every handler and their police dogs is unwavering and in the face of danger, they run towards it, while others run away. PD Zeus, you’re an absolute hero. PD Zeus will be the first service animal to receive our new NFRSA Bravery Award and it will be a privilege to present it to him in the coming weeks. Time now to rest and get well again. Bless you and your handler.
NFRSA18,161 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce
💜𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 - 𝐰𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩💜 Retired Police Dog Coty, a multi award winning five-year-old retired K9 officer from Kent Police (UK), is facing the fight of her life. Once among the UK’s top performing police dogs, Coty now requires a critical spinal operation costing £14,000 to save her from being put to sleep. Without the surgery, she will lose all mobility. Coty’s story is one of extraordinary service. From the age of 10 weeks, she began her career with Kent Police Tactical Operations and quickly distinguished herself with exceptional dedication. By 2021, Coty had already made a national name for herself - taking part in the G7 Summit in Cornwall, winning categories at the national trials. But Coty was more than a champion. She was a frontline asset in major operations - tracking down fleeing suspects across fields, through rivers, and even locating vital DNA evidence in violent crimes. Her tenacity led to multiple arrests and her bravery protected countless lives.. “She was fearless,” says PC Lisa Milligan, Coty’s former handler and now her loving owner. “She lived for the job - always the first to leap into action, to sniff out a clue, to stand between danger and me. Coty gave everything. And now… She can’t even stand properly on her own.” Coty’s career was tragically cut short in 2024 when her back legs began to fail. Initial surgery removed two cysts from her spine, offering brief hope. But just after Christmas, Coty collapsed again. Since then, she’s endured months of medical treatment and tests - but her condition continues to worsen. Coty now requires urgent and major surgery to stabilise her spine, at a cost of £14,000 and she needs your help to make it happen. As a young dog, she deserves to have this chance, and it’s the only one she has to realise any hope of a future. Please would you consider making a donation towards our special appeal for Coty. As a charity this is a challenge, but one we are determined to meet. We cannot do it without you, so any amount will make an enormous difference & we’d be so grateful. Thank you.. (The link below takes you to our JustGiving Campaign - or you can visit our website and make a donation there - simply mention Coty in the comments 💜) We’d be very grateful too if you could share this post.
NFRSA12,717 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce
Sad news. We have said a fond farewell to the legend that was RPD Lenny, or The Lendog as he was known to his nearest and dearest, on the 25th February 2025. Lenny served with Devon Police Dogs and Devon & Cornwall Police for 7 years before retiring last year to his handler. Lendog was a legend and a fearsome police dog. He was walked by Paul Glennon Devon & Cornwall PoliceDogs, before he was handled to Ali, then Steve, and finally to Vikki. Lenny’s work was exceptional, his defense of his handlers unquestionable, and his tracking was outstanding. On one occasion Lenny tracked a suspected target arsonist over a mile through urban streets, around the houses, into a block of flats, up several flights of stairs, straight to a door, where the man was found washing his clothes & disposing of evidence. No visual aids, no descriptions, no doorbell videos, just extraordinary nose work. On another occasion, Vikki stopped a car and the occupant turned violent, throwing her against her vehicle. Vikki managed to release Lenny & he unhesitatingly detained the suspect who proceeded to grab Lenny in a headlock, punching him repeatedly in the face. After another chase, the suspect, who was high on drugs and alcohol, was apprehended by Lenny who refused let go, despite his earlier attack. The criminal was successfully prosecuted. Lenny was a legend, admired and respected. and he will be greatly missed, not just by Vikki, who adored him, but by everyone who knew this truly unique personality - including us all here at the NFRSA. It was our privilege to take care of the entirety of Lenny’s final bill. Sleep well Lendog, you’re safely over Rainbow Bridge, and rolling in any mud you can find. You deserve your rest. Thank you for being you. 💜
NFRSA13,266 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce
Hurray! After sharing the 2025 NFRSA Calendar with you, we’re delighted to let you know you can now pre-order it on our website. Featuring retired service animals from across the services we support, it’s made entirely from personal memories, kindly sent to us by the ones who know them best, their families. Every penny will go towards our work, as the calendar has been sponsored by Jollyes Pets - we’re very grateful to them. Please do order yours now. Delivery will be early November, giving you plenty of time to wrap and post for (dare we mention it)… Christmas! Here it is again.. Please do share with as many friends as you care to, it’s very special to us. Thank you 💜
NFRSA11,775 görüntüleme • 1 yıl önce
Daha fazla içerik yok.