Retired Police Dog Returns Home for Holidays Following Charity-Funded Surgery

A retired police dog is currently recuperating following her third surgical procedure in two years, which was financed by an organization dedicated to assisting former service animals. Jooba, a nine-year-old Belgian Malinois, served with the military in Dorset before transitioning to police work, initially with South Wales and subsequently with South Yorkshire. She has returned to her residence in Barnsley after receiving emergency care for a joint infection, with the costs covered by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation. Michael Greaves, Jooba’s owner and former police dog handler, expressed that his family was “incredibly grateful” for the charity’s assistance. Mr. Greaves stated: “Jooba worked tirelessly with me, detaining fleeing suspects, searching for discarded property, helping to locate missing persons, and being involved in deployments of the firearms response team.” He recounted that Jooba initially received treatment in November 2022 for a torn cruciate ligament after her retirement from service. She then required a second operation last month when she began limping once more. Subsequent to this procedure, she developed a leg infection, was “in a lot of pain,” and necessitated emergency treatment on December 5. Mr. Greaves remarked: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for covering the huge costs of all this treatment, and for getting our girl back home to use for the holidays.” He added, “Jooba is such a kind, loving dog who brings us so much happiness.” Kieran Stanbridge, a trustee and co-founder of the Thin Blue Paw, commented: “Jooba dedicated years of her life to working for the military and then the police.” He continued, “It’s only right that now, in her retirement, she’s given the very best care to get her back on her paws quickly and back home with her adoring family.” He further noted that the charity has provided support to over 150 dogs throughout the UK during its initial four years, distributing grants amounting to more than £300,000.