A 12-year-old retired police dog proved that old habits die hard when he rescued a vulnerable missing person during his first walk following major surgery.
Two abandoned German Shepherds Bear and his handler were out walking in the Eastbourne area when his police training instantly kicked in. The dog detected someone in distress and pulled his owner toward dense undergrowth where they discovered a confused and distressed man who had fallen and couldn't get up.
"He went straight into work mode," said Pope, a former police officer who adopted Bear after his retirement. "The man was wet, cold, and would likely not have survived the night given the freezing temperatures and isolated location."
The rescued individual turned out to be a missing person that local police had been unsuccessfully searching for. With Bear's guidance, Pope helped the man reach an area where officers could assist and reunite him with his family.
The rescue was particularly remarkable given Bear's recent medical challenges. Last summer, he underwent emergency surgery for four herniated spinal discs after losing use of his back legs. Just two weeks before the rescue, he had additional surgery to remove benign tumors.
The German shepherd now serves as a wellbeing and trauma support dog for police staff in his retirement. His medical care was supported by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping former police dogs.
"RPD Bear is a true hero," said Kieran Stanbridge from the Foundation. "His training and instinct kicked in at the perfect moment, proving that even in retirement, he's still saving lives."
The timing of the rescue made it even more special - it happened on Bear's 12th birthday, adding an extraordinary chapter to his already impressive service record.