An award-winning retired police dog that needed emergency surgery for a spinal disorder is said to be doing “really well”.
Neeko, a German Shepherd who worked with Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies’ Joint Dog Section for seven years, was found collapsed last month and unable to walk.
He was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease, external (IVDD) – a spinal condition that can cause paralysis.
Neeko’s new owner Nicole Ollett said he was recovering at home in Wymondham, Norfolk, but was still “a little wobbly”.
Having won Norfolk’s Police Dog of the Year Award in 2017 and again in 2018, Neeko built a reputation for tracking down criminals with his strong sense of smell.
In 2019, he reportedly helped to track nine suspects in one shift.
Neeko retired in February 2023 and was rehomed with Ms Ollett shortly after.
“I have four boys under the age of 14 and Neeko absolutely loves them,” she said.
“When Neeko was ill, the younger ones found it difficult to understand.
“My eight-year-old asked if he was going to be OK. I just said ‘he’s in the best place he could be'”.
Neeko’s surgery and treatment cost Ms Ollett and her husband Martyn about £10,000.
The family is being supported by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, external which helps to fund veterinary and medical costs for serving and retired police dogs.
Foundation trustee Kieran Stanbridge said: “This has been our most expensive month ever. We’ve had claims of more than £45,000 submitted to us; that’s more than we paid out in 2021 and 2022.
“We have 390 dogs registered with us – that’s more than ever before. Sadly, it’s clear that many dog owners are struggling due to the cost of living crisis, and the staggering increase in veterinary costs.
“Unfortunately, taking on a retired police dog comes with added costs because most of these dogs have wear and tear from their strenuous working lives and are also uninsurable.”
Ms Ollett said that insuring Neeko had been a struggle as many pet insurers would not accept former working dogs or dogs over the age of eight.
