Wiltshire Police Dog Handlers to run 434 Miles in July for Wags Retired Police Dogs Charity

Seven dog handlers from Wiltshire Police are donning their running shoes next month to raise money for WAGS Retired Police Dogs Charity.

Wiltshire’s retired Police dogs have been helped numerous occasions by the charity, which provides assistance in emergency situations where large vets bills can lead to decisions made on the dog’s future based on cost.

To raise money for the worthwhile cause, the seven dog handlers will be running 62 miles each in July – a grand total of 434 miles between them.

One of the Force’s beloved retired dogs PD Tyke sadly passed away last year – he was helped immensely by WAGs during his retirement.

Here is what his handler PC Cindy Hargreave had to say: “I am forever grateful to this amazing charity for the support they gave me throughout the whole of Tyke’s retirement with many things, but especially in his last couple of years.

“He was battling with liver issues and arthritis.

“They afforded me so much extra time with my soul dog.

“I miss him every moment of every day but draw strength from the extra time I had with him thanks to this fantastic charity.”

WAGS Retired Police Dog Charity is an independent charity set up to help the retired Police Dogs from Wiltshire, Avon and Somerset and Gloucestershire Police Forces.

Police Dogs spend their working lives detecting criminals and helping locate the most vulnerable people in our society.

The dogs can be involved in dangerous situations and may be injured whilst protecting the public, police officers and whilst detaining offenders.

WAGS provides financial assistance with the dog’s veterinary fees to keep them healthy and happy during their well-earned retirement.

WAGS trustee Adam Weal said: “We are so incredibly grateful to the dog handlers of Wiltshire Police’s Dog Section for taking up this gruelling challenge to raise funds for our charity.

“We raise vital funds to financially support the retired police dogs to ensure that any decisions are based only on the dog’s welfare needs, without the worry to the owners of where the finances will come from to pay the required vet bills to treat the dog.

“Some veterinary life-saving surgeries can cost thousands of pounds and without insurance it can be extremely difficult to afford.”

To donate, visit: The Dopes From The Ropes is fundraising for WAGS Retired Police Dogs (justgiving.com)