Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.

Charity funds emergency surgery for retired police dog
“I can’t thank the Thin Blue Paw enough for what it’s done for Neo and for our family” – Rob James.
Neo was taken to the vets suffering from gastric torsion.

A retired police dog is recovering from life-saving surgery after a charity stepped in to cover the costs.

Neo, who served with Humberside Police, was taken ill at home in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, on 8 September. The German shepherd started making strange noises, had a hard stomach, and was trying to be sick.

Owner Rob James was called home from his work as a police officer by his partner and headed straight to the vets where a friend had driven the dog.

On his way to the practice, PC James contacted the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity which provides help for serving and retired police dogs in the UK. Retired police dogs do not receive any financial support from the force they worked for after they retire.

The veterinary team at the practice found that Neo had gastric torsion and needed immediate surgery. The charity agreed to cover the full cost of Neo’s surgery and the operation was a success.

PC James said: “Neo is doing really well after his surgery. I find myself thinking a lot about how life might have turned out if the Foundation hadn’t stepped in to help with the costs of this surgery – I'm so pleased he’s been given a chance.

“I can’t thank the Thin Blue Paw enough for what it’s done for Neo and for our family. I will forever be thankful for what you’ve done.”

Thin Blue Paw Foundation trustee Kieran Stanbridge added: “Poor Neo was seriously ill when Rob called us on the way to the vets and he wasn’t sure how he’d cover the costs of the emergency treatment. We knew we needed to help and we agreed to cover the full costs.

“We’re so pleased we were able to step in at Neo and Rob’s time of need, and that Neo is now back at home with his family recovering well.”

Image © Thin Blue Paw Foundation

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.