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Retired police dog back home for Christmas after surgery
“She’s started to put weight on that leg again and is recovering well” – Michael Greaves.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation helped Jooba and her family.

A retired police dog is home in time for Christmas after undergoing surgery for cruciate ligament damage.

Nine-year-old Jooba initially worked as a military dog, before serving as a police dog in South Wales and South Yorkshire. When the Belgian Malinois retired in 2022, she was adopted by her handler Michael Greaves and his family in Barnsley.

In November 2022, she needed surgery for a torn cruciate ligament. Last month, she began limping again and her family suspected that there may be an issue with the cruciate ligament in her other hind leg.

She underwent surgery on 28 November, but problems arose as she recovered from the operation. A week after the operation, she had to be rushed back to the veterinary practice due to an infection in her joint.

Mr Greaves said: “Jooba was clearly in a lot of pain and vets did further tests and X-rays as well as a fluid withdrawal which showed that she had an infection in the joint. She needed strong antibiotics and significant pain relief and, thankfully, she’s now beginning to come out of the other side.”

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which provides support for retired police dogs, has funded veterinary care for Jooba, including both her operations.

Mr Greaves added: “She’s started to put weight on that leg again and is recovering well. She’s now on the road to recovery, just in time for Christmas, and 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 us for the holidays.”

Since it was founded in 2020, the charity has supported over 150 dogs with grants totalling more than £300,000.

Thin Blue Paw trustee and co-founder Kieran Stanbridge said: “Jooba dedicated years of her life to working for the military and then the police. 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.

“We’re proud to have been there for Jooba in her hour of need, and to ease the financial burden on Michael and his family, particularly at this time of year.

Image © Thin Blue Paw Foundation

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.