Retired police dog helping owner living with chronic illness
Donja, a seven-year-old German Shepherd, served with the Ministry of Defence Police for three-and-a-half years before being retired early due to spondylosis, a degenerative spinal condition.
The former general-purpose police dog spent its career patrolling MoD sites including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, and also supported operations with Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police.
PC Ash Collins, who worked alongside Donja, said: "Donja was intelligent, intuitive and demonstrated great problem-solving skills, and she was brilliant at tracking.
"She was wonderful at her job and a fabulous partner to have."
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Retired police dog Donja has been helping its owner Heidi Collins, living with a chronic illness. (Image: Thin Blue Paw Foundation) Since retirement, Donja - or Donna Kebab as her family affectionately call her - has lived with PC Collins and his wife Heidi at their home in Wiltshire, where she has become an unexpected source of comfort.
Heidi Collins, 40, said: "Donna has been such a comfort and support while I've been struggling with my own chronic illness.
Heidi lives with endometriosis, fibromyalgia and polycystic ovary syndrome.
"I had to leave my job in veterinary medicine to work from home due to the decline in my physical health.
"Donna always knows when I'm having a flare-up, sometimes even before I do.
"She won't leave my side and insists on following me, keeping a close eye on me, and laying by my side when I'm feeling unwell."
Donja was retired early due to a degenerative spinal condition. (Image: Thin Blue Paw Foundation) The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity supporting retired police dogs, now helps cover the cost of Donja's medication and provides free food through a partnership with Barking Heads.
Kieran Stanbridge, chairman of the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, said: "Donja spent years working hard as a police dog, supporting the Ministry of Defence.
"But even in retirement she's continued to do so much, now for her owner, Heidi.
"Their relationship shows how wonderful dogs can be for our mental and physical health.
"And after everything Donja has done, it's only fair that she gets to enjoy her retirement pain-free.
"We're proud that we can be there to help support her, so she can continue to support Heidi."
Donja now enjoys long walks, playtime and plenty of rest, with a bed on every floor of the family's townhouse.
Heidi said: "Even on my hardest days, I feel so lucky to have Donja with me."
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