Heroic retired Nottinghamshire Police dog finally able to sleep in favourite chair again after grueling rehab

After months of uncertainty, retired Nottinghamshire Police Dog Quantum is finally starting to enjoy his retirement after undergoing a series of complex procedures.

Quantum lives with his former handler, PC Jen Ellse. Charity Hero Paws is supporting Ellse with Quantum’s care after he developed dental and mobility issues, believed to be linked to his police work and resulting in thousands of pounds in vet bills.

The update comes after Hero Paws appealed for help to cover the ongoing cost of his vet bills during his retirement.

Jamie from Hero Paws said: “After months of uncertainty Quantum is finally starting to smile again.

"Quantum has now undergone several support procedures aimed at helping protect and stabilise his spine as he moves through retirement. Thankfully, the difference is already becoming noticeable.

“His mobility has improved, he appears far more comfortable, and for the first time in a long while, you can truly see him beginning to relax and enjoy life again.

“One hugely positive factor throughout all of this is that Quantum still has incredibly strong shoulders and hips, something particularly important for a German Shepherd dealing with spinal complications.

“After years spent protecting the public, he finally deserves the chance to simply enjoy being a dog and he’s also able to sleep in his favorite chair again.”

Quantum racked up more than 250 arrests during his six-year career with Nottinghamshire Police and attended more than 1,000 incidents before his retirement in 2022.

Despite being stabbed during an arrest in 2018, the seven-year-old German Shepherd later earned a national bravery award after taking down a machete-wielding suspect.

Speaking about the future Jamie added “The focus now is on carefully managing his condition long-term through medication, supplementation and he’s going to give hydrotherapy a try with a qualified canine physio, protection of his spine, and ensuring he can continue to enjoy a happy, healthy and comfortable retirement. And we will be here every step of the way to support him and his family

“Most importantly, this progress also gives his guardian some peace of mind. Watching these retired service dogs struggle after giving so much is incredibly difficult, so seeing Quantum brighter, happier and more settled means everything to those who love him.”

MP Lee Anderson has written to the Home Secretary in a bid to introduce legislation to ensure service animals like Quantum are covered for veterinary bills for life.

Nottinghamshire Police Force confirmed it followed national operational guidelines for police dogs set out by the NPCC.

The guidelines state: “The welfare and financial liabilities for retired police dogs are the responsibility of their new owners. However, there are many retired police dog charities which help and support new owners and dogs during retirement.”

To help with Quantum’s ongoing care costs visit https://heropaws.org.uk/