This is Wolf's story. A story of loyalty, courage and family. After spending almost his entire life protecting the people of Nottinghamshire, this remarkable Police Dog now faces his final mission – retirement. As his family prepare for a new life in Australia, we're asking for your help to ensure Wolf can make that journey with them, because retirement should never mean goodbye.

Paul and Wolf's Story in Paul's words:

"When I met a seven-month-old Belgian Malinois called Wolf, I knew he was special. Full of confidence, energy and determination, he quickly became far more than a police dog. Over the years, he has been my partner through some of the most challenging moments of my policing career, a loyal protector of the public and a much-loved member of our family.

After joining the Metropolitan Police in 2001 and transferring to Nottinghamshire Police in 2004, I served in response policing, specialist support units and armed policing. Working closely alongside the Dog Section for many years, I saw first-hand the incredible work carried out by the handlers and their dogs, and I jumped at the chance to become a dog handler in 2014.

My first police dog was PD Kyle. He taught me so much and achieved fantastic results, but heartrendingly he died in 2017, aged just four, following complications from a serious illness. Losing a police dog is unlike any other loss. The bond forged through long hours, danger and trust leaves a huge void when it is broken.

Not long afterwards, I met Wolf. I brought him home to meet my wife Zoe, our three young children and our Shih Tzu, Blossom. From the very beginning, I knew he was something special.

Wolf took to police work naturally. We licensed together in 2018 and have worked side by side ever since. He has become not only an exceptional police dog, but also my best mate.

Throughout his career, Wolf has tracked dangerous offenders across fields, gardens and housing estates, located violent criminals in hiding, detained suspects fleeing stolen vehicles and protected both officers and members of the public.

One memorable arrest saw him track a suspect for over a mile after the man had seriously injured a member of the public before fleeing. On another occasion, Wolf swam into a river to catch the driver of a stolen vehicle who thought he could escape through the water.

In 2023, Wolf helped bring an end to a series of knife attacks carried out by a man riding an e-scooter around Mansfield. Despite the offender fleeing at speed, Wolf caught and detained him while he was still carrying a knife. There is no doubt in my mind that Wolf prevented further victims that day.

Time and again, Wolf has shown incredible bravery, determination and loyalty. He has protected me in dangerous situations, apprehended armed offenders and played a vital role in keeping the people of Nottinghamshire safe. I could not be prouder of what we have achieved together.

Now aged nine, Wolf is approaching retirement. As a family, we have made the difficult decision to move to Australia, where I will continue my policing career and where new opportunities await our children. Throughout this process, one thing has never changed – our determination to keep Wolf with us.

Wolf has spent almost his entire life serving the public. He has given everything to his job and we cannot bear the thought of him spending retirement away from the only family he has ever known. He deserves to enjoy it surrounded by the people who love him most.

For our children, Wolf is far more than a police dog. He has grown up alongside them and been a constant source of comfort, protection and friendship. As they prepare to leave behind their home, friends and everything familiar, Wolf is the constant they hope to take with them."

Zoe - Paul's wife says:

"I know Wolf is an amazing partner for Paul at work, but to us he is family. He makes us all feel safe and protected and has become such a loyal and loving part of our lives. I desperately want to see him enjoy his retirement with the family he has always known. Our children have grown up with Wolf and are facing a huge change in their young lives. We know he will be a steadying influence on them as they adapt to a whole new life on the other side of the world. He simply wouldn't understand if we were torn apart as a family."

Billy says:

"I've known Wolf nearly all my life. While he looks after Dad at work, when he's home he's my best mate too. Moving to a new country is quite scary, but I know if Wolf is with us, we'll be safe."

Henry says:

"I can't remember not having Wolf. We're leaving all our friends behind and Wolf is the one friend I can take with me. We really want him with us so we can feel happy and settled in our new life.

"We know moving him to Australia is expensive, and asking for help is not something we do lightly. But after a lifetime of service, bravery and loyalty, we believe Wolf deserves the retirement he has earned – with his family, where he belongs."

A message from Lady Bathurst, Founder and Chair of the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals

"At the NFRSA, we believe our duty to retired service animals extends far beyond helping when they are ill. We exist to promote their welfare and well-being throughout retirement, and that means looking at the whole picture.

For Wolf, this isn't simply about a journey to the other side of the world. It's about ensuring that a remarkable dog who has given almost his entire life to protecting others is able to spend his retirement with the only family he has ever known.

Equally important is the support to Paul, Zoe and their children as they embark on such a huge change in their lives. Moving to a new country is daunting, particularly for young children, and having Wolf with them will provide stability, continuity and comfort. He has always made them feel safe, and his presence will help them navigate this new chapter together.

Retirement should never mean separation. After years of loyal service to the people of Nottinghamshire, Wolf deserves the happiness and security of remaining with his family, and his family deserve the peace of mind which comes from knowing he is beside them, just as he has always been.

Thank you for taking the time to read Wolf's story, and for helping us ensure this brave boy's final mission is one filled with love, security and the retirement he has so richly earned."

**The NFRSA will endeavour to close the campaign once the target has been reached. In the event of it exceeding that target, all extra funds will be used to support PD Wolf’s medical needs should he ever need assistance in his retirement.