We have launched a special fundraising appeal to help a retired police dog who spent more than seven years helping the police find missing people and bodies.

Springer spaniel Charlie, now 11, served with Leicestershire Police as a cadaver dog and was trained to track and help officers find vulnerable missing people as well as traces of bodies.

He joined the police when he was just a puppy and served for more than seven years until his retirement in October 2019 when he was adopted by Robyn Smith and her family in Leicestershire.

Robyn said: Charlie was an excellent police dog and even received the Chief Constables commendation for bravery award in 2017 after helping police find a vulnerable missing person who was deep in woodland and would have died without prompt medical attention.

Charlie loves retirement and has grown really affectionate. He loves cuddles and snoozing on his many comfy beds. Hes still ball-obsessed and will try to outrun much younger dogs to get to the ball first; he doesnt act his age! Last month, Charlie was playing with his ball when he ran into a bigger dog, injuring his leg.

Robyn added: Charlie already had a weak front leg from his years of service and when we adopted him we were told he had arthritis. Hes a tough boy who doesnt show his pain but after colliding with the other dog he was clearly in pain so we rushed him to the vet.

Vets discovered that Charlie had previously suffered a mild fracture which had been there for years and had weakened over time so when he hurt himself playing the impact caused a severe break.

RPD Charlie needed surgery to repair his broken elbow and, on 8 February, had a small metal plate and five screws fitted to stabilise the break. His family received a bill of more than £6,000.

Robyn added: Charlie is now at home recovering from his surgery; he isnt enjoying crate rest but is loving all the attention hes getting.

He had his cast removed on 24 February and the wound is healing nicely so he should make a good recovery.

Charlie had major surgery and the bill came in at over £6,000 which was a bit of a shock to the whole family. Were so grateful to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation for covering the whole cost.

The Thin Blue Paw Foundation is a UK dog welfare charity that supports, protects and celebrates both serving and retired police dogs. The charity has more than 350 retired police dogs registered and has paid out more than £125,000 to owners for help with life-saving operations, pain management therapies, and medication for lifelong conditions.

Thin Blue Paw Foundation trustee Kieran Stanbridge said: We set up the charity to ensure that there was some support for the owners of retired police dogs when they face large, unexpected bills just like this.

Police dogs lead strenuous lives and sadly they often retire with health problems. They can also be incredibly difficult to insure due to this and, therefore, owners are often left to carry the burden of their costs alone.

We wanted to ensure that canine heroes like Charlie could live long, happy and healthy retirements with access to the very best veterinary care, but we cant do this without the publics support.

If you can spare anything to help Charlie and other police dog heroes then please donate to our special fundraising appeal online.

Robyn said: We adore Charlie and dont go on holiday without him! Hes been to Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales where he loves to play in the streams and go for long walks.

We feel so lucky to have him in our lives and now, thanks to the Thin Blue Paw, we know hell have many more years of running and playing fetch; its the least he deserves after all hes done for the police and the public.

** All funds raised will go towards supporting all retired police dogs supported by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation. **