Retired police dog now guardian of former handler’s sick wife

By Lauren Beavis

A police dog retired through ill health has become a guardian to its former handler's sick wife.

Donja had to retire early from police work after being diagnosed with spondylosis - a degenerative spine problem.

But the seven-year-old German Shepherd has now been adopted by former handler PC Ash Collins' wife Heidi.

Donja has found a new role as an attentive and loyal companion to Heidi, who suffers from endometriosis, fibromyalgia and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Heidi, 40, said: “Donna has been such a comfort and support while I’ve been struggling with my own chronic illness.

"She 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.

“It’s difficult for her to jump up onto the bed due to her back problems but, when I’m in pain and stuck in bed, she knows and will hop up to snuggle with me.”

Donja served with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Police for three-and-a-half years, provided operational support to Hampshire Police and Thames Valley Police and worked as a general purpose police dog before her fifth birthday.

Ash described her as "intelligent and intuitive" dog who demonstrated "great problem-solving skills" and "was brilliant at tracking".

He said, "She was wonderful at her job and a fabulous partner to have.”

When Donja retired, she stayed with Ash, Heidi and their four cats, and now enjoys a quieter retired life in Wiltshire.

Donja (also known as Donna Kebab by her family), has helped look after Heidi since she had has to leave her job in veterinary medicine to work from home, due to the decline in her physical health.

After Heidi's recent surgery, Donja knew to stay close to her to offer emotional support and comfort.

Heidi said: “I had surgery recently for my stage three endometriosis and she knew something was wrong.

"She was so gentle and stayed with me.

"She knows how to cheer me up and when I need a smile; she’ll bring me a toy or nuzzle in for a cuddle.

"She’s so intuitive. Sometimes when I have a bath I get dizzy and she always keeps a close eye on me. Once she was so concerned she gently tried to grab my arm and pull me out - she hates the bath so she was really brave to do that for me.

"Having her gets me out of the house which is so important for my physical health and for my mental wellbeing.”

Donja, who patrolled military sites including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, is supported by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation - a UK charity that supports, rehabilitates and protects both serving and retired police dogs.

It pays for Donja’s regular medication to manage her allergies, provide pain relief for her arthritis and free food through the charity’s partnership with Barking Heads.

Charity chairman Kieran Stanbridge said: “Donja spent years working hard as a police dog, supporting the Ministry of Defense. 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."

Heidi added: “She’s such a sweet and gentle dog, but she is fiercely loyal and protective.

"She’s appointed herself as a guardian to me and the cats; she even breaks up cat fights that break out and checks they’re all okay before settling down again by my side.

“Even on my hardest days, I feel so lucky to have Donja with me.”