Retired Police Dog Saves Missing Man on First Walk After Surgery

Bear, a 12-year-old German Shepherd, located the vulnerable man during a routine walk in East Sussex, demonstrating his instincts and training even in retirement.

Bear, a retired police dog, rescued a vulnerable man on his first walk after undergoing surgery to remove benign tumors.
The incident occurred in Eastbourne, East Sussex, on Bear's 12th birthday, November 28, 2024.
Bear's owner, Julia Pope, a former police officer, said the dog went into 'work mode' and led them to the man in dense undergrowth.
The man, who was cold, wet, and unable to get up after falling, was reunited with his family after Bear guided them to police officers.
Bear, supported by the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, continues to serve as a well-being and trauma support dog for police staff in retirement.