WHEN Worcester Police Dog Handler Louise McMullen was bedridden for six months and told her she would never work again, she thought her career was over.
After fighting to the beat with her loyal dog Wolfie by her side, it was up to Louise to help and repay her loyal friend when he was forced to learn to walk again after being injured in a dramatic police chase became.
The caring officer was working with the police dog Usha when she unexpectedly fell ill in 2012 and was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome – or ME.
Doctors told her she would never become a police officer again, but she refused to give up hope of getting back to her dream job and thanks to the efforts of West Midlands Police and PD Wolfie, the couple got back on their feet.
German Shepherd Wolfie was a large, skilled, all-purpose dog who was incredibly loyal and gentle.
“Wolfie and I were brought together because my coworkers knew he would help me get back to work,” said Louise.
“I didn’t have to retrain with a young, exuberant dog, which would have put additional pressure on my already ailing body and put even more strain on my physical health.
“We’ve been together ever since and he was the most incredible partner. We have had many successes and he qualified as a firearms support dog, one of the highest achievements for a working dog.
However, in November 2018, the duo were chasing armed robbers who had broken into a local business with machetes and chainsaws when Louise’s car left the street and hit a tree at 40 mph.
“I was knocked unconscious and when I woke up the car was on fire. My first thought was that Wolfie was behind; I had to get my partner out of the car. I crawled out and managed to drag myself to the trunk to get him out. He collapsed and I thought he was going to die. “
Louise had broken her jaw and eye socket and injured her wrist and spine. Wolfie had been thrown into the metal back of his cage on impact and suffered “massive” internal injuries and spinal injuries.
“Wolfie spent days in the vet office, which was heavily sedated to relieve the pain, and needed intense hydrotherapy and support to repair the nerves that were damaged in his buttocks,” said Louise.
“He had to learn to walk again – just as I had a few years before – and I was by his side every step of the way.”
The couple was eventually signed off to be back on duty and set out on their way, but after just six weeks in the uniform, Louise became concerned about her four-legged partner.
Another visit to the vets confirmed the worst, Wolfie suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was about to retire.
“There was no doubt that he would come home with me; not after what he did for me and what we went through together, ”said his caring owner.
While injections were regularly given to relieve pain, help was on hand thanks to the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, which covers the monthly cost of £ 185.
Wolfie now lives with Louise, her husband, their 14-year-old stepdaughter, and their nine-year-old son for barking at the postman and popping soccer and rugby balls.
Louise herself was promoted to sergeant that year and described her bond with Wolfie as “indescribable”.
“He’s been there and has put himself in danger for me on so many occasions, and I can’t thank him enough for that. It was because of him that I came home to my family one evening, ”she said.
“He now has these injuries because of the work I asked him to do, so I need to make sure he can enjoy life as long as possible.
“The Thin Blue Paw Foundation made this possible and I am so grateful.”