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Police dog recovering from surgery rescues man

PA Media Bear, a German Shepherd Dog, lying on grass in a fieldPA Media
German Shepherd Bear had been on his first walk since recovering from major surgery

A German Shepherd dog on his first walk since having major surgery found a vulnerable man police were searching for in Eastbourne.

Bear retired from the police service in 2020, but continues to work as a wellbeing and trauma support dog for police staff.

He was out with his owner, Julia Pope, a former police officer, on Thursday for the first time since his operation to remove two tumours.

Ms Pope said: “Bear went into work mode, he suddenly stopped and started indicating towards an area of dense undergrowth – and then dragged us to it, where he located and alerted us to a vulnerable man."

PA Media Bear, a German Shepherd dog, wearing a blue jacket with a Wellbeing Dog logo on it, is lying on the groundPA Media
Bear now works as a trauma support and wellbeing dog for police staff

Ms Pope added: “The man was confused, wet, cold and had fallen over, and was unable to get up unaided."

She said the man may not have survived the night if he hadn't been found and described the rescue as "an amazing stroke of luck".

Bear, who was celebrating his 12th birthday that day, has been hailed "a true hero" by the charity that supports him, the Thin Blue Paw Foudation.

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