Four-year-old retired police dog Boss and his handler, Kent Police officer PC Daniel Carter, have won the Crimefighting Duo Award at the 2026 Thin Blue Paw Awards.
The pair received the award at a ceremony at The Royal Kennel Club in Mayfair, London, on 29 September.
Boss’s journey into policing began in Norfolk in 2023, when a dog warden found him wandering alone. Nobody came forward to claim him, but his energy and drive caught the attention of police dog trainers.
Boss was originally intended to be a spare dog while PC Carter completed his dog handler training.
“He was earmarked to be the spare dog for my initial course, but he immediately showed how good he was and I ended up swapping dogs at week seven,… It was the best decision I ever made!”
The two have made a formidable crime-fighting duo. During his career, Boss assisted with more than 100 arrests, tracked and apprehended suspects and qualified as a Firearms Support Dog.
One of Boss’s most important searches had nothing to do with catching a criminal. He tracked across difficult terrain to locate a vulnerable man who was threatening to take his own life at the top of a steep ravine.
Carter said the relationship between dog and handler was what made the job special.
“One of the best things about being a police dog handler is having your best mate by your side day in, day out and trusting each other, keeping each other safe and having a bond that nobody can break.”
Boss’s career was cut short this June after he developed degenerative arthritis, which German Shepherds can be particularly prone to. He has now swapped police work for retirement in the Carmarthenshire countryside, where he lives with Carter’s parents, while Carter has begun working with a new police dog, Dara.
His retirement also highlights a less visible problem facing working dogs once their service ends. Police forces cover veterinary costs while dogs serve, but retired police dogs do not automatically receive a pension or ongoing financial support. The responsibility generally passes to the former handler or whoever adopts them.
The Thin Blue Paw Foundation, founded in 2020, provides grants towards veterinary treatment and rehabilitation for retired police dogs. Since its launch, the charity has covered more than £461,000 in veterinary and rehabilitation costs, helping over 220 retired service dogs.
For Boss, the charity has already promised to be there as his new family manages his arthritis.
Thin Blue Paw founder Kieran Stanbridge described his journey as a “real rags to riches story” – from unwanted stray to award-winning police dog, and now, finally, to a well-earned retirement.
Could Your Dog Have Arthritis?
Arthritis can develop gradually, so early signs aren't always obvious. Changes to look out for include:
Stiffness, particularly after resting
Limping or putting less weight on one leg
Difficulty getting up, lying down or settling comfortably
Reluctance to use stairs, jump into the car or onto furniture
Shorter walks, tiring more quickly or losing interest in exercise
Changes in gait, such as a shorter or uneven stride
Swollen, tender or sensitive joints
Repeatedly licking or chewing around a particular joint
Yelping, flinching or becoming unusually sensitive when touched or moved
Some dogs may simply seem quieter or less willing to do things they previously enjoyed. If you notice persistent changes in your dog’s movement, behaviour or activity levels, speak to your vet. Early assessment can help identify the cause and start treatment or pain management sooner.