Retired Surrey police dog Polly recovers after life‑threatening infection

Polly, an eleven‑year‑old German Shepherd‑Belgian Malinois cross that served Surrey and Sussex Police for six years, fell seriously ill in late July after a small cut on her leg developed a severe, mysterious infection. Her handler, PC Claire Harrison, rushed her to an emergency veterinary clinic where the leg swelled to three times its normal size and doctors warned the next 48 hours would be critical. Treatment costs exceeded £4,000, but the Thin Blue Paw Foundation stepped in to cover the expenses, relieving the financial burden on Claire. After a change in antibiotics, Polly stabilized and has since returned home to continue her recovery. Claire said, "In the space of 24 hours my whole world came crashing down," while foundation founder Kieran Stanbridge noted the charity’s support was vital for Polly’s care.