A retired police dog has been praised for her remarkable sensitivity and loyalty in helping her new owner cope with chronic illness.
RPD Donja, a seven-year-old German Shepherd, spent three-and-a-half years with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Police before an early retirement brought her working life to an unexpected halt. Diagnosed with spondylosis – a degenerative spinal condition – Donja was forced to hang up her harness just before her fifth birthday.
But retirement marked the beginning of a new chapter. Fondly nicknamed Donna Kebab by her adoptive family, Donja has become a constant companion and emotional support to her new owner, Heidi – who also had to step back from her career due to ongoing health issues.
During her time in service, Donja worked alongside PC Ash Collins (pictured above with Donja) as a general purpose police dog. She helped protect MoD sites including RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, and provided vital operational support to both Hampshire Police and Thames Valley Police.
“Donja was intelligent, intuitive and demonstrated great problem-solving skills, and she was brilliant at tracking,” said Ash. “She was wonderful at her job and a fabulous partner to have.”
When Donja retired, she remained with Ash and his wife Heidi at their home in Wiltshire, settling in alongside the couple’s four cats. What Heidi, 40, didn’t anticipate was just how much Donja would come to mean to her.
Heidi lives with endometriosis, fibromyalgia and polycystic ovary syndrome – conditions that leave her in regular and sometimes debilitating pain.
“Donna has been such a comfort and support while I’ve been struggling with my own chronic illness,” said Heidi. “I had to leave my job in veterinary medicine to work from home due to the decline in my physical health.
“Donna always knows when I’m having a flare-up, sometimes even before I do! She won’t leave my side and insists on following me, keeping a close eye on me, and laying by my side when I’m feeling unwell.
“It’s difficult for her to jump up onto the bed due to her back problems but, when I’m in pain and stuck in bed, she knows and will hop up to snuggle with me.”
After undergoing surgery for stage 3 endometriosis, Donja was, once again, right by her side.
“She knew something was wrong. She was so gentle and stayed with me,” said Heidi. “Due to all of my health problems I can struggle with anxiety. She knows how to cheer me up and when I need a smile; she’ll bring me a toy or nuzzle in for a cuddle. She’s so intuitive.
“Sometimes when I have a bath I get dizzy and she always keeps a close eye on me. Once she was so concerned she gently tried to grab my arm and pull me out – she hates the bath so she was really brave to do that for me.
“I now work from home which can be pretty isolating. Having her gets me out of the house which is so important for my physical health and for my mental wellbeing.”
While Donja continues to give so much, she has her own daily struggles too. Thankfully, the Thin Blue Paw Foundation is helping her live more comfortably in retirement. The UK charity – which supports serving and retired police dogs – provides ongoing financial help so Donja can access regular medication for her arthritis and allergies. She also receives free food thanks to the charity’s partnership with Barking Heads.
“Donja spent years working hard as a police dog, supporting the Ministry of Defence,” said the Foundation’s chairman, Kieran Stanbridge. “But even in retirement she’s continued to do so much, now for her owner, Heidi.
“Their relationship shows how wonderful dogs can be for our mental and physical health. And after everything Donja has done, it’s only fair that she gets to enjoy her retirement pain-free. We’re proud that we can be there to help support her, so she can continue to support Heidi.”
Today, Donja enjoys long countryside walks, raiding the treat cupboard, playing with her toys, and napping in one of her many beds – she has one on every floor of the family’s townhouse.
Heidi added: “We’re very grateful to the Thin Blue Paw for supporting Donja’s regular medication and delivering her favourite food for free. It’s truly a dog’s life for her now.
“She’s such a sweet and gentle dog, but she is fiercely loyal and protective. She’s appointed herself as a guardian to me and the cats; she even breaks up cat fights that break out and checks they’re all okay before settling down again by my side.
“Even on my hardest days, I feel so lucky to have Donja with me.”