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Atos had been paired with PC Claire Addems since he was one (Picture: Triangle News)An elderly sniffer dog has retired from duty because he has become scared of getting in cars.
\nSpringer spaniel Atos, who helped protect the Royal Family and searched for explosives, has also been hindered by arthritis.
\nThe nine-year-old police dog had been paired up with handler PC Claire Addems since he was a one-year-old puppy in 2013. She labelled him \u2018incredibly enthusiastic\u2019 and said he \u2018never failed\u2019 her.
\nAs well as protecting the royals at public events in London, Atos also worked at the AWE nuclear weapons factory in Burghfield, Berkshire.
\nMs Addems explained: \u2018Atos was a fantastic search dog \u2013 he was so full of drive and had such a passion for his work.
\n\u2018We worked together on many important jobs, including searches for members of the Royal Family in Portsmouth Dockyard and at Horseguards in London.
\n\u2018Atos never failed me and always passed his licensing with ease, he loved to work and loved to please me and, of course, loved to get that tennis ball at the end of a job.\u2019<\/p>\n
The sniffer dog helped protect the Royal Family (Picture: Triangle News)She continued: \u2018Atos was incredibly enthusiastic in his job.
\nSometimes, that caused problems. He had no fear and wouldn\u2019t hesitate which ended up in a few visits to the vets with split pads or cuts from running through bracken and forest.\u2019
\nBut Atos\u2019 phobia of travelling became an issue at work and it was decided that he deserved a break after his years of service.
\nMs Addems explained: \u2019He started to suffer from arthritis \u2013 due to the pressure he\u2019d put on his body during his years of service \u2013 and as he got older his travel fears worsened.<\/p>\n
Ms Addems said Atos \u2018never failed me\u2019 (Picture: Triangle News)\u2018It got to the point where I\u2019d have to physically put him in the car as he\u2019d avoid the vehicle at all costs.
\n\u2018It was decided that Atos would retire and he then became my responsibility.\u2019
\nThen seven months ago, the pup ruptured his cruciate ligament during a walk.
\nThe Thin Blue Paw Foundation \u2013 a charity established just a month earlier to support retired service dogs \u2013 stepped in to help the pair and pay the \u00a33,000 vet bill.
\nMore: Animals<\/p>\n
Ms Addems said they had struggled to get insurance because he was a retired police dog.
\nThin Blue Paw Foundation trustee Kieran Stanbridge added: \u2018Police and military dogs receive wonderful care during their working lives but, when they retire, most dogs receive no ongoing support and that leaves a lot of pressure on their new owners.
\n\u2018Dogs like RPD Atos are heroes, they\u2019ve served our country and worked incredibly hard to keep us safe.
\n\u2018They deserve to live long, happy retirements and the Thin Blue Paw Foundation is here to ensure they receive the support they need to do so.\u2019
\nGet in touch with our news team by emailing us at\u00a0webnews@metro.co.uk.
\nFor more stories like this,\u00a0check our news page.<\/p>\n
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