How your support is making a difference to the Essex Retired Police Dog Fund

The Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund (ERPDF) was set up in 2012 to provide essential financial assistance to the owners of police dogs that have been retired, whether due to injury, illness or simply old age.

The ERPDF became an Essex Lottery good cause in 2017.  By choosing the ERPDF when you sign up to the Essex Lottery, you can do your bit to ensure these courageous canines are able to enjoy the retirement they so deserve.

Linda Belgrove, Founder of the Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who buys a ticket for helping us to make sure that these exceptional dogs, who protected the people of Essex during their loyal service, can enjoy a happy & healthy retirement.”                                         

Baloo’s story

As a highly trained police dog working with Essex Police, Baloo the Belgian Malinois helped to prevent and solve a whole host of crimes across the county until her life was changed forever in October 2018.

While on duty, Baloo was hit by a car leaving a crime scene. Her injuries were so severe that many feared she couldn’t possibly survive, but after emergency surgery to repair her shattered pelvis and a further operation to amputate her front right leg she beat all the odds to make an incredible recovery.

Baloo enjoying her retirement

After a county-wide search to find her a new home, she was placed with retired police dog handler Mandy and started her new life in the Essex countryside. Despite making fantastic progress since the incident Baloo still needs a lot of veterinary care and, as a retired police dog, Mandy isn’t able to insure her.

Thankfully, the ERPDF has been there every step of the way and has provided the funding needed to ensure Baloo receives the veterinary care she deserves.

How playing the lottery supports good causes

The Essex Lottery donates 50p from every ticket sold directly to your chosen charity, with a further 10p shared amongst other local good causes.

Help a good cause close to your heart. Visit: https://www.essexlottery.co.uk/ or call the Essex Lottery support team on 0300 302 32 32.