Bucket list for terminally ill retired police dog

The family of a retired police dog diagnosed with terminal cancer have written a bucket list of activities for his final few weeks.

Bane, who joined Cambridgeshire Police in 2018 before retiring in 2023, collapsed on Tuesday and was taken to see a vet.

His heart was found to have a tumour and fluid on it, which was drained by a specialist to give him a little extra time with his owners, who live in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

They want to take the nine-year-old, who was given six weeks to live, on a final holiday and to his favourite playing field, and treat him to some new toys.

Owner Carleigh-Jay Callaghan, 24, said: "Bane needs lots of rest and recovery time, as well as lots of cuddles in our bed.

"But we're also planning to make some special memories with him and tick some things off his bucket list."

Callaghan, who worked for the police and lives with her partner and one-year-old daughter, adopted Bane after his handler could no longer keep him.

Having joined the police when he was just four months old, he served as a general purpose police dog for five years and also qualified as a firearms support dog.

"Bane is a gentle giant, but he did everything at 100mph," added Callaghan, who said she had enjoyed "so many amazing adventures and trips" with him.

"He loves to bark and howl, but he forgets how frightening his bark is to those who don't know him.

"But when he became a big brother to our daughter last year, he really showed his gentle side."

Thin Blue Paw Foundation – a charity that supports more than 180 retired police dogs across the UK and their owners – got involved when Bane fell ill.

Founder Keiran Stanbridge, who lives locally, helped him get the specialist support he needed quickly, potentially resulting in him having more time with his family.

The charity also covered his emergency vets bill, totalling more than £3,700.

"Bane's family were beside themselves with worry," Stanbridge said.

"This isn't the outcome any of us wanted, but I'm pleased we were able to ensure Bane got the very best treatment he could.

"Bane will be able to spend his final few weeks comfortable, peaceful and surrounded by the love of his family."

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