The unwanted pup who became an award-winning police dog finds a forever home

Stella was abandoned when she was still a puppy. She was rescued by the RSPCA’s staff who also spotted an extraordinary talent in her, helping her become an award-winning police dog.

The UK's first of her breed to join the police, this incredible pooch helped to break the unfair stereotype surrounding Staffies. After 8 years of service, Stella is ready to retire.

A special talent

Stella had likely been abandoned by her owner before she was spotted roaming the streets on her own nearly 10 years ago. The pup was taken into the RSPCA’s care in Somerset, England.

She was very playful and active, and the kennel supervisor Sue Dicks spotted a special talent in her.

Stella loved to play fetch and was extraordinary at finding the ball.

Sue said:

I'd hide it in lots of places and she'd always locate it.

It was Sue’s idea to get in touch with her police contacts who'd taken rescue dogs on for work before.

PD Stella

Stella was selected to join Gloucestershire Constabulary's training programme and later qualified as a cash, drugs and firearms detection sniffer dog.

The clever pooch is believed to be only the second Staffordshire bull terrier at the time in such a role.

The day after qualifying, during her first live search with PC Claire Todd, she found a £200 case hidden inside a drawer. Since then, PD Stella has spent eight years working tirelessly to help PC Todd and her four-legged partner German Shepherd PD Quest fight crime, catch crooks, and keep the public safe.

‘Public Service Animal of the Year’

In October 2015, PD Stella was honoured with a special award at the Animal Hero Awards, organised in partnership with the RSPCA. The pup was named Public Service Animal of the Year!

Stella is also a pioneer Staffie who helped to change the unfair public perception of the breed as aggressive and tenacious.

The pooch became social media famous with more than 28,000 followers on Twitter.

‘Time for her to chill out on the sofa’

According to PC Todd who has been working alongside Stella all these years, it was a good time for the courageous pup to retire. Though she still ‘loving life and really enjoyed working’, she started to slow down over her final six months.

PC Todd said:

I think she's ready to retire now and it's time for her to chill out on the sofa and be totally spoiled after giving so much of her life to the police and the public. She's such a special dog and she's achieved so much in her life, particularly given her poor start.

Though PC Todd is sad to see Stella hang up her badge, she found a perfect way to stay close to her canine colleague. She offered her a peaceful and loving forever home.

So, this abandoned pup with an incredible career and life full of danger, finds her happy place at last.

Head to RSPCA's website to help more dogs like Stella, learn more about the charity, and support their vital animal welfare and rescue work.

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