But from the Cocker Spaniel Badger, a hero was born when he was rescued by the RSPCA and trained by the police as a police dog.
PC Steph Barrett, who works with Badger in the Surrey and Sussex police unit, said, "After some love and training, he regained trust in people. He's still cheeky, but he's obsessed with his work. He makes me laugh all day."
As reported: Fakta.today
Badger and three other puppies were abandoned in Redhill, Surrey, last July at the age of six weeks.
They were bald due to severe mange, had chronic eye and ear infections, and were extremely malnourished.
The puppies were later adopted, but energetic Badger didn't get along with his new family and was returned to the RSPCA - where it was discovered that he was suitable for the police.
Jo Douglas, who cared for Badger at the RSPCA, said,
"It was incredible to watch the transformation from a frightened puppy to a brave and smart hero fighting crime."
After weeks of treatment, the puppies were relocated to loving families. But Badger was returned to the center.
Mrs. Douglas said, "He needed constant stimulation - the new owners couldn't handle it, so he came back to us. We kept him busy by hiding tennis balls around the center and playing games with him."
"He absolutely loved it - and really put his nose to good use, so we contacted the police to see if they were interested in taking him."
Badger, now 20 months old, joined the police dog training program and qualified as a police dog six months ago.
The RSPCA has successfully worked with a number of police dog units across the country and has seen dozens of unwanted, neglected, and abandoned dogs become successful police dogs.
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