Crimefighter Honey the rescue dog

PC Stephanie Allinson from the Cheshire Constabulary and North Wales Police Alliance was on the lookout for a new dog.

As her yellow labrador, PD Otis, was nearing a well-deserved retirement, she needed a dog to train up as a drugs, cash and firearms detection dog.

Last spring PC Allinson put the feelers out to the dogs’ home for a potential would-be crime fighting canine and a couple of months later, a six-month-old yellow labrador who had come in as an unwanted pet was suggested to her.

She went along to assess her and was blown away by the confident puppy who was happy to play with a ball and knew how to be respectful. She asked her then sergeant, now also retired, if it was okay to take on a rescue dog to train up. The green light was given, and PC Allinson picked up Honey the labrador for an exciting new life and a lot of love.

Honey was introduced to her new home and work environment, PC Allinson making sure she was exposed to as much of her potential new surroundings as possible – and crucially, got her playing with a ball.

It wasn’t long before she was showing the vital signs of being able to begin formal training, which she has now completed. She now has her licence and is an official furry crime fighter in her own right.

Otis is retired now and enjoying every minute lazing on the sofa while Honey picks up where he left off keeping residents in Cheshire and North Wales safe.

PC Allinson said: “I think it’s important that people know there are so many of these little gems with so much potential to be fantastic pets, or like Honey, a working dog, desperately waiting for a loving home. I’ve turned an unwanted rescue dog into a police dog – and that’s incredible. These dogs have so much potential – to think they could be overlooked is heart-breaking.”

Anna Stansfield, Senior Manager, Cheshire Dogs’ Home: “Honey’s story shines a light on the real potential that so many of our rescue dogs have, whether that’s as wonderful companions or, in Honey’s case, as working dogs on the front line serving the wider community. We’re so proud of Honey and we all wish her the very best in her career fighting crime.”

For more information on Cheshire Dogs’ Home and dogs available for adoption go to www.dogshome.net.