Home / Crime and Justice / Volunteer's 15-Year Pup Foster Care Earns Top Award
Volunteer's 15-Year Pup Foster Care Earns Top Award
7 Jun
Summary
- Louise Stokes received Volunteer of the Year for 15 years of puppy fostering.
- She cared for over 50 dogs, including Chip, the force's data-finding dog.
- Puppy walkers provide crucial support for training West Midlands Police dogs.
Louise Stokes has been honored with the West Midlands Police's Volunteer of the Year Award for her exceptional 15-year commitment to fostering trainee police dogs. Her family has provided a nurturing home for more than 50 puppies, ranging from Cocker Spaniels to Belgian Malinois, during their critical first six to 12 months.
Among the dogs she has cared for is Chip, the force's pioneering data dog. Chip, who retired in April at eight years old, was instrumental in sniffing out devices to aid criminal investigations, contributing to hundreds of finds. He has since returned to the Stokes family for a well-deserved retirement.
Breed scheme manager Dave Raymond emphasized Louise's invaluable support, stating her dedication is crucial for the dog unit. He credited puppy walkers like Louise for the high caliber of police dogs within the force. Currently, Chip's companions at home include Boost and Ozzy, adding to the family's ongoing support of the police dog program.
