Retired police dog on a roll thanks to new set of wheels
A police sniffer dog forced to retire with arthritis has got his nose back in front - with the help of a two wheel 'chariot' fitted to his back.
Eight-year-old Max the springer spaniel had to stand down from active duty after he became crippled with hip, back and leg problems.
The plucky pooch suffered arthritis and hip dysplasia, which caused loose hip joints and made him 'wobble' when he tried to walk.
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A joyful Max runs with his friend Stanley
Max the springer spaniel inherited the condition of hip dysplasia
He had to take early retirement from the drug enforcement team with Avon and Somerset Police after seven years of dedicated service. But his former colleagues were determined to look after him and paid for a special 'chariot' to help him fight his disabilities.
The all-terrain device consists of two wheels attached to a frame strapped across his back to provide balance and support.
Max is now being looked after by Devon and Cornwall Police and regularly chases tennis balls with his doggie chum Stanley.
Inspector Anne Higgins, of Tiverton Police, said: "They have given him freedom - there's no stopping him now. There's nowhere he can't go.
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Max is now enjoying his retirement from the police force with his handler Anne Higgins
"Max joined the police aged just one but two medical conditions combined to make it impossible for him to continue as a sniffer dog.
"He came to us 18 months ago and he had problems walking very far. We decided to get the wheels to see if he could exercise properly.
"He took to them in one day. They've given him the best retirement he could have."
The wheels were paid for by a special police fund for retired sniffer dogs and Max uses them whenever he goes outdoors.
As well as running and walking he also goes swimming and attends regular hydrotherapy sessions.
