Tired Paws is a charitable foundation which takes care of our beloved ex-prison service dogs
Many of the dogs who have been bred and specially selected and trained for their roles as sniffer dogs, riot dogs or to guard the perimeters daily, are retired earlier than planned on medical grounds.
These dogs when retired are no longer the property of the prison, and are retired without the possibility of becoming medically insured. This unfortunately means they can not always recieve the veterinary care they desperately need.
This is only one of the examples of why Tired Paws was established.
Meet Nero, a big snuggly bear enjoying every moment of retirement from HMP Whitemoor. Nero loves swimming and once in the water it is very difficult to get him out
Help a retired dog today
Every retired prison service dog deserves comfort, care, and love in their golden years. Your support helps provide veterinary care, cosy homes, and the chance for these loyal heroes to enjoy the retirement they’ve earned. Even a small contribution makes a big difference in their lives.
This is Floss. She sadly only lived for 2 years after her retirement. Her handler, Alistair Roberts, rehomed her to a very loving family. She had a great working life in the prison and was such a wonderful girl.
Our Dogs’ Stories & News
Willow, retired from the prison service in 2016. Stories like Willow’s are exactly why Tired Paws Foundation exists. Seeing our retired prison dogs enjoying a happy, loved and comfortable retirement with their families means the world to us.
Uno is a gentle, loving, labrador with a heart as big as his paws. He loves his walks, his toys and being wherever his family is…and he loves his food too!
Tess loves walks, muddy streams, plenty of naps and tummy rubs, carrots, and of course, she can never get enough of playing ball. It’s lovely to see this special girl putting her feet up and simply enjoying retirement.
Beautiful River retired after serving proudly as a prison dog in the South West. Now enjoying retirement, River has taken on a very important new role — full-time nanny
A while back, Nina came into the Prison Service in a heartbreaking condition. Dog Handlers gave her the love, care and support she needed, and slowly rebuilt — physically and emotionally — until she was strong enough to trust people again. When the time was right, Nina started her initial training.
Nero is a water baby. Once he is in the water it is hard to get him out. A big snuggly bear really, enjoying every moment of retirement from HMP Whitemoor.
Since retiring, Mylo has truly lit up our home. We walk more than ever before. Each day is planned by finding somewhere new to walk Mylo. He recently enjoyed the train ride to Lincoln!
Merlin, aka Big Merls, is a retired passive search dog from HMP Berwyn, Isis and London Region. Now 12 years old, his back legs may be getting a little wobbly, but he’s loving retirement life.
Maisie has just recently had to retire through injury but served magnificently at HMP Whitemoor. She is six and a half years old
Lola served at HMP Onley and was an exceptional alcohol detection dog. After a diagnosis of heart problems she had to retire. Tired Paws now covers Lola’s monthly heart medication, helping her stay healthy, comfortable and happy in retirement.
This is Layla, retired prison dog from Whitemoor, with her best friend Wilfred the American Miniature Horse. Their bond is amazing.
Kimbo was an absolute giant of a dog with an even bigger presence. Whenever Prison Dog Kimbo walked onto a landing, his presence alone was enough to quickly restore order and disperse trouble.
Elsa proudly served in the Prison Service from 2019 to 2026, carrying out her duties with dedication and commitment. But then Elsa decided that HMP life wasn’t for her anymore, and the decision was made to let her enjoy her retirement and have the best time living life as a pet.
Eddie served at HMP Nottingham after successfully completing his initial course. After several months, it became clear that working life wasn’t quite for him, and Eddie seemed a little uncomfortable and shy in his working environment.
A big congratulations to Django, who retired in 2026 from HMP Long Lartin after 7½ years of service.
He’s 9 years old and is clearly making the most of retirement life at home with his family.
This is me, Arys. I worked really hard at Long Lartin Prison from 21 December 2018 until 12 September 2024 when I hung up my lead. I always have a lot to say for myself so Grandma said I could write to you myself. I'm very verbose.
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