Our Patrons - Finn & Handler Dave
Finn and Handler Police Officer Dave, the story so far...
Dave grew up on a council estate in South London and found his love of dogs through his beloved German Shepherd, Jess. Dave went on to join Hertfordshire Police and spent 5 years trying to join the Dog Section which was his passion. In 2009 Dave finally made the team and was given his partner, Finn.
A highly-trained police dog, during his career Finn has found missing children, tackled armed offenders and saved lives. But he’s not just a police dog, he’s a cherished family pet.
Then, on the 5th October 2016 at 2am Dave and Finn were trying to apprehend a robbery suspect when the suspect turned and attacked them. Finn was stabbed with a 10-inch knife, through his chest, via his armpit and then through the top of his head. Finn suffered these injuries protecting his handler from the knife and no doubt saved Dave's life.
Finn underwent 4 hours of surgery where he had parts of his lung removed and Dave thought he was going to lose his best friend. Miraculously, Finn came bouncing back and just 11 weeks after surgery he returned to work with Dave.
Dave and Finn’s loyalty, passion and determination has already brought about change (‘Finn’s Law’) and shines a light on the outstanding work of Service animals. The duo are continuing their work by asking the government to increase the sentences in the Animal Welfare Act, #FinnsLawPart2.
Finn is honoured to be a patron for such an amazing charity, K9 Heroes, and to help raise awareness and support for other Retired British Service Dogs who have given their active working lives to protect and serve the UK.
You can follow the Fabulous Finn via his Facebook page.
Dave grew up on a council estate in South London and found his love of dogs through his beloved German Shepherd, Jess. Dave went on to join Hertfordshire Police and spent 5 years trying to join the Dog Section which was his passion. In 2009 Dave finally made the team and was given his partner, Finn.
A highly-trained police dog, during his career Finn has found missing children, tackled armed offenders and saved lives. But he’s not just a police dog, he’s a cherished family pet.
Then, on the 5th October 2016 at 2am Dave and Finn were trying to apprehend a robbery suspect when the suspect turned and attacked them. Finn was stabbed with a 10-inch knife, through his chest, via his armpit and then through the top of his head. Finn suffered these injuries protecting his handler from the knife and no doubt saved Dave's life.
Finn underwent 4 hours of surgery where he had parts of his lung removed and Dave thought he was going to lose his best friend. Miraculously, Finn came bouncing back and just 11 weeks after surgery he returned to work with Dave.
Dave and Finn’s loyalty, passion and determination has already brought about change (‘Finn’s Law’) and shines a light on the outstanding work of Service animals. The duo are continuing their work by asking the government to increase the sentences in the Animal Welfare Act, #FinnsLawPart2.
Finn is honoured to be a patron for such an amazing charity, K9 Heroes, and to help raise awareness and support for other Retired British Service Dogs who have given their active working lives to protect and serve the UK.
You can follow the Fabulous Finn via his Facebook page.