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Handler – Sergeant Gav College
Retired Police Dog Russell died at the age of 14
Retired Police Dog Russell sadly died aged 14 at the start of the week. The Cocker Spaniel started his journey with the Force as a puppy in 2009 and worked as an operational search dog for eight years alongside his best friend and handler, Sergeant Gav College. Russell would regularly attend local events such as the Sunderland Airshow and football stadiums including St James’ Park and the Stadium of Light. He also served in the capital at the Royal Albert Hall in the lead-up to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday celebrations and in the London 2012 Olympic Park. Despite him retiring from operational duties, he returned to work in 2018 at nine-years-old at Northumbria Police’s first Community Support Dog. His owner and former handler, Sergeant Sally College, commented: “Russell was the most gentle-natured and loving dog – but also a manic search machine when in work mode, and he loved a tennis ball. “A highlight for me during his role as a Community Engagement Dog was when Russell visited a dementia café where a gentleman took a shine to him, stroking him and smiling. “His wife started to cry, saying it was the first time in two years that her husband, who had severe dementia, had shown any emotion and she was going to buy a dog. “Russell was so switched onto people’s emotions and feelings. He knew instinctively if someone was not well or was having trouble reaching him – if this was the case, he would gently put his paws out to help them. “It’s fair to say that Russell was a unique character who touched the lives of so many people during his life – we will miss him so very much.”
