Four-legged police volunteer is a Crufts winner!

While he’s always been our top dog, Hugo, one of our volunteer four legged friends is now a Crufts winner!

He volunteers through the constabulary’s RAPPAW scheme, which sees trained dog owners and their pooches support vulnerable victims and witnesses. They also provide wellbeing support to officers and staff within the force.

Two-year-old Hugo, whose competition name is Watercroft Mark One, competed in the prestigious dog show on Saturday (11 March), claiming Best Boy in the Norfolk Terrier Post Graduate Dog Class.

RAPPAW volunteer PC Jo Healey, who owns Hugo with retired police officer Dee Rayner, said: “Since starting his RAPPAW work 14 months ago, Hugo has been a hit with everyone he meets.  This was his first time competing at Crufts so we’re so proud to walk away with the Best Boy title, which is so fitting for him.

“After the formalities of the competition were over, he was straight back to enjoying cuddles with everyone he met at the show before heading home for a well-earned rest.”

Since being launched in 2016, RAPPAW has provided an invaluable service, enabling officers, through pet therapy, to build trust with vulnerable victims and witnesses, including children and the elderly.