A CANINE copper is back on the beat with a Midland police forceafter a wonder cure saved him from being pensioned off.
Staffordshire police dog Monty is now fighting fit just weeksafter being diagnosed with a potentially serious illness of thepancreas.
Animal health firm Pharmacia and Upjohn Ltd came to the rescueand the police are now satisfied that Monty will remain in the peakof health as long as he keeps on taking his medicine.
The seven-year-old German shepherd is a crack member of theStaffordshire police dog squad and, with his handler Pc ChrisHewitt, has represented the force in regional competitions.
It was feared that the dog's police career was over when hebecame ill. But Chris Johnson, Midland sales representative withPharmacia and Upjohn, heard of the problem and offered to supplysuitable medication for the rest of Monty's working life.
He said: 'German shepherds are one of my favourite breed of dogs.After hearing of Monty's good track record with the police it seemeda shame not to help him to keep working.
'His condition is something to which German shepherds can bequite susceptible.'
'We are very grateful for the help that Monty is being given,' PCHewitt said.
'He has never missed a day's duty, but without treatment he mighthave reached the stage where he would have had to retire early.
'He is an excellent dog with a great character and it is a reliefto know that we will be working together for some time to come.'
