A CANINE copper is back on the beat with a Midland police force after a wonder cure saved him from being pensioned off.
Staffordshire police dog Monty is now fighting fit just weeks after being diagnosed with a potentially serious illness of the pancreas.
Animal health firm Pharmacia and Upjohn Ltd came to the rescue and the police are now satisfied that Monty will remain in the peak of health as long as he keeps on taking his medicine.
The seven-year-old German shepherd is a crack member of the Staffordshire police dog squad and, with his handler Pc Chris Hewitt, has represented the force in regional competitions.
It was feared that the dog's police career was over when he became ill. But Chris Johnson, Midland sales representative with Pharmacia and Upjohn, heard of the problem and offered to supply suitable 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 seemed a shame not to help him to keep working.
'His condition is something to which German shepherds can be quite susceptible.'
'We are very grateful for the help that Monty is being given,' PC Hewitt said.
'He has never missed a day's duty, but without treatment he might have reached the stage where he would have had to retire early.
'He is an excellent dog with a great character and it is a relief to know that we will be working together for some time to come.'
