Police dog Pride to retire after glittering career with West Midlands force

Back in March 2009, then two-year-old German Shepherd Pride had just completed his training with West Midlands Police.

At the time, he and Pc Adrian Sheargold were asked to search the cellar of a Bilston shop as part of an investigation into the disappearance of a 17-year-old girl.

Officers suspected the missing teenager may have been held hostage at the shop but two fruitless searches gave Pride a chance to take the lead where human officers fell short.

Almost immediately, Pride started barking at a brick wall in the cellar, which led to the discovery of the missing teenager and another girl, who later admitted false imprisonment.

Recalling the discovery, Pc Sheargold said: "To some it may have seemed strange but through Pride's determination and behaviour I knew he had found something and he wasn't going to leave until we'd helped him investigate.

"I started to kick the bricks and it soon became clear it was a false wall.

"I have to admit I was terrified at what I was going to find."

Pride, a product of the West Midland Police's breeding scheme, was born for the job.

Along with his brothers and sisters he was the first litter of dad, Tag of Valatad and mum, Gunda Valkenplatz.

Tag and bitch Gunda were just a few weeks old when they made the trip to the West Midlands in 2004 from world-renowned breed programmes in the Czech Republic and Holland respectively.

A day after his third birthday, Pride collected the top Humanitarian Action Award from the Association of Chief Police Officers and was also recognised by Crufts for his life-saving actions.

Pc Sheargold, who has been Pride's partner in crime throughout his time with the force, praised his contribution over the years.

He said: "I think this job set a benchmark for our careers together.

"They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but there isn't much Pride needs to learn after such an amazing career.

"He has certainly created a lasting legacy and set the benchmark for recruits following in his paw prints.

"If you speak to any dog owners they'll tell you about the bond between a pet and their owner.

"It's like the old saying ? a dog is a man's best friend ? and in my case he's also my work colleague."

Pride is set to retire later this year, with Pc Adrian Sheargold reluctantly hanging up the lead after what has been an illustrious career for the duo.

The bad news for criminals is there is no sign of either slowing down as they both continue to foil criminals.