PEOPLE in Swindon are being urged to vote for a retired ‘hero’ police dog which is in the running for a special award at the world’s biggest dog show this weekend.

Police Dog Stella has just retired from Gloucestershire Police after serving eight and a half years as a police drugs, cash and firearms recovery dog. 

Before retiring, she once served the community of Swindon and the surrounding area with her owner, PC Claire Todd.

Now she’s one of five finalists for the Kennel Club’s Hero Dog Award to be presented at the Crufts dog show on Sunday (March 12)

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police's Swindon North, East and Rural Community Policing Team said: “Okay, we know we’re supposed to serve without fear or favour- but we might be a tiny bit biased here.

“You may recognise retired police dog Stella, the Staffie who served alongside us in Swindon, and we love her.

“If you’d like to vote for her as a Kennel Club Hero we’d be really pleased.”

Despite her sad start to life as an RSPCA rescue dog, Stella overcame the odds in 2014 to become the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier Police Dog in the UK. 

In her working career, alongside her owner PC Claire Todd, Stella has found weapons and thousands of pounds worth of drugs and cash, making her a true canine hero, working to keep the nation safe.

Outside of her vital work with the police bringing criminals to justice, she has also helped people overcome their fear of dogs during school and community talks.

Claire said: “I’m so very proud of Stella. She is an amazing ambassador for the breed, showing how loving, loyal and intelligent they are. She’s well and truly earnt her retirement.” 

To vote for Stella, click here.

The annual Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, supported by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, celebrates the unique relationships people have with their dogs and the important role man’s best friend plays throughout our lives and in society.

The winner will be announced by the award’s ambassador, Kay Burley, in the Resorts World Arena at the Birmingham NEC and on Channel 4 on Sunday, March 12, the final day of Crufts, the world’s greatest celebration of dogs.