Hero Ex-Police Dog Comes To Inspire Residents At Bishop’s Stortford Care Home

Recently, Meadowbrook care home in Bishop’s Stortford received a visit from a very special guest. Baloo, an ex-police dog who served for many years on the Essex Police Force, attended the home as part of a Police and Fire Safety Awareness event.

The residents at Meadowbrook thoroughly enjoyed meeting Baloo; and many were also deeply moved by her story of heroism and triumph in the face of adversity.

In 2018, whilst serving on duty, Baloo was sadly struck by a car as a suspect attempted to flee the police. The collision resulted in life-changing injuries, including the loss of her front leg and insertion of a metal plate into her pelvis. The severity of the injuries brought an abrupt end to her police career. But, through the loving care and support of her handler PC Ross Ashcroft, and her adoptive family Mandy and Victoria, Baloo returned to full health.

Commenting on this remarkable story, Meadowbrook’s General Manager Laura Adams said:
“It was fantastic to see Baloo’s visit bring such joy to the home! Her resilience in the face of such a devastating injury is a lesson to us all, and I think for the residents were both moved and fascinated by the story. Baloo has had such a positive impact on our community, so it was a real honour to welcome her to the home”.

On her visit to Meadowbrook, the friendly Belgian Malinois enjoyed playing the residents, posing for photos, and even helping out her former colleagues with their presentation. For the residents, Baloo’s story was a vital reminder that overcoming hardship is possible at any stage of life; and that every setback can also be the start of an exciting new chapter.

Indeed, despite Baloo’s police career being over, her injury kick-started a whole new era touring schools, community groups, and care homes to share her story. In 2020, she was even named the official mascot of Essex Police, and she later won the prestigious Kennel Club Hero Dog Award during Crufts 2025.

Commenting on Baloo becoming the official mascot, a spokesperson for Essex Police said:
“Baloo’s story struck a chord with everyone who had heard about what happened. When people met her, they were often inspired by just how much resilience and determination she had shown throughout her ongoing recovery”.

Mandy, Baloo’s adopter who has being caring for her evert since the incident, commented:
“She is an amazing dog through and through. Despite her disability and the terrible injuries she sustained, she has come through it all so well and finds joy in life, as well as giving joy in life, every single day”.