The first Wellbeing Dog to serve with the Metropolitan Police has been honoured by vet charity PDSA for his unwavering devotion to duty and service to society.
Three-year-old Police Dog (PD) Dexter was one of five incredible canines to receive the PDSA Order of Merit*, presented by PDSA patron HRH Princess Alexandra, at a special ceremony in London on July 14 2022. The prestigious award celebrates extraordinary animals who demonstrate the unique bond between animals and humans – a bond that is PDSA’s mission to protect.
Labrador, PD Dexter, provides mental health support to the police and NHS. He was born and bred in the Metropolitan Police and was originally trained to be a Passive Scan Drugs Dog but failed the course due to his over-friendly nature. His career could have ended there but, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, his sweet personality was recognised as being ideal for raising morale and improving wellbeing during a time of unprecedented stress and challenge.
PD Dexter, along with his handler Police Constable (PC) Mike Sheather, help frontline police officers and NHS staff who are struggling both personally and professionally with the intense pressures of their jobs or who have dealt with traumatic incidents. PD Dexter’s visits provide support and comfort, opening up conversations, and providing a visual and physical source of reassurance.
PC Sheather and PD Dexter have completed more than 350 visits across the Metropolitan Police, assisting emergency response teams as well as those involved in counter-terrorism and the prevention of child exploitation.
Speaking after the ceremony, PC Sheather, a trauma-support trained mental health first-aider, said: “We have had an amazing day and it was wonderful to see PD Dexter receive the recognition for his canine magic that he so deserves. It is a huge honour for him to be recognised with the PDSA Order of Merit. Knowing that PD Dexter has received the award for helping so many people deal with traumas in their life, alongside his role in assisting people in need during the pandemic, is so humbling and I am incredibly proud.”
PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing said: “The PDSA Order of Merit exemplifies the devotion between animals and humans. PD Dexter is a shining example of the vital role that animals can play in society, especially in supporting wellbeing and providing gentle companionship for frontline teams when they need it most.
“It has been a great day for everyone who knows PD Dexter. His unwavering devotion to duty and the way he has helped to transform hundreds of lives makes him a thoroughly deserving recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit. PD Dexter gives hope, love, comfort, companionship and vital mental health wellbeing. He is a lifeline for people experiencing traumatic and stressful situations.”
Superintendent Emma Richards, of the Metropolitan Police Dog Support Unit, was responsible for appointing PD Dexter as a Wellbeing Dog, at his handler’s suggestion.
She said: “In July 2020 PC Mike Sheather took this fledgling idea and developed it into what it has become today. He and PD Dexter have ensured vulnerable individuals receive the support they need and deserve from the organisation and outside agencies. We are hugely proud of the contribution PC Sheather and PD Dexter have made together. For PD Dexter to be awarded the PDSA Order of Merit is a fantastic recognition of the vital role he plays in the wellbeing process.”
Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeant Kara Morgan, who nominated PD Dexter for the PDSA Order of Merit, added: “I am so pleased that PD Dexter has gained this prestigious award. He embodies everything that a dog can do for us, not just for police officers, but for society in general. Having previously worked in areas such as child protection, I know first-hand how those hard-hitting cases can play on your mind. PD Dexter brings with him the power of happiness and the feel-good vibes you get when you interact with a dog. Having him in the workplace brings light to those dark moments.”
The citation for PD Dexter’s award reads: ‘For outstanding devotion to duty as a Wellbeing Dog with the Metropolitan Police.’
