Military working dog Twitter retires in Rutland after injury at Paris Olympics

A military working dog that lost a leg after an injury at the Paris Olympics is now enjoying retirement.

Called Twitter, the seven-year-old military working dog (MWD) was taking part in a routine security search task in her role with the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, which is based at St George’s Barracks in North Luffenham.

While working on the task she had a mishap and fractured her leg.

She received immediate veterinary care in France and returned to the UK with her handler, LCpl Bracey, for assessment by vets in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

It was decided that amputation was the best course of action to ensure the injury would not be a further source of pain or disability and would promote a pain-free quality of life for Twitter.

Major Mat Collins RAMC, Second-in-Command of 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, said: “It was terribly sad news to hear Military Working Dog (MWD) Twitter had been seriously injured whilst performing her duty at the recent Paris Olympics. Thankfully incidents like this are rare, but unfortunately, just as our soldiers can have accidents so too can our MWDs.

“As a search dog Twitter worked hard safeguarding lives. Unable to continue serving with 1MWD, Twitter will now enjoy an early retirement, as an active family dog living with his military working dog handler who adores him.”

A spokesperson for the Army that “with the right care and support, most dogs adjust well to having a leg amputated and can continue participating in activities they enjoy” adding: “Weekly physiotherapy assessments and regular treatments will help keep retired MWD Twitter in good health and physical condition.”

“Fortunately for Twitter, her handler, LCpl Bracey, was able to rehome her immediately and give her the loving retirement that she deserves.”

Twitter is now enjoying walkies by Rutland Water, close to her home.