Hero Crufts dog Baloo learning to navigate life without sight

The Belgian Malinois has already overcome extraordinary hardship after being hit by a car which was fleeing the scene of a crime.

Baloo lost a leg and had to have her pelvis rebuilt.

In the eight years since, Baloo has become a much-loved wellbeing dog, visiting schools, care homes and frontline emergency services, to show her strength and resilience.

Baloo and owner Mandy Chapman were awarded the prestigious Kennel Club Hero Dog award at Crufts last year after a public vote, with a £5,000 charity donation going to the Essex Retired Police Dog Fund.

But last month, Mandy noticed Baloo was rapidly losing her sight. After rounds of tests, she was diagnosed with sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome, which has no known cause, treatment or cure.

Winner - Ex-Essex Police dog Baloo with retired handler Mandy Chapman pictured with Ellie Simmonds at Crufts last year (Image: The Royal Kennel Club/Beat Media)

Mandy said: “It is heart-breaking because obviously she’s such a bold, strong dog with everything she’s been through.

“It’s been so hard, but I’ve been helped by all the fantastic messages I’ve got. The messages flooded in - it’s been hard to keep up.

“She’s loved by so many people and you forget she has touched thousands of lives.”

While Baloo adjusts to life without sight, Mandy has made the difficult decision to pause visits to unpredictable settings, including schools and care homes, where sudden movement and unfamiliar surroundings could put the hero dog at risk of injury.

But Baloo’s work isn’t over. She will continue to support essential services in more controlled environments, including visits to police stations and Border Force teams at Stansted Airport.

The support shown to the pair has been heart-warming. During a recent visit to Essex Police headquarters, staff gathered outside to welcome Baloo and Mandy, arriving with bags of treats and bouquets of flowers.

Support - Mandy said the support for her and Baloo during the difficult time has been incredible (Image: Mandy Chapman)

Love - Baloo has touched thousands of lives with her wellbeing visits across Essex and Suffolk (Image: Mandy Chapman)

“It was absolutely incredible,” Mandy said. “We were there over two hours in the end.

“All of those messages completely lifted me and got me through it.

“Just those messages, a personal message or a message on social media, the difference it can make – that’s got me through a really, really tough time.

“Everything I do is all around looking after people’s mental health. It’s odd to have been on the other side of that, because all of those messages completely lifted me and got me through it.

“I think it’s important to get that message out there of how much a difference that can make to people.”