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.
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.”
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.
Mandy, Baloo’s adopter who has been 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”.
The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the vital roles played by emergency services in the community, and to educate residents about safety practices in an accessible and engaging way. It also aimed to foster connection between the residents and local service providers whilst highlighting the importance of community inclusion.
Meadowbrook is part of the Connaught Care Collection; a new luxury care provider which has six operational homes across the country.
