Northampton sisters treated to visit from police dog and handler after heartfelt card for injured pooch

A Northampton family thanked police after being treated to a visit from a police dog and his handler having offered to send presents to an injured service animal.

Poppy Hyland, eight, and her sister, Gracie, 11, sent a 'get well soon' card to PD Nala after hearing about how she was hurt while apprehending four men in a vehicle who had failed to stop for police last month.

The Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner arranged for PD Walt and his handler, PC Kyle McGregor, to visit the girls at their home in Abington Vale to say 'thank you' on Monday (August 10).

The sisters' mother, Jodie, told the Chron: "It was an incredible experience, they had so much time for us even those the dog was covered in pollen as they had just come from a job!

"They had been sent to a field where a guy was trying to kill himself and the officer said that if it wasn't for the dog, they never would have found him so he saved a life.

"We all thought they were amazing - PC McGregor was so engaging and patient and answered all the girls' questions as well as telling them things too.

"You couldn't ask for more - it was the kind of experience you would pay for."

On July 1, PD Nala bravely entered a large vehicle which had failed to stop for police while travelling on the A43, causing facial injuries, before one of the occupants kicked out at her.

Jodie said her daughters were so upset by the story that they wanted to send some treats to PD Nala to aid her recovery as well as the hand-made card.

They wrote in the card: “We were so upset to hear that you had been hurt by bad people when you were trying to do something good, protecting people from criminals, it made us cry so much.

“We have bought you some treats as chocolate always makes us feel better!”

The police commissioner's office were touched by their kindness and organised the visit on Cavendish Drive from PD Walt and PC McGregor - PD Nala was busy at the time.

The kids learned about the extensive training the police dogs go through as puppies to become service animals as well as the special relationship between them and their handlers.

PC McGregor said: “It was an absolute pleasure for both myself and Walt to meet Poppy and Gracie.

"It was great to speak to them and answer all of their questions about the Force’s dog section, and I’m glad to hear we may have a future recruit in Poppy.

“PD Nala is back in operation and helping to keep the streets of Northamptonshire safe following her injury on July 1, and was very grateful to the girls for her handmade card.

"PD Walt was also especially grateful for his treats on the day!”

Afterwards, Poppy told her mum she wants to become a police officer just like PC McGregor while both sisters have not stopped talking about the experience.

Northamptonshire police, fire and crime commissioner Stephen Mold said: “I’m pleased that Poppy, Gracie and their Mum enjoyed meeting with PD Walt and PC McGregor.

"It was so kind of them to be concerned about PD Nala who does a fantastic job helping to keep Northamptonshire safer.

"I hope I am around to see the girls become the police dog handlers of the future!”