We Had A Wish - Callum’s police dogs wish

Callum wants to be a police dog trainer one day - read all about his day with Surrey's canine coppers...

Callum, from Ashford in Middlesex, would love to be a dog trainer for the police when he is older. Unfortunately, 15 year old Callum has congenital heart disease, which means he’s had to have several serious operations. The illness also prevents him from taking part in anything too active, such as football, and sadly may hinder his chances of becoming a dog trainer.

When Make-A-Wish was told about Callum and his dream job, a special day was arranged for him at Mount Browne – the Surrey Police Headquarters in Guildford.

Callum and his family were greeted by Police Constable Nigel Rousell, who has been with the police for 29 years, ten of which he has spent training dogs. Nigel, with his colleagues Andy Hayward and John Best (the head of the training school), gave a safety briefing and took them to the activity field to begin an exciting day of dog training.

Callum was shown how the dogs are taught to find people’s belongings and how they chase and catch criminals, as well as other skills necessary for being a police officer’s best friend. Callum was able to pat the dogs and pose for photos with them.

As a surprise, the Surrey Police helicopter landed in the field especially for Callum. The pilot showed him how the helicopter and dogs work together to track criminals on the run.

The whole family enjoyed lunch with the police force before ending the day with a tour around the Mount Browne museum, where they learnt about the history of Surrey Police

What did Callum think of his day out with the dogs? “This has been the best day. I would love to train dogs one day, but for now I would like a pet dog to practise on!”

Mum Laura said: “Make-A-Wish and everyone at Mount Browne has made this day one for us all to treasure and remember forever. Anything that makes Callum happy makes me happy. After everything he has been through, to see him smile means so much. Thank you!”

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