Rocky is back working for Thames Valley Police after spinal surgery

'One in a million' dog Rocky, a Springer Spaniel, had to undergo a major operation to treat the condition which threatened to prematurely end his illustrious six-year career as a victim recovery dog with the Joint Operations Unit of the Thames Valley police force.

The herniated disc was pressing down on his spinal cord, potentially crippling him, so a spinal specialist performed the intricate surgery to decompress the spinal cord.

After the operation, Rocky, who was recruited from a rescue centre in 2011, faced a long road to full recovery including several hydrotherapy sessions.

PC Gavin Morgan, Rocky’s devoted handler, said: “We knew the recovery process was going to be just as crucial as the operation itself.

“At first, he wasn’t very keen on the hydrotherapy but now he’s definitely found his sea legs. The vets were very impressed with Rocky's recovery, which they put down to the physiotherapy and the care, time and attention put in at home, including numerous short walks and monitoring his wounds and staples.”

Rocky has now returned to active duty with the police. His duties involve tracking down human remains, human blood at crime scenes and sites or vehicles in which human remains have been deposited.

In their six years together, he and PC Morgan have been involved in numerous cases and both have been highly commended for their contribution to major crime investigations.

The canine copper is due to retire next year, when he will become PC Morgan's permanent companion.

PC Morgan added: “I couldn’t bear to be without him. He’s one in a million.”