Humberside Police has shared a heart-warming story about a recently retired police dog. Quinta started with the force eight years ago, working in the Dog Section.
PC Mick Tune had always wanted to work as a dog handler, so applied for a vacancy that appeared. He met Quinta and thought they would work and retire together.
The duo worked on a number of jobs together, with Quinta’s scent work being second to none. They helped a huge number of people, and Quinta also bravely took down a man with a machete one early summer morning in Scunthorpe.
At home, Quinta settled in with Mick and his wife Sharon. It was often a game over who was on the receiving end of Mick’s hugs with Quinta laying in a ‘huff’ on the floor.
Sadly, Mick took early retirement to spend time with his wife following a cancer diagnosis. Unfortunately, Quinta was too young to retire, which meant she went to work with a new handler, PC Phil Lusby. Phil promised that when Quinta retired, Mick and Sharon would have the option to have her back at home.
During Quinta’s time with Phil, she won at the regional police dog trials at West Yorkshire in March 2024. Later the same year, both Mick and Sharon travelled to Scotland to proudly watch the duo perform at the National police dog trials.
While Phil loved Quinta, he kept his promise when it came to her retirement. Tragically, Sharon passed away in February this year and was unable to see Quinta return home, but she is bringing lots of love and comfort to Mick following the loss of his wife.
(Image: Humberside Police)
Mick said: “What a day! A lot of emotions when Phil and Humberside Police passed over the lead and allowed Quinta to come back home to begin her retirement.
“To say I am honoured is an understatement as this little firecracker of a dog has over the past 8 years been an immense asset to both the force and Phil and myself who have been fortunate to be considered her handlers. When I retired in 2022 and passed the lead to Phil I did so with complete confidence that they would both continue to work hard and excel which they have with outstanding results both on the streets and on the trials field.
“I am now hopeful that Phil has the confidence in me to hand the lead back to ensure Quinta has an epic retirement. To have been fortunate along with Sharon to watch both compete with the UK’s elite at the National trials was a very proud moment indeed and one that is a true highlight for me, alongside the regular updates when “the girl done good”.
(Image: Humberside Police)
“Today is however somewhat poignant as many will know what a special place Sharon held in her heart for this little dog. However, I am confident that from above she’s watched us all today and I can feel her say “Right that’s it now, no more dogs”.
“Well, she’s home now! Quinta ran up to me and gave me a ‘Mali hug’ – she remembers me. She’s home.”