The life she loved as a police dog was tragically cut short when she lost her leg after being hit by a car fleeing a crime scene.

%image(15295565, type="article-full", alt="Baloo worked for Essex Police from March 2018 before she was forced to retire due to her injuries in October Picture: ESSEX POLICE")

But now three-legged Baloo is looking for a new home where she can rebuild her life.

The two-year-old Belgian Malinois served with Essex Police from March 2018 but was forced to retire after the incident shattered her pelvis and broke her leg, which had to be amputated.

She and her handler, Pc Ross Ashcroft, whad been sent to a theft of a motor vehicle incident in October where Baloo was struck as after a number of cars made off from the scene.

Pc Ashcroft said: “She has been a brilliant dog both at work and at home.

%image(15295567, type="article-full", alt="Baloo is a two-year-old Belgian Malinois that is great with children and other dogs, described by her old handler PC Ross Ashcrosft as "a big softie" Picture: ESSEX POLICE")

“As confident as she was at work, she was an absolute softie when taken out of work who wanted nothing more than attention and cuddles.

“She was a very loyal protective dog and loved life as a police dog.”

She has recovered well from her injuries and rehabilitation is ongoing with Pc Ashcroft.

But due to the nature of his role and the hours it demands, Pc Ashcroft is unable to keep Baloo and is looking for a loving home for her to enjoy life outside of Essex Police.

%image(15295870, type="article-full", alt="Pictured here before her accident, she was hit by a car that was making an escape from the scene of a police incident and has since had a leg amputated Picture: ESSEX POLICE")

The force says that Baloo is friendly towards children and other dogs and could make a fantastic addition to a family hoping to help a dog in need over the festive period.

Baloo had a short career in the police but has been deployed to help find missing persons and criminals in hiding across Essex.

When two violent suspects tried to hide from officers after they attacked a woman with a weapon, Baloo followed their scent and located the offenders.

Her sense of smell has been tested over miles as she helped look for suspects and was also trained to help find concealed weapons and drugs.

If you think you can provide a loving home for Baloo, get in touch with Sgt Edhouse at the Essex Police dog section by emailing 42002664@essex.pnn.police.uk