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A former police dog who sought out drugs, guns and dirty money "didn't know he was retired" after being adopted by a mother and her son.

Melissa's eight-year-old Elliott, from Stoke-on-Trent, wrote to West Midlands Police and said he thought nine-year-old PD Sam was "paw-some".

They were answering an appeal by the force to prospective dog owners to take in the retired dog.

While the springer spaniel was settling into family life, Elliot said it took him a little bit of time for his "new big brother" to adjust.

"He was sniffing around the house for bombs and drugs," the youngster said.

Melissa, 32, said it felt like Sam had always been in the house after they adopted him from the force's dogs unit in Coventry in November.

"He didn't know he'd retired," she explained. "He hadn't got a clue.

"For the first few weeks it was manic but he's so lovely and lovable."

The theatre nurse and her son were chosen out of 350 applicants after Elliott promised to love and look after his new pet in his letter.

"Elliott said he wanted to adopt a dog and give a dog a home," Melissa said.

"He didn't want to go out and buy a dog. He wanted to home a dog who needed a home."

The mother said the pair saw a video of Sammy and fell in love with him "because he's a mad dog".

"We've got no socks left in the house and we've got no slippers," she laughed.

Melissa said she and Elliott loved taking Sam to the field and going on walks four times a day.

She added she would recommend people adopt service animals with Sam often "on guard" sleeping at the bottom of Elliott's bed but very safe around children.

"He's just the most bundle of fun," she explained.

"He is so safe around Elliott and his friends who come and play. He just hasn't got a bad bone in his body."

Elliott added: "[People] should really help dogs get a home. They are loving and you just need to play with them. Even if they bark you should take care of them."

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