Geoff Wiltshire was the Surrey Police Dog Training School Manager and a deeply respected figure within both the policing and animal welfare communities. His first connection with Lulu’s Friends Rescue came at the very beginning of our journey when he played a pivotal role in the rehoming of our beloved Lulu the spaniel — the dog who inspired the creation of our rescue. Through his friendship with Lulu’s prospective new owner, Geoff went above and beyond to ensure she found the right home, unknowingly helping to lay the foundations for what would become something truly special.
Following this, Geoff remained closely connected to the Lulu’s Friends team, generously offering his time, knowledge, and guidance. His expertise was invaluable, particularly when navigating complex legal matters involving dogs, owners, and cruelty cases. Though at first glance Geoff could appear a little intimidating—standing tall at 6’2”—it quickly became clear that beneath that imposing presence was a man of immense kindness, warmth, and compassion.
In November 2023, a small, scrappy puppy was handed into a veterinary practice as a stray. Believed to be just six or seven weeks old, she had likely been abandoned when a fairground left town. Despite her vulnerable condition, it was immediately obvious to the Lulu’s Friends team that this little dog had something very special about her. Beneath the fleas and her difficult start in life, she displayed remarkable courage, confidence, and an infectious love of play.
Geoff was keen to meet her and assess her potential as a working dog within the Police puppy training scheme. She was quickly selected, and Geoff personally took her on to train. He named her Poppy, fittingly chosen close to Remembrance Sunday. Geoff’s policing career began in 1985; he went on to specialize in his first dog handler role in 1997 and went from strength to strength as he trained some of the country’s finest police dogs. In 2019, he began a civilian role with Surrey Police, where he significantly expanded the Force’s puppy program. While most puppies were police-bred, Poppy was the exception — and she proved just how special she was.
Despite her humble beginnings, Poppy shone brightly. Geoff adored training her, and together they became a remarkable partnership. In August 2024, Poppy was allocated to her new handler to continue specialist detection training. They progressed at an exceptional pace, and in early 2025, Poppy proudly qualified as a fully operational police dog. The Lulu’s Friends team was absolutely delighted and immensely proud of everything she had achieved.
Tragically, in November 2025, Geoff passed away unexpectedly. His loss was felt deeply by all who knew him. Throughout his life, and right up until the end, Geoff remained a steadfast supporter of Lulu’s Friends, always ready with advice, encouragement, and a friendly joke or smile. He touched countless lives—human and canine alike—and his absence is profoundly felt.
We hold Geoff’s memory close to our hearts. We will always be grateful for the support he gave to Lulu’s Friends in our earliest days, the joy he found in guiding Poppy through her journey, and the exceptional level of knowledge and professionalism he shared so freely.
Thank you, Geoff.
LULU'S FRIENDS 