Today is international dog day, and all over the world and in Kent people are celebrating their canine companions.

Our furry friends stand with their human companions through thick and thin as do the dogs which work for Kent Police.

The hard-working and fearless pooches have been helping keep the county in order since the 19th Century.

Whether it involves finding drugs or chasing down suspects, it's very likely you'll encounter a canine copper if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law.

We've had a look (in no particular order) at some of the force's top dogs.

This is dedicated to the police pups: capturing criminals, and our hearts, for years.

1. Merlin

Heroic PD (Police Dog) Merlin was quick on the scene to help a vulnerable woman in Maidstone.

The clever pup was able to locate her after a brief search in the early hours of August 12.

Thanks to Merlin's hard work, the woman was able to get the help and support she needed.

A fantastic performance from the magical mutt!

2. Yankee

PD Yankee was called earlier in the month after fuel was stolen in Canterbury.

Alongside his handler, the German Shepard quickly picked up the suspect's trail.

He led officers through woodlands, over high fences and into crop fields, where they found the man hiding.

The top dog showed that he had the right nose for business!

3. Charlie

PD Charlie's nose was also on top form when he helped officers track down drugs and money.

The Class A drugs and bundles of cash were found when Charlie was deployed with his handler in Folkestone in July.

The special spaniel's work resulted in four people being arrested.

You can tell he's pleased with his work!

4. Elsa

Like her namesake in the Disney blockbuster, PD Elsa stopped a crime cold in Ashford.

Called to a commercial burglary on August 9, she was able to pick up the offenders' tracks at the scene.

She then lead her handler in pursuit, eventually flushing one man out, who was duly arrested.

As a special bonus, the clever canine was also able to track down a large amount of the stolen goods which had been stashed nearby.

5. Clay

Another clever spaniel, Clay was on hand to help his handler find drugs hidden in a car.

The herbal cannabis was hidden in a vehicle that had crashed while trying to escape police.

The drugs were stashed behind the dashboard of the vehicle until Clay picked up their scent.

The driver fled the scene but was quickly caught by police officers.

6. Wilma

Wilma, who graduated from police dog training in May, has been settling in nicely.

The newly-qualified PD was called in to search an office block in Canterbury after an intruder was spotted inside.

It didn't take long for Wilma to find the man hiding under coats, where it soon transpired he was a reported missing person.

The man was returned to safety by officers following Wilma's hard work.

7. and 8. Cliff and Max

In a special double feature, PD's Cliff and Max worked together to bring two suspects to justice.

After a car failed to stop for the Road Patrol Unit, its passenger tried to flee the scene.

When spotting that Cliff had picked up his scent, the suspect tried to outrun him, with a distinct lack of success.

Max was then called in and quickly picked up drugs that had been discarded nearby.

9.Ozzy

A true veteran of the force, PD Ozzy went into retirement in June.

Aptly named as "one of the firearms support dogs the force has ever had", Ozzy is now free to put his paws up and relax.

This comes after a long and decorated career that saw him help with cases across Kent.

Let's all hope that he has a fantastic and well deserved retirement!

10. Sam

Another retiree, Sam hung up his collar in May of this year.

Aged 10, and after nine years on the force, the lovely lab can look back at a glittering career.

This includes, among other things, working at the London Olympics!

There are, of course, many more amazing dogs that work every day with police, far more than be listed here: we salute them all!

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent