The labrador was named as a tribute to Warwick-based Bridgestone U.K. because of its support of the U.K. Military and Police Canine Training Centre (MPCTC).

The center’s dog handlers train pooches to detect drugs in schools, colleges and businesses throughout the U.K.

But the unit faced an uncertain future after its dog carrier vehicle was forced off the road following an accident.

Because MPCTC relies on sponsorship, it couldn’t pay for new tires, but Bridgestone stepped in to provide the necessary rubber to get the vehicle mobile again.

Brian Dascalu, who handles Bridgestone the dog for the MPCTC, said: "We’re extremely grateful to Bridgestone U.K. for donating the tires and helping us out of a serious predicament.

"Time off the road means fewer visits to schools and businesses, and more opportunity for dealers and users to carry out drug-related activity.

"As a sign of our appreciation we’ve changed the name of one of our dogs from Buddy to Bridgestone."

He said Bridgestone the dog was an "excellent" worker who would do his tire manufacturer namesake proud.

MPCTC was founded in 2004 by professional ex-military dog trainers and works independently of the government and police.

Dogs are trained to detect a wide range of substances, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, LSD, ecstasy and ketamin.

Andy Dingley, senior marketing analyst for Bridgestone U.K., said: "The MPCTC offers an invaluable service to a growing number of UK schools and colleges, and we’re happy to do our bit in helping to get the dog carrier vehicle up and running."