David Alton Hedges was a SWAT officer in the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) before he became a K-9 handler with a 100-pound German Shepherd partner named Brag (aka Werewolf).
Author David Alton Hedges
In this book Hedges writes about his work with Brag, a brave, smart, loyal police canine who did his job diligently and with enthusiasm. I marveled and smiled as I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Michael Puttonen, and I shed a few tears as well.
Brag wasn't always destined to be a police dog. As a puppy, Brag lived with a family, whom he dearly loved. A tragic death resulted in Brag being given to the SBPD, where he became a police canine. Brag was paired with Officer David Hedges, and a long and grueling period of training followed. Hedges describes the training in detail, and the procedures are interesting to read about. K-9 dogs are expected to train with their handlers to build agility, stamina, strength, and obedience.
Brag with his handler, Officer David Hedges of the SBPD (right), and Officer Tyler Larson
The K-9 trainer, Ted, looked like a surfer, but was sturdy enough to withstand the simulated attacks of police dogs as they learned the ropes. Commands for police dogs are given in German, for instance, 'packen' (bite). After an extended period of training, Hedges and Brag became a formidable duo who worked well together.
Police dog training session
Police dog being taught to attack
At first, Officer Hedges was determined to view Brag simply as a partner, not a dog he felt affection for. Of course that didn't last, and Hedges soon came to love Brag and vice versa. When Hedges was injured during a police action, and Brag was driven home by another officer, Brag was beside himself about leaving his partner behind. Brag didn't relax until he saw Hedges return safe and sound (more or less).
During their shifts, Hedges and Brag were called out all the time, for things like tracking, evidence recovery, and felony apprehension. Hedges and Brag were assigned a dedicated K-9 vehicle, kitted out for their needs, with a cage in the back, and Brag's name on both sides.
Example of a K-9 Vehicle
K-9 teams deal with fights, stabbings, shootings, burglaries, robberies, rapes, drunks, domestics, suicides, and more. During call-outs, Brag was completely fearless, and always eager to get 'the bad guy'.
Hedges relates tale after tale of Brag's exploits, where Brag might grab a perp by the leg and drag him out, screaming in fear and pain. Brag's 'apprehensions' were especially dangerous if the perp had a gun or knife, and Hedges was often on tenterhooks, worrying that Brag would be injured.
Hedges writes, “The longer I work with Brag, the less I see him the way I used to see a dog. He doesn’t feel like a dog at all, more like some creature that possesses entirely unique behaviors and motivations; a werewolf, I suppose. I trust him, some of the time. When I release him to do his job and I’ve done my job to try to limit the possible outcomes (biting another police officer, biting an innocent civilian, biting anyone he’s not supposed to bite, whether they are innocent or not), I’m confident he won’t fail.”
Gango, a Santa Barbara police dog
In addition to writing about police work, Hedges includes anecdotes about his home life, with his wife Rachel and son Striker - both of whom loved Brag as well. Eventually, when Brag had to retire from police work (I'll admit I cried), the pooch became 'Uncle Brag' to puppies bred by Rachel.
Werewolf is an inspiring book about a wonderful dog.
Hedges is a good writer (he's written other books and screenplays as well) and Michael Puttonen is an excellent narrator for the audiobook (I could feel tears in his voice at the sad parts). I think all dog lovers would enjoy Werewolf.
Thanks to Netgalley, David Alton Hedges, and Post Hypnotic Press Audiobooks for a copy of the book.
Rating: 4 stars
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