🐕‍🦺 REVIEW:
"He is tough as galvanized nails, this dog. I suddenly realize that’s the problem: he’s tougher than I am. All those years on patrol, on SWAT, sweating in that tactical gear, all of it nowhere near the level of discomfort this animal can and will endure to do what he wants to do. Brag isn’t the one who needs to toughen up, it’s me."
▪️Werewolf: The True Story of an Extraordinary Police Dog by David Alton Hedges, 5⭐

🎧 Narrated by Michael Puttonen
from @posthypnoticpress_publishing #GIFTED via NetGalley

This nonfiction was a beautiful, brutal read. I hugely enjoyed learning about what it's like to have a K9 and to train together, the sorts of calls they assist on, etc. I had no idea! The author is delightfully curmudgeonly on the page, and I appreciate his honesty that his cynicism on the job cost him. It's beautifully written and well narrated but be prepared to get your heart ripped out.

Werewolf: The True Story of an Extraordinary Police Dog
By David Alton Hedges | Narrated by Michael Puttonen

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I finished listening to this audiobook a few days ago and needed some time to reflect before writing this review. Initially, I might have rated it one or two stars, but after stepping back and processing my thoughts, I’ve settled on three stars. While there were aspects of the book I truly enjoyed, there were also significant issues that were hard to overlook.

Let’s start with the negative. Mild spoiler ahead—this pertains to the afterword and not the story itself. In the afterword, the author—a white police officer—claims that in his 25-year career, he never witnessed racism among officers toward suspects and that he himself had experienced racism from suspects. This is an ignorant and problematic statement. Racism is a systemic issue, and while individuals may face prejudice, racism involves systemic power dynamics that white people do not experience in the same way. Denying the existence of racism in law enforcement either reflects denial or dishonesty. This statement left a bad taste in my mouth, tarnishing an otherwise compelling story. The afterword felt unnecessary and detracted from the book’s core focus: the incredible bond between the author and his canine partner.

Now, onto the mostly positives. The book tells the story of Bragg, a canine officer nicknamed “Werewolf,” through the eyes of his handler. The author recounts their adventures, training sessions, and cases with vivid detail. He also shares the emotional journey of learning to bond with Bragg after vowing never to get attached to another dog following the loss of his “soul dog.” As any dog lover knows, forming a purely professional relationship with a dog is nearly impossible, and the author’s eventual love and admiration for Bragg are heartwarming.

The anecdotes about Bragg’s work were gripping and thought-provoking. They touched on ethical dilemmas, such as the risks involved in using canine officers. Are we right to value human safety above a dog’s life when the dog doesn’t fully understand the danger? The author suggests Bragg was aware of his role and responsibilities, and while I’m not a scientist, I’ve seen firsthand the intelligence and emotional understanding dogs can possess.

However, another layer of complexity lies in how the police are perceived by the public. For many, including myself, interactions with law enforcement can be deeply unsettling, if not outright terrifying. My distrust stems from a personal experience when I was in an abusive relationship as a young adult. Despite the police being called multiple times, I had been conditioned to stay silent and protect my abuser. On one occasion, the officers decided to “teach me a lesson” for not pressing charges against my husband. I was arrested, fingerprinted, and detained, even though no crime had been committed. The charges were later dropped, but the trauma of that experience has stayed with me. This context shaped my perspective while listening to the book, particularly when the author recounted scenarios where suspects were told they would be treated fairly if they complied. For some, fear and distrust of the police may prevent them from believing those assurances, regardless of their validity. Stating that suspects “asked/begged” to be bitten in this context is more than a little unsettling.

One standout story involved Bragg failing a test due to a judge’s error, only to pass with flying colors during a retake. Another moving moment came when Bragg underwent surgery—a tense and emotional chapter that left me deeply invested in his story. By the end of the book, I felt a genuine fondness for Bragg and his incredible journey.

While the story itself was strong, the narration fell flat for me. Michael Puttonen’s monotone delivery lacked the emotion needed to bring such an action-packed, heartfelt story to life. A more dynamic narrator could have elevated the audiobook significantly.

In conclusion, despite its flaws, Werewolf is an engaging memoir that I’d recommend to readers who enjoy stories about dogs, police work, or the unique bond between humans and animals.

Thank you to #PostHypnoticPress and #NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

David Alton Hedges’ Werewolf: The True Story of an Extraordinary Police Dog is a riveting and heartfelt account of the bond between a police officer and his remarkable K9 partner. Narrated by the talented Michael Puttonen, this audiobook offers an immersive and emotionally charged experience that will resonate with dog lovers and fans of true crime alike.

The story centers around Brag, a police dog with an intimidating presence and an extraordinary skill set, and his handler, Officer David Alton Hedges. Initially, Brag shows little interest in forming a bond with his human partner, and Hedges is wary of becoming too attached to a dog whose life is constantly at risk. However, as they face numerous dangerous situations together, including intense manhunts and life-threatening encounters, a deep and unbreakable bond forms between them.

Michael Puttonen’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His expressive voice and ability to convey the emotional depth of the story enhance the listening experience.

Hedges’ writing is gripping and poignant, providing a detailed and vivid account of his experiences with Brag. The narrative is well-paced, balancing action-packed scenes with reflective passages that explore the emotional and psychological aspects of working with a police dog.

Werewolf explores themes of loyalty, bravery, and the unique bond between humans and animals. It delves into the challenges and rewards of working in law enforcement, particularly the emotional toll it takes on officers and their K9 partners.

Werewolf: The True Story of an Extraordinary Police Dog is a powerful and inspiring audiobook that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of police K9 units. David Alton Hedges’ heartfelt storytelling, combined with Michael Puttonen’s exceptional narration, makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in true crime, animal stories, or tales of extraordinary courage and loyalty.

Brag didn't understand why he was away from his family. Once his foster brought him to watch K9 training he realized what he was meant for. Brag's handler is scared that they won't pass the exams. They do and it comes with new challenges every day. But the two male a great pair and have an awesome run until Brag's retirement.
I loved the stories the handler had about Brag. He didn't want to care so much about the dog but in the end it was the best experience for both of them. It's really a sad read but it may be triggering for some just based on the situations they dealt with as policemen. But overall it was a great read.

This was fantastic! Not my usual genre, but I can honestly say this was one of my favorite audio listens for the year.

The narrator was great to listen to & the overall story was so good! I loved the true-story aspect and the way the dog's character was portrayed as well. It was kind of an emotional listen in parts.

I would definitely recommend this listen and wish I could listen to it for the first time again.

I just finished listening to this audiobook and I am not ok! I knew going into this as an animal lover there could be some parts of the story that would be difficult to hear but I was not even remotely prepared this. The story was so descriptively written and the narration was good I felt as though I was there in it, living the story as it was told. So many moments made me smile or laugh while listening, others made me gasp out loud and then those that wrecked me and left me sobbing. Thank you David Alton Hedges for sharing your story with the world, for sharing Brag with us all. I cannot think of a better way to honor him. I read and listen to 100-plus books each year but this one is one I will never forget. Brag will live in my heart and mind forever.

I read true crime. I read murder mysteries and psychological thrillers without shedding so much as a tear. Yet, when Werewolf reached its inevitable conclusion, I was blubbering uncontrollably. I have a bleeding heart for animals, with three cats and a dog of my own, so I know an animal lover when I see (or read) about one. Each time the author mentioned Brag being “police property” or “just a tool to catch bad guys” or said that he had to be sure “not to develop feelings for him”, I laughed, because I knew it was already too late. I loved the way the story unfolded, from Brag’s devotion to his family as a puppy, to unruly dog upended from the life he knew, to fierce police officer who developed a new devotion to both his job and his partner. I loved how much all the other police officers loved and respected Brag as much as the author did and how he was treated to a ceremony of his own when he retired. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator was brilliantly dry when necessary and emotional when it called for it. I could not stop listening and highly recommend this book, not just to animal lovers, but to all readers.

I knew as soon as I came across this book that I would definitely read it. I also knew that while I would probably really enjoy it (I love stories about amazing working dogs), I also knew that it was going to break my heart and leave me a crying mess. I was not wrong. The ending did me in.

K9 officer Brag acquired his nickname “Werewolf” during K9 training. Suffice it to say, it suited his presence and demeaner. From the get-go, Brag and his partner, officer David Hodge, didn’t like or trust each other and struggled mercilessly during training. It wasn’t until they were out on the streets, for a while, that they forged their bond, one that would last a lifetime, for both of them.

David and Brag patrolled and protected the streets of Santa Barbara, CA that most of the millions of tourists (that visit every year) never see. They take down the gang bangers, thieves, killers, and every other kind of scum bag that made the mistake of committing crimes in Santa Barbara. I loved all of the stories of David’s and Brag’s, take-downs, exploits and accomplishments. I was also kind of shocked by the statistic of the mortality of police dogs: 110 US police dogs died in the line of duty over a 10yr period. That 110 was spread out over about 10 different causes of death.

I listened to the audiobook and it felt like I was sitting with David while he reminisced of his time with Brag. As with all non-fiction books I read, I rate it simply on the info provided and the manner in which it was provided. This was definitely a 5star read. I want to thank NetGalley and Post Hypnotic Press Audiobooks for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley # Post Hypnotic Press Audiobooks #Werewolf

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book! I really enjoyed this book called Werewolf! It follows the story of David, a police officer and his police K9 named Brag. The book details their time together and goes through phases from training to on duty. It was an interesting story and gave a behind the scenes look at the life of a working dog! If you like dogs then you will enjoy this book! I also liked the voice narrator of the audiobook!

Werewolf by David Alton Hedges is an excellent heartfelt true story about an exceptional but a bit scary police dog. The dog's real name was Brag, but quickly got the nickname “Werewolf” by fellow officers. Brag and his partner Officer Hedges were reluctant to get too attached to one another but by mutual respect and many successful cases, an unbreakable bond developed. What a great story. I feel I got a lot more out of the audio than I would have from the book but that could be just me. The narration was done very well you could feel the frustration of a moment and the elation of an accomplishment. That was why I like an audio if done well The insights of working with a K9 and learning to trust each other were very interesting and informative. I would recommend this book to all. Thank you NetGalley and Post Hypnotic Press Audiobooks for this ARC

This would have been a good book if it was fiction, but it's even better that it's true. How could anyone not respect police dogs? They are so loyal and hard-working.

The narrator/author does a good job of conveying the special bond between a police dog and its handler. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for a policeman to send this dog that he loves into harms way. This is an interesting look at K-9 work and an enjoyable book

This high quality true life story of the extraordinary police dog and hus human handler had me in tears. It waa so full of emotion. I enjoyed listening to their story and the various adventures. It was just the right length and totally engaging. I recommend this to all dog lovers and anyobe who likes an escape.
I really felt for the handler. This is a highly recommended 5 star listen that will leave you feeling you have been privileged to know the life of an extraordinary dog.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.

I believe everyone should listen to this book! It gives such an honest view of police politics while also showing the lengths they go, risking their lives to keep it's citizens safe! The real hero of this book is Brag! As someone who has gotten to see how extraordinary police k9s are, I hope everyone can get even a small glimpse. This book makes you fall in love with all sides of Brag: police hero, protector of all but most importantly his family and partner. He wouldn't of hesitated to give his life protecting him! I highly recommend falling in love with Brag!

This is a story for all dog lovers and any K9 handler. It is a story where a handler is told the secret of using a K9 and finally learns to use it. Brag started out to be a beloved family dog but when death hits the house Brag was lovingly given a new purpose in life, to be a police K9 and a great one at that. This book also touches on other the K9's in the unit. But as handler and K9 become a team the handler struggles over what he would do if he ever had to send Brag into a potentially dangerous situation, after all they are partners now, with the greatest of bonds.

"Werewolf: The True Story of an Extraordinary Police Dog" by David Alton Hedges is a fantastic book!

David Alton Hedges is a policeman. A German Shepherd Dog named Brag becomes his police dog. The other police call Brag, the Werewolf.

I found the canine training for police dogs really interesting. It is so different from other kinds of dog training. Then, the incidents of police hunts and chases with the dog are really interesting and exciting!

David and Brag become an excellent canine unit team!! I really grew to like and cheer on Brag. He was such a good dog! He worked so hard to catch the bad guys!!

I was really moved by this entire book. The end had me in tears, empathizing with David.

The narrator, Michael Puttonen, did a great job with this book!

If you like dogs, you will like this book! I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Netgalley, Post Hypnotic Press Audiobooks, and author,, David Alton Hedges for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Generally speaking, I am maybe not the target demographic for this book. I am not very sympathetic to law enforcement and was very much for the defund the police movements and still will be if they rise back up. This is not to say I think all police officers are bad people, just that I think our systems are messed up and often attract people who cannot be trusted to protect and serve their communities.

However, I am an animal lover, and that is the main thing that interested me in this audiobook. And I mostly loved it! I really enjoyed noticing over time how this burnt out cop gained a new appreciation for his job while working with Brag. I also enjoyed seeing his dogged determination to not become too attached to Brag fade over time. These two needed each other and were able to serve their community and heal each other’s hearts. It was really beautiful and interesting to learn about the processes that go into training police dogs. I genuinely wept when Brag’s time as a police dog came to an end and felt real joy when he transitioned into being a privately owned pet, fostering puppies in the backyard. The tenderness in the author’s voice was palpable and sweet and lovely. I really feel like this experience and this time with his dog made him a better man.

The narrator was interesting. He has a very distinctive voice and I definitely could see him in the role of a gruff, older police officer. There were times when I didn’t love his voice but overall I think I liked him.

The one thing I really didn’t think the book needed was the author’s defensive stance on race and policing at the very end, which did kind of sour it for me. As a white person myself, I can confidently say that we do not need to argue that we are the targets of racism ever, especially when we are in positions of power, as the author was. The author reminds me of my dad a little bit and I think he means well but could use some education on harms he may cause and have caused unintentionally as well as the systems he upholds and the communities they harm.

I loved this book. It reminded me of Bernie Little and Chet, except real. Great story and great pace. Overall an excellent book.

I loved listening to this book. Full of heartwarming stories, and fascinating to see a glimpse into the life of a police dog and his partner.

The narration was really well done, and so natural. I could have listened to this for double the length of time! It was an overall lovely book.

A big thank you to NetGalley for the privilege to read and review this book.

So, I read the reviews (at least some of them, and, there are a ton)...and I knew that it was going to be heartbreaking, but I STILL was not prepared for my total breakdown after reading this book.

Brag was a German Shepherd dog that was lovingly adopted into a family and was later given up, when his master (Dad) died in a plane crash (This is clearly stated in the description, so I'm really not giving anything away here...) and the Mom, with small children, was not able to care for him the way he needed and deserved...
So, he was given up and given to a Police K9 Unit...where he met his handler/partner.

In the beginning, he was clearly heartbroken after losing his entire family and not understanding why...so, his partner decided that he was NOT going to get close to him. Not going to give him love. Not going to make him a part of HIS family. This was just his K9. His partner. Nothing more...

Well, for any of you reading this who have a heart...and/or have a dog...you know how that ended up, right???

Brag was difficult at first, and made it clear that this was NOT where he wanted to be...and that he was not going to be taking orders from anyone.
BUT, after some training...and some time, he grew to be a total LEGEND in the field of K9's.
From reading this book, it seems like he made everyone who ever had contact with him (at least on the Police side of it...and the family side...) have a soft spot for him.

Multiple times we are told he was smiling! What an achievement that is for a dog!!

This totally warms my heart, as we have a rescue Dachshund, who was abused before we got him, and is STILL afraid of everything and everyone...years later.
BUT, every time I come through the door at night...well, he gives me a big SMILE! And it totally hits me...in the heart...every time!

And, the way he took on the bad guys...with no fear...
And the way his partner was afraid at times to let him go...even though he swore he would NOT get attached to this dog (after losing one when he was young...and having a really hard time getting over it...)
Well, I was praying in my own mind that no harm would come to him. I can't even imagine having to be faced with this reality every single day....as part of my job.

So, over time, of course they became close...and best friends.
And, there was a bond with so many of the officers...and branches of police... a beautiful thing!

Really a heartwarming story in so many ways (at least when I wasn't' having a heart attack and/or biting my nails...holding my breath....etc...)

Inevitably, we know that dogs life spans are much shorter than humans, and so, there are some soul crushing moments in here...where I was completely and totally SOBBING...but, that's a dog's life.

If you haven't read this one, please consider picking it up!

It just recently was released as an audiobook and I thank #NetGalley, #Audible and #PostHypnoticPressAudiobooks for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review...and here it is. Thanks so much for the opportunity to read it! It was truly remarkable!!

#Werewolf:TheTrueStoryOfAnExtraordinaryPoliceDog by #DavidAltonHedges and narrated by #MichaelPuttonen

4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!
Because, who doesn't love a story about a dog...and one that's truly a hero?? !!!!

Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends!! 📚⭐️

Well, an impossible review. One of the hardest books I've ever read. I don't watch movies with dogs and I can't cope with any dogs being hurt, sad, injured or passing in books. Fiction or not.

The first thing to say is, if you're like me, maybe consider if you can cope with this or if you should avoid it. I let the outcome of my netgalley request decide for me.

You will be heartbroken at times.

All that aside, this was a remarkable story about an even more remarkable, clever, GOOD BOY (iykyk), Brag AKA werewolf. An absolute hero. Whilst I found it hard to read, it was an incredible story and part of me is glad I got to learn about Brag and the amazing work he did.

The relationships between canines and their humans are alwayssss so beautiful and it really shines through in this story. One of my favourite moments was when Brag's owner recognised that Brag really did love him.

Thanks to all police and K9 officers for their service.

Thanks so much to the author, publisher and netgalley for my audioARC in exchange for my honest review.