Narrated by Michael Puttonen
Presented by Post Hypnotic Press Audiobooks

I think I would have liked this more with a different narrator, but it was an okay listen for a freebie.

This is the true story of Police dog, Brag, and his handler. The author starts with the beginning of their relationship, and how things were rocky at first, but eventually the two developed a close working partnership, which did of course graduate to friendship.

The relationship between dog and handler was sweet, though it was hard for me to imagine such a fierce, cold dog. Brag is tough, arrogant, and clinical in his work. It was quite fascinating listening to the different anecdotes about how a dog fits in with police work, but it was hard to get to like this dog in the beginning.

That said, there's a lot more to being part of a K9 unit than I suspected, and I did get a quiet joy out of knowing these dogs are out there biting bad guys.

There was a great balance of police work and details of the relationship between the two. I found the author's behaviour questionable at times, but the pair seemed to suit each other quite well. The structure of the story was clever and followed a logical progression.

The narration really didn't work for me. He seemed to inject feeling and emotion that didn't match the words, and I found myself thinking about how I would have read it different. I was frustrated with how it kept pulling me out of the story. It's also a bit of a weird complaint, but with this being an autobiography I found it frustrating that the voice didn't really match the person I envisioned. Basically, the story sounded much more hardcore than the guy telling the story. Sorry!

Overall, though, it was an interesting listen. It's not the kind of book I would normally pick up for myself, so I'm glad it was a 'listen now', otherwise I probably wouldn't have bothered.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

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

It is rare that I will pick up a book that features animals because I can't handle things not going well for them. But I wanted to hear this book about an incredible police dog and his work with his partner. Michael Puttonen narrated the story and his narration fit the story so well. And we cried at the end. But know that Brag had a full life, the dog lived for his work, and I'm very glad to have listened to this book and learned about Brag and his partner, David Hedges.

I enjoyed reading about their training, their work, their bond. David started his partnership thinking that Brag didn't like him but as he learned things Brag already knew, David learned to understand Brag and better interpret him. What a team and even though my animal family members have never had this kind of job, this book had me so thankful for the animals in my life.

Thank you to Post Hypnotic Press Audiobooks and NetGalley for this ARC.

"WEREWOLF: The True Story of an Extraordinary Police Dog" by David Alton Hedges is a captivating and deeply moving account of the unbreakable bond between a police K9 named Brag and his handler. From their initial meeting, where Brag is indifferent and his handler is cautious, to their shared experiences on dangerous manhunts, this book chronicles their journey of mutual trust and loyalty.

Hedges offers a raw, firsthand look at the challenges and triumphs faced by this remarkable duo, pushing their mental and physical limits in the line of duty. The transformation of their relationship, from wary acquaintances to inseparable partners, is a testament to the extraordinary connection that can form between humans and dogs.

This heartfelt story of courage and loyalty is a must-read for anyone who has ever loved a dog. It beautifully captures the essence of the human-canine bond, making it an inspiring and unforgettable tale. Highly recommended for its emotional depth, thrilling narrative, and the profound message about the power of trust and companionship.
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