I write a lot of books about K9 police officers and their four-legged partners. My first such book was a stand-alone for Love Inspired titled A Tender Touch. I became fascinated with the dogs that are trained to protect and serve. They go through intensive methods to teach them to search and rescue, find drugs and bombs and to track down dangerous criminals. They can pick up scents from twenty years ago, scents in the water, or scents in the air and on the ground. They smell a thousand different things in a thousand different places, but they can track the scent of one lost child from smelling a piece of his clothing. They use scent in the way we use sight. It guides them. They are amazing. And they do it all because they get a play toy as a reward!
The last K9 story I worked on is part of a six-book continuity and I used a Pointer as my K9 in the book. They are beautiful dogs. My brothers used to train pointers to hunt. They really do stop and point their tails straight behind them with their noses in the air and one leg up. It’s a beautiful sight!
A shot of a Vizsla dog (Hungarian Pointer) sitting on a rock in the woods.
The bloodhound is considered the number one dog for scent. With over 300 million scent receptors, he can get the job done no matter what gets in his way. The loose skin near the head and neck helps them to retain a scent!
Portrait of brown Bloodhound
Of course, German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are two very popular police dogs, too.
And who can resist a cute puppy ready for his training, which he considers good, clean fun!
Tuco Boston-Dog future K-9 Dog – Photo byJonathan Kozowyk/ Courtesy of Massachusetts Vest-A-Dog
I enjoy learning more about these animals that are as loyal as any human partner. I have two books I refer to often. One is “K-9 Cops” by Richard Rosenthal and the other is “Soldier Dogs” by Maria Goodavage, (a loaner from my daughter).
I will have a K9 story out this year and next year! It’s hard to stop writing about my brave four-footed friends.
Do you have a dog that you adore? Have you ever witnessed a K9 police dog at work?
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My husband worked and trained dogs for years. It’s amazing watching the training and all that goes on. My husband lost his favorite dog Zena. She was shot while searching a building. She saved his life.
Kim, Zena sounds like a brave warrior. I’m so sorry. I know you and your husband must miss her. Thank you for sharing.
So sorry Kim about your husbands dog Zena. Makes ones heart cry. I’m grateful your husband was okay. 🙁
My husband and I live and work at a camp. During handicamp week they brought a police dog out and we got to see a cool demo of a police dog at work. Mounted police as well. Awesome post Lenora!
jennydtipton at gmail dot com
Thank you, Jenny. Glad you got to witness a K9 in person. Your camp sounds great!!
I love dogs in books, and K-9 dogs are special!
I have a little mini-doxie. She “points” whenever she gets scent of something. It’s really cute to see a 9 pound dog with one paw up and her entire body in a straight line!
Jill, how cute!!
My parents raised and trained German Shepherds. We understood the intelligence and faithfulness of amazing dogs. They were excellent baby sitters and fierce protectors.
This series sounds so good. 🙂
Thank you, Rosie. I sure do feel the same way. They work so hard and they are loyal.
When I was growing up we had a wonderful family pet. He was no pedigree just a warm wonderful friend. It was almost harder to leave him when I got married than my parents. LOL
Love your K9 boo. (Well really I love all your books)ks