Blue Paws

by Matt McCredie

When Sydneysider Matt McCredie was finally accepted to train with the NSW Police Dog Squad he had no idea he was about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, with his best friend by his side. After months of gruelling training, Matt was finally assigned to the dog that would change his life - Merlin. Merlin and Matt became inseparable and were soon tackling thugs, chasing robbers and tracking down the armed and the dangerous.

Blue Paws allows the reader to join in the adventures of a police dog handler whose passion for the job and love for his companion side kick comes through. We learn of the dog's heroic moves as well as his shortcomings which makes the story that much more real.

Genres: Nonfiction, Dogs

206 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Matt McCredie joined the New South Wales Police Force in 1992 working in Uniform and plain clothes before being accepted into the elite NSW Police Dog Squad where he spent 13 years as a dog handler. During his police service Matt was awarded two Commissioners Commendations for bravery. He has published two non fiction titles, Blue Paws (2009) and The Real Inspector Rex (2013). Matt is an accomplished public and corporate speaker and lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This lovely book is a somewhat light hearted book. It is of particular interest to me as I am familiar with the locations. As with so many books of this genre the last chapter is a little overwhelming. Each chapter can be enjoyed 'stand alone' or it can be read 'cover to cover' as I did.

[Sharon]

Great book, with short and to the point chapters. My brother would have loved this book, since at one time he was a police dog handler.

Recommended read if you are intrested in police work, and just great stories.

The last chapter is a bit emotional, especially if you have owned a dog. and considered it a part of your family and a great mate, as Matt has done with his dog Merlin.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book full of 'war stories'. What's not to like?

[Barbara O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartfelt and enlightening

This was a very enjoyable and enlightening look into the wonderful life of Merlin the Police Dog and what he and his handler faced, both the successful and not so successful.
Well worth reading and I am looking forward to the subsequent books.

[Geoff Hoddinott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matt is one of two Police Dog Handlers in our street in Mt Colah, way up the north of Sydney. I see him (now retired) and his dog (also retired) most weeks. This is an excellent collection of real-life chapters out of a highly skilled and dangerous (for handler and dog) career. Well written book, presented in chewable chunks, and gives a fine understanding of the bond between dog and handler. If you want a book you can read in short bursts, then this is a cracker. As an aside, the other Police Dog in the suburb was beaten up by my Daughter's cat about a year ago. No arrest made thank goodness, but not a good look.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me laugh (and cry at the end). What a great relationship between a man and his dog. I couldn't help giggle at some of the antics.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look into a world few of us get to see.

Fun, light easy to read, with some laugh at loud moments.

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me.