THE dogs were the guests of honour since they were the subjects of the book Police Dogs of Trinidad and Tobago: A 70-Year History.

Author Debbie Jacob, who is also a Newsday columnist, said it was the product of 14 years of research, interviews and hands-on experience.

Having already written five Caribbean Studies companions, three children's fiction books, a collection of short stories and three non fiction books, Jacob wrote her 13th book on a subject she has written many articles and columns about.

[caption id="attachment_1097376" align="alignnone" width="691"] Author Debbie Jacob has Hart, a blind retired police dog on a leash, at the launch of her book Police Dogs of Trinidad & Tobago, at the Cascade Commuity Centre, Cascade on Saturday. Hart is also the mascott for the Blind Welfare Association of Trinidad & Tobago. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]

The book's cover features a photo of now-retired police dog Adina and her handler Cpl Malissa Narine.

The launch, held on July 13 at the Cascade/St Ann's Community Centre, saw human and animal guests. Adina, Jacob's dog Hart (also a retired, blind police dog), as well as police dogs in training attended.

The dogs all starred at the launch, each getting their turn to take a confident strut across the stage. One also demonstrated what training to find drugs is like, which got many cheers from an attentive audience.

Jacob recalled a police dog "mastering the art of taking a meatball from (her) hands without touching it," laughing at the fond memories.

[caption id="attachment_1097380" align="alignnone" width="1003"] Author Debbie Jacob signs a copy of her book Police Dogs of Trinidad & Tobago for Minister of Energy Stauart Young at the launch of the book at the Cascade Commuity Centre, Cascade, on July 13. - Photo by Angelo Marcelle[/caption]

She said her work with the dogs of the Canine Unit in writing this book taught her about loyalty, perseverance, love and trust.

She also praised the canine officers, saying their job takes "extraordinary courage.

"All of them will face the death of at least one loyal police partner, and they never forget those moments...I saw many canine officers sob over dogs they had lost in the last week or few years."

She spent time with puppies at the Canine Unit base in Cumuto who went on to be police dogs, during the covid19 pandemic. It was then she was given the unofficial title of Sergeant of Puppy Hugs.

The breeds most often encountered are Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds and labradors.

She said her work with the unit also taught her "the most invaluable life lesson," which is to trust your instincts.

Police dogs are part of TT's history, she added.

Expanding on this during a phone interview on July 19, Jacob said the book starts in 1952 and looks at 70 years of canine history, and is based on records kept by the police service.

[caption id="attachment_1097375" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Rock Ramsden, five, pets retired police dog Adina, , at the launch of Police Dogs of Trinid