Rowdy - the Story of A Police Dog

In 1961 the North Riding of Yorkshire Police set up its first dog section. It was the start of the swinging sixties and the start of a new type of policing. Fred Holtby was one of the original six dog handlers covering this huge area: they had a lot to learn and a lot to prove, since many thought the use of dogs was a gimmick and a waste of time. Rowdy was the Alsation who everyone doubted would ever make the grade as a police dog. One of his ears was floppy and hung down the side of his face and he had large, appealing eyes giving you a look that gave the impression that butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. He was afraid of everything but especially buses which terrified him. PC 22 Fred Holtby had fallen for this unlikely police dog however, and was determined to prove that Rowdy was up to the job. It wasn't easy but Fred believed in Rowdy and against all odds Rowdy qualified as a police dog. This then is the story of Rowdy the police dog...