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Molly: The True Story of the Amazing Dog Who Rescues Cats Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 187 ratings

Molly: The True Story of the Amazing Dog Who Rescues Cats tells the heartwarming story of the man-and-dog team behind the United Kingdom Pet Detective Agency—how Colin, in need of a new lease on life, rescues Molly the dog, and how Molly in turn rescues many more beloved lost pets.

As a veteran of the Royal Navy and longtime police officer, Colin Butcher was no stranger to dangerous situations. But a career in uniform can wear anyone down, so, in 2003, Colin left the force to start his own private detective agency, specializing in helping reunite people with their missing pets. And yet, despite his hundreds of successes, there were still heartbreaking cases where Colin couldn’t find the missing on his own. He knew he needed a partner.

When Colin first met Molly, his friends doubted that she would be up for the job. Where Colin was battle-tested, Molly was young and inexperienced. She was willful, wayward, and stubborn. But Colin could tell that Molly was unusually charismatic and intelligent. He decided to take a risk and bring on Molly for training.

Yes, Molly is no ordinary deputy, but a black Cocker Spaniel, and this is no ordinary detective agency. Trained by the top canine behavioral experts at Medical Detection Dogs, Molly can find missing cats—who are uniquely skilled at eluding humans—by detecting a unique scent signature, and she has been wildly successful.

The work is not always easy. Molly has faced hardships ranging from a near-fatal snakebite to the challenge of winning over Colin’s girlfriend, Sarah. But through it all, Colin and Molly share an enduring love and affection. More than a working relationship, Molly is part of the family. Together, they are the Sherlock and Watson of missing pets.

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From the Publisher

molly

When former policeman Colin Butcher set up his own pet detective agency he quickly realized he needed a partner. Enter Molly, a charming and clever cocker spaniel who melted Colin’s heart. Together they became the ultimate pet-detective duo.

cocker spaniel

cat recovered

pet detective

molly the pet detective

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Animal ­lovers will devour this British-toned, feel-good book, and might even develop some strategies in case their furry friends go missing.”
Library Journal

About the Author

Colin Butcher is the Company Director and Chief Investigator of the UKPD. Previously a Detective Inspector in Surrey Police, and a veteran of the Royal Navy, Colin was awarded a prestigious Chief Constables Commendation for his contributions to the advancement of the Criminal Investigation Department. He has been recovering stolen and missing pets for over twenty years and has a wealth of experience in the investigation of pet crime. His first successful assignment was back in 1994 when, serving as a Detective Sergeant with Surrey Police, he recovered two German Shepherd puppies stolen from a breeder’s kennels. Molly: The True Story of the Amazing Dog Who Rescues Catsis his first book.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07N5XKCFJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Celadon Books; Illustrated edition (October 8, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 8, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 19375 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 297 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 187 ratings

About the author

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Colin Butcher
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The DAILY MAIL Literary Critics rate Colin Butcher's book Molly The Pet Detective Dog as one of the BEST READS of the year. A book you will never regret buying and the perfect gift for all animal lovers. Now an international Best Seller and translated into 13 languages a true page turner a wonderful read that explores the incredible relationship between humans and dogs.

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR a great writer once said to me 'write the book you always wanted to read' and that is exactly what I have set out to achieve. My book is about self-belief, commitment and courage and overcoming strong opposition, to what you know in your heart is a great idea. It is also about compassion, kindness and selflessness and the amazing bond that exists between people and sentient animals. Most of all it is about an unwanted and abandoned Cocker Spaniel named Molly, who comes to the rescue when those bonds are broken. Dreams do come true.

COLIN BUTCHER (1960) has his written his own blog for over 15 years and often contributes to features and news articles for many national newspapers and radio stations. In 2018 extracts from his first book Molly&Me took the London Book Fair by storm resulting in publishing contracts with 15 countries and translations rights in 13 languages. Molly&Me will also be adapted for children in the USA January 2020.

Colin grew up on the edge of the rain forests of Malaysia and Singapore returning to the UK in 1972 where he resided with his family and rescue animals in the heart of the Cotswolds. Colin joined the Royal Navy at 16 years of age formally as a deep sea diver then as helicopter aircrew on 814 Naval Air Squadron and was awarded the Colin Vickers trophy for flying excellence.

Previously a Detective Inspector with the police he received a prestigious Chief Constables Commendation for his work in the Criminal Investigation Department CID. In 2003 Colin formed a Private Detective Agency specialising in the recovery of stolen animals and a two years later formed the sister company The Pet Detectives UKPD.

With over 30 years investigative experience under his belt Colin is a leading authority on the investigation of crimes against pets across the United Kingdom and his research into cat behaviour - specifically why they migrate away from their homes - was the subject of the BBC Horizon documentary (The Secret Life of The Cat) Colin has also worked with the BBC on (Little Cat Diaries; Country File; Thief Trackers and Inside Out) and regularly appears on BBC radio shows discussing crimes against animals.

In 2016 with the help of the pioneering charity Medical Detection Dogs Colin trained the very first Cat Detection dog in the UK. Molly a rescue Working Cocker Spaniel has since assisted in the recovery of 89 missing cats and is now a fully fledged member of the Pet Detectives Team.

Colin's writing career started at six years of age when his essay on fire ants was accredited as the best story and most improved hand writing. Over the following 10 years he compiled numerous field notes about his adventures in the rain forests of Asia and the English countryside elements of which can be found in his first book. Whilst serving with the police Colin wrote the CID training manual on the investigation of crime and co-wrote the first training manual for Family Liaison Officers. As a private detective he wrote several more training manuals for BP including the investigation of major incidents and accidents and conflict resolution. Colin has already commence work on his second book covering his 30 years as a professional investigator.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
187 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book a good deal. It is informative and heart-warming. Along with Molly's progression and adventures, there is some chronicling of a small business start up and the experience of it. I found it to be inspiring on several levels and uplifting all around.
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2024
A remarkable story of this gifted team of man and dog being able to help so many desperate owners who have lost their beloved pets.
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2019
As an animal lover especially a dog lover, I loved this book. The dog, Molly, looks like my Lola so I had to get the book and just loved it. It was interesting to hear about her training to become a cat detective and then to read about some of her cases. A delightful book! I could read more stories about her amazing cases!
6 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2020
Good book to get lost in. I liked the ending but also liked the beginning. Actually all of this book was good. I enjoyed it.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2019
I bought this book as a gift for my dog sitter and decided to read it first before giving it away. It proved to be a good read, both informative and entertaining.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2020
Only 3/4 done reading but can't wait to pick it up each day. A pleasure and I have fallen in love with Molly totally.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2021
My family enjoyed this true story about a dog who could amazingly find lost cats!
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2020
Am giving this to my brother and sister-in-law as gift for Christmas this year. I am certain they will enjoy this book.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Linda Switzer
5.0 out of 5 stars Cocker Spaniel Hero
Reviewed in Canada on December 26, 2020
I absolutely loved this real life true story about a black cocker spaniel who finds lost cats and assorted creatures. The training of Molly is told in great detail and is most interesting. I have bred and shown black American Cocker Spaniels for 30 years and was delighted to actually see a book about a black English Cocker. This is such a feel-good book that I sent a copy to a friend who needed cheering up. A wonderful read. A book 2 would be great.
JMH
5.0 out of 5 stars For any animal lover
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2020
Present & recipient loved it
ダックスママ
5.0 out of 5 stars ハンドラーと犬の信頼関係
Reviewed in Japan on August 24, 2021
ワーキングコッカーを迎えるにあたり読ませて頂きました。
ワンちゃんたちの働きぶりはもちろん、根気よくトレーニングを積む事で構築される、ハンドラーと犬の強い信頼関係、阿吽の呼吸とも言える結びつきに心打たれました。
驚くべき犬たちの能力(臭覚)、それを最大限に引き出すトレーニング、興味のある方にはお勧めです。
Sharon
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy read that is uplifting with some tragedies.
Reviewed in Canada on February 27, 2022
Really good read if you are an animal lover.
lila bennett
5.0 out of 5 stars Good story
Reviewed in Canada on April 9, 2020
Awesome
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