Bloodhounds, the Real Life Paw Patrol

Last week law enforcement officers from all over the country convened in Matthews to train and certify their bloodhounds with the National Police Bloodhound Association. More than 45 law enforcement officers traveled across the country, some by plane, to Matthews to attend this five-day seminar. Instructors created scent trails for the dogs to follow, provided feedback to fine-tune the dogs’ tracking abilities, and advised handlers on best practices.
If you didn’t see these incredibly hard-working dogs while they were training in town, Matthews Police Officer Kevin Osuch will have his dogs (one of which is a tracking bloodhound) at Pawsitively Matthews this Saturday, November 3, in Stumptown Park.

“Since 1962, the National Police Bloodhound Association has been a trusted source for information relative to the use of the purebred bloodhound in the field of law enforcement.  The National Police Bloodhound Association (NPBA) teaches basic standards that have been tried and proven from many years of trails by law enforcement officers from all over the country that were found to be sound in the utilization of the man-trailing bloodhound.

Never has any officer member of the National Police Bloodhound Association been proven wrong when challenged in his or her use of the bloodhound in law enforcement by the courts by following the standards that have been set by the National Police Bloodhound Association.”

— NPBA Website

Morning Minute: October 23, 2018

News About Town:  We all know better than to drink and drive, but may not put it into practice. Last week the Matthews Police Department made five DUI arrests. Following a nationwide trend, DUI arrests are down in Matthews, possibly due to the increasing convenience of Uber and Lyft services and other transit options.

News Around Town:  Fullwood Animal Hospital Spay Neuter Clinic is hosting their annual Feline Spay/Neuter Day tomorrow, Wednesday October 24, 2018. Prices are $65 to neuter (male) and $95 to spay (female). With limited spaces available book ahead 704-545-2235 to secure a spot for your cat. Rabies vaccination must be current and are an additional $12 if needed.

Image courtesy the Town of Matthews

Some Fun Things: Join the Town of Matthews for a “Not-So-Spooky Halloween” at Stumptown Park, Saturday, October 27th, 5:00 PM. to 9:00 PM. Dress in costume if you feel so inclined, there will be trick or treating with area businesses set up throughout the park. Free family-friendly activities include face painting, carriage rides, and all the sweet treats you can imagine For some, the clown entertainment (Curley) will be enjoyable. A showing of the movie “Halloweentown” begins at dusk.

Morning Minute: October 19, 2018

News About Town:  The National Police Bloodhound Association is bringing the real life paw patrol to town Sunday, October 21 through Thursday, October 25. K-9 unit handlers from all over the country will use Matthews as their training grounds for those five days.

News Around Town: All these beautiful old hardwood trees shed a lot of branches and twigs during the last two storms. Republic and the public works department are still working diligently to get everything picked up. They’ve got their a-game on, the Town Manager on stick duty, and the big trucks revved. Wave hi and say thank you as they continue clean-up duty. In the meantime maybe a fire pit and s’mores are in order? You know, for the sake of the community.

Some Fun Things: Don’t forget the Mt Moriah BBQ Fundraiser today and tomorrow, the final performances of The Hundred Dresses, and the special menu at The Bellé Grille for Charlotte Black Restaurant Week.