WILMINGTON — Sales have been strong on “K9 Karson Comes Home,” a children’s book about the Wilmington Police Department’s drug-detecting dog that went missing for two wintry months before recovery.

“Sales have been very strong, especially when the book was first released,” said Sarah Hawley, production lead for Wilmington-based Orange Frazer Press, which published the book. “Once people begin shopping for the holidays, I am sure we will see even more orders.”

Most orders have been from Ohio, but the publishing house has had orders from California, Oregon and other coastal states.

“Karson has fans nationwide,” remarked Hawley.

The book contains photographs of Karson and details of his 200-mile journey. Intended for children, it’s meant to give them an idea of the bond between K9 officers and their partners, according to WPD police officer Jerry Popp, who is Karson’s handler.

The story starts from the time Karson got loose on Dec. 23, 2014 and continues to his Feb. 22, 2015 recovery and reunion.

The book is autographed by Popp and has Karson’s paw print. Hawley said logistically it would be impossible to have Karson “pawtograph” every book so Orange Frazer Press included his paw print in the design.

“In order to get Karson’s paw print, I went to the police station where Officer Popp and I had Karson step on an ink pad and then step on a piece of copy paper to get the print,” she said. “Karson did his best to obey Officer Popp, although you could clearly see he had no idea why he had to keep stepping on paper.

“We got a few good prints and the best one ended up in the book,” added Hawley.

“I’m still in awe that Karson was found. However, I am so glad he was and that we got to create the book for the Wilmington Police Department. Don’t let their serious demeanors fool you. Officer Popp and Chief Weyand are a lot of fun to work with,” said the publishing house staffer.

The book includes how Karson survived, and how the community came together in a search for the lost police dog, Popp said when the book project was announced.

Clinton Countian Abbie Beam is the writer.

A second printing is possible, according to Hawley.

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768 or on Twitter @GHuffenberger.

Seated are WPD officer Jerry Popp and his canine partner Karson. Standing behind them is Wilmington Chief of Police Duane Weyand. They are pictured at the Wilmington publishing house, Orange Frazer Press.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2015/09/web1_author_author_f.jpgSeated are WPD officer Jerry Popp and his canine partner Karson. Standing behind them is Wilmington Chief of Police Duane Weyand. They are pictured at the Wilmington publishing house, Orange Frazer Press.