09/09/2026
This month's Storybook Trail book is "K9 Mattis On The Job." The book is based on real-life Sergeant Mark Tappan and his K9 companion, Mattis. A local hero, Mattis the K9 officer, first captured America's heart on A&E's America's Top Dog and through school visits across the country. He has a highly engaged and devoted fan base.
Mattis is one of the most decorated police K9s of all time, and the duo has more than 5 million followers on social media.
Through this fun story based on Mattis's official police work, kids will find out what he loves to do each day.
The book was chosen to coincide with this month's Storytime At Royal Park, which will feature our own Deputy Josh Buchanan! More information to follow soon.
We also want to recognize and thank Burke County Sheriff Deputy Johnny Abernathy for his dedication to our community. His last day was September 4th. He is supervising our change-out of the book in the picture below.
Our Storybook Trail is located around Royal Park at 202 S. Center St.
Burke River Trail
Mark Tappan
