Dogs of Courage: The Heroism and Heart of Working Dogs Around the World

by Lisa Rogak

Overview

A celebration of the amazing canines who perform feats of bravery every day

Dogs don't just make lovable pets. They also work at an incredible number of jobs, helping humans in countless ways. From working with search-and-rescue teams to find missing persons to helping patients recover from injuries, Lisa Rogak covers the many ways in which dogs are an essential part of our world. And she tells the surprising stories of regular dogs who have gone above and beyond to help their owners—and even each other.

Dogs of Courage reveals the heartwarming and awe-inspiring stories of these hard-working dogs, from the training they receive to the ways we honor their sacrifices and reward their years of service. Affirming what every dog lover knows, this book shows how deep a dog's loyalty and friendship can go.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250021762
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/30/2012
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

LISA ROGAK is author of The Dogs of War: The Courage, Love, and Loyalty of Military Working Dogs as well as the Edgar- and Anthony-nominated Haunted Heart: The Life and Times of Stephen King and editor of The New York Times-bestselling Barack Obama in His Own Words.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Chapter 1 Dogs of Courage 7

Profile: Belgium 20

Chapter 2 Police Dogs 29

Profile: Midge 39

Profile: Zeus 46

Chapter 3 Fire Dogs 51

Profile: Hooper 60

Chapter 4 Search-and-Rescue Dogs 67

Profile: Doc 70

Profile: Ricky 79

Profile: Bilbo 86

Chapter 5 Guide, Service, and Assistance Dogs 93

Profile: Hogan and Hanley 99

Profile: Landon 105

Profile: Efram 112

Chapter 6 Therapy Dogs 117

Profile: Yofi 119

Profile: Apollo 131

Profile: Toaster 143

Chapter 7 Prison Dogs 149

Profile: Edie 159

Chapter 8 Medical-Detection Dogs 165

Profile: Remy 167

Profile: Boo 175

Chapter 9 Wildlife-Detection and -Conservation Dogs 185

Profile: Twister 196

Chapter 10 Civillian Dogs 205

Profile: Zoey 208

Profile: Sheba 216

Profile: Reagan 221

Chapter 11 Celebrity Dogs of Courage 231

Profile: Eddie 237

Notes 249

Resources 263

Acknowledgments 275

Editorial Reviews

This is the perfect stocking-stuffer for the dog lover on your list.” —Hudson Valley News

“A celebration of the many ways service dogs help humans. … Will give dog enthusiasts plenty of reinforcement for the assertion that dogs are man's best friend.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Lisa Rogak delivers another excellent book! … If you're looking for a book full of feel-good stories – look no further. Rogak will warm your heart with her numerous ‘tails' of canine heroism.” —The Examiner

“Dogs do much more than just be our ‘best friend,' and this book illustrates the many ways they help to make our lives easier and better.” —The Post-Journal


“Rogak takes the reader through story after story of remarkable and inspirational canines. … This book is a great read for anyone but especially for dog lovers.” —Pup Culture

“Dogs of Courage shows you just how special our canine friends are, how and why they do what they do, and how deep their unconditional love and loyalty can go.” —Pup Culture

From the Publisher

A celebration of the many ways service dogs help humans. "Dogs of courage," as defined by Rogak (And Nothing But the Truthiness: The Rise (and Further Rise) of Stephen Colbert, 2011, etc.), are not unique in that they possess courage--all dogs, she asserts, are born with it--but humans have the ability to draw out this courage in ways that benefit both the dogs and the people working with them. The author gives a broad overview of dogs in service today, as well as the history of dogs providing support in a myriad of settings. She profiles guide and assistance dogs, fire and police dogs, medical research-assistant canines, wildlife and conservation dogs and therapy dogs. Training programs were instituted when World War I began, and dogs have served in the military since. As Rogak notes, there is overlap between the different types of service dogs and the skills that are called upon; the benefits that therapy dogs provide through steadfast companionship and support offer a form of therapy to anyone working closely with them. There are also distinctly different training requirements for different types of service. A dog trained in providing therapy support, particularly when the service is being provided to children, must acquiesce to having their ears and tails tugged on by little hands, whereas a police dog by necessity requires sharper self-preservation instincts. Rogak also shares brief profiles of specific dogs working in the various service arenas. Will give dog enthusiasts plenty of reinforcement for the assertion that dogs are man's best friend.

Kirkus Reviews