Soldier Dogs

The Untold Story of America’s Canine Heroes

De: Maria Goodavage

Narrado por: Nicole Vilencia

A leading dog-blogger offers a tour of military working dogs’ extraordinary training, heroic accomplishments, and the lasting impact they have on those who work with them.

People all over the world have been riveted by the story of Cairo, the Belgian Malinois who was a part of the Navy SEAL team that led the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound. A dog’s natural intelligence, physical abilities, and pure loyalty contribute more to our military efforts than ever before. You don’t have to be a dog lover to be fascinated by the idea that a dog—the cousin of that furry guy begging for scraps under your table—could be one of the heroes who helped execute the most vital and high-tech military mission of the new millennium.

Now Maria Goodavage, editor and featured writer for one of the world’s most widely read dog blogs, tells heartwarming stories of modern soldier dogs and the amazing bonds that develop between them and their handlers. Beyond tales of training, operations, retirement, and adoption into the families of fallen soldiers, Goodavage talks to leading dog-cognition experts about why dogs like nothing more than to be on a mission with a handler they trust, no matter how deadly the IEDs they are sniffing out, nor how far they must parachute or rappel from aircraft into enemy territory.

"Military working dogs live for love and praise from their handlers," says Ron Aiello, president of the United States War Dogs Association and a former marine scout-dog handler. "The work is all a big game, and then they get that pet, that praise. They would do anything for their handler." This is an unprecedented window into the world of these adventurous, loving warriors.

Maria Goodavage, a former reporter for USA Today and the San Francisco Chronicle, is the editor and featured writer for one of the most widely read dog blogs in the world: For the Love of Dog. She is also the author of The Dog Lover’s Companion to California and The Dog Lover’s Companion to the San Francisco Bay Area. She co-produced and wrote an award-winning children's video about animals, starring the voice of Ed Asner.

Includes a bonus PDF with photographs.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

An Audible for Dogs Pick: Make your dog's day. Cesar Millan shares how audiobooks can make dogs happier and calmer. Learn more.

©2012 Maria Goodavage (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Maria has proven her passion for the subject of military dogs with many emotionally engaging stories about these dedicated canines and the people who share their lives. She is the perfect combination of news reporter and dog lover." (Tracie Hotchner, author of The Dog Bible)

"Soldier Dogs is a fascinating book about the valiant things that military dogs do as told through the words of the soldiers who fight beside them. It also shows you how military service dogs are created, told through the words of the trainers and scientists who know the process. It is written in an easy and entertaining style and will acquaint you with dozens of canine heroes ranging from Stubby, who fought in WWI, to Cairo, who was a member of the raiding party that took down Osama Bin Laden. It is a great read for anyone who appreciates dogs and heroes." (Stanley Coren, author of The Intelligence of Dogs)

Excellent story of Service, Loyalty and Love

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a great book that tells many stories of handlers and their best friends as they work through dangerous terrain in war zones across the world.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The story of the marine who was killed in action along with his dog. Very sad.

Any additional comments?

Thank a solider whenever you see them for their sacrifice. They are dying so we can be safe at home.

very positive

tells a lot of time on the handler/dog relationship and doesn't pretend to be objective.
However if that is what you are looking for it's a great book

Dogs friends and foes, workers and playmates.

Dogs are just amazing, they can save our lives, our soldiers lives and help our country!
Even the ones that didn't quite, "make the grade", are in great demand and are still very useful. Police departments, fire departments, our dear handicapped friends. Thanks to the dogs and their trainers for all you have done to make these dogs, Soldier Dogs.

A terrific listen!

dogs, military, training, value

An absorbing and in depth telling about the training, lives, and work of the alphabet soup of military dogs and their handlers (primarily the US branches) by a trained observer, a journalist. The process of choosing dogs with the needed inclinations, temperament, and appropriate physical characteristics, the training of dogs and handlers makes good reading. Then there are tidbits like the use of Jack Russell terriers by the USN on submarines! The writing style is easy while informative, and seems nicely organized.
Nicole Vilencia narrates this with a pleasant tone and an easy cadence, thus enhancing the book.

Love Love Love

I love this book from start to finish.It doesn't hurt To be a dog lover when reading this book.I'm going to try to look for more books like this !