Book Review-- Soldier Dogs Maria Goodavage

Synopsis: A leading dog-blogger offers a tour of military working dogs' extraordinary training, heroic accomplishments, and the lasting impacts 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, nor how far they must parachute or rappel from aircraft into enemy territory.

The Nerd's Ramble: I really, really loved this book. This is the second book about MWD (military working dogs) that I've read. Ms. Goodavage's book is more factual based, more about the science and training that goes behind the selection of a MWD. Along with the science the reader is presented with the different types of working dogs, and what they search out for the Armed Forces. There are soldier anecdotes, as well as first had interaction with some of the dogs.

This is a different book that Sergeant Rex, but still at the same time so very enjoyable. I think that they should be read together. Sergeant Rex gives a first hand account of a military personnel working with the dog, whereas Soldier Dogs presents the more business end of the story. Both are great reads for civilians or anyone who is interested in military dogs.

It certainly makes me look at my German Shepherd in a whole different light.

Rating: ★★★★★
Total Length: 283 pages
Format: Epub, Kindle, Traditional and Audio book.
Publication Date: March 15, 2012 (Dutton Adult)