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)

Book Review--Enslaved By Ducks by Bob Tarte

Synopsis: When Bob Tarte bought a house in rural Michigan, he was counting on a tranquil haven. Then Bob married Linda. She wanted a rabbit, which seemed innocuous enough until the bunny chewed through their electrical wiring. And that was just the beginning. Before long, Bob found himself constructing cages, buying feed, clearing duck waste, and spoon-feeding a menagerie of furry and feathery residents. His life of quiet serenity vanished, and he unwittingly became a servant to a relentlessly demanding family. "They dumbfounded him, controlled and teased him, took their share of his flesh, stole his heart" ("Kirkus Reviews").
Whether commiserating with Bob over the fate of those who are slaves to their animals or regarding his story as a cautionary tale about the rigors of animal ownership, readers on both sides of the fence have found Tarte's story of his chaotic squawking household irresistible--and irresistibly funny.

Shelly's Thoughts: I didn't really care for this book. Though well written, the author and his wife rarely seem to consider the long term when it comes to animal care, and often times they purchase animals just because they look pretty or can speak (when it comes to birds of course). Not the worst thing I've ever read, but I certainly won't recommend it to any of my friends.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Total Length: 320 pages
Formats: Epub, Kindle, and traditional publication
Publication Date: October 1, 2004

Book Review-- Sergeant Rex.

Sergeant Rex by Mike Dowling.

Synopsis: Called “a deeply affecting tale of courage and devotion in the cauldron of war” by Publishers Weekly, Sergeant Mike Dowling’s heart-pounding account of an unbreakable bond between man and dog takes us into the searing 130-degree heat, the choking dust, and the ever-present threat of violent attack in Iraq’s infamous Triangle of Death. In 2004, Dowling and his military working dog Rex were part of the first Marine Corps military K9 teams sent to the front lines of combat since Vietnam. It was Rex’s job to sniff out weapons caches, suicide bombers, and IEDs, the devastating explosives that wreaked havoc on troops and civilians. It was Mike’s job to lead Rex into the heart of danger. An extraordinary chronicle of loyalty in the face of terrible adversity, Sergeant Rex is an unforgettable story of sacrifice, courage, and love.

Shelly's Thoughts: I picked this up after my dad left it laying around. A couple hours later, I had finished it and was wiping away tears. (just as a heads up, everything works out okay).

This is the real life account of Sergeant Mike Dowling and his Military Working Dog (MWD) Sergeant Rex. Sent to Iraq to seek out improvised explosive devices (I.E.Ds) and to launch the Marine Corps military K9 use in the front lines. This book was a quick read, and more of a conversation between Dowling and the reader. It's pleasant to read with a bit of military and 'boy' humor thrown in. It depicts day to day life with the military and working dogs in the front lines of the Iraq war. Dowling keeps politics out of the book, and recounts both humorous and sad times with his work with Rex. There is a nice afterword that explains what happened after the brunt of the story. I really enjoyed this and would recommend it.

Kind of makes me feel a bit silly that all my German Shepherd does is nap. Though all I have to do is pull out the Kong ball and he's ready to play.

Rating: ★★★★☆
Total Length: 289 pages
Formats available: Paperback, Hardback, and EBook.