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The Dogs of War: The Courage, Love, and Loyalty of Military Working Dogs
Reveals the amazing range of jobs that our four-legged soldiers now perform. Rogak examines the dogs' training and equipment, and sets the record straight on those rumors of titanium teeth. A must-read for animal lovers everywhere.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2011
47 people are currently reading
1096 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Rogak
53 books136 followersMy new book Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS will be published on March 4, 2025.
Lisa Rogak is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 books, which have been published in more than two dozen languages. Her books Barack Obama: In His Own Words, and Angry Optimist: The Life & Times of Jon Stewart, hit the New York Times bestseller lists. Haunted Heart: The Life & Times of Stephen King was nominated for both the Edgar and Anthony Awards.
Her books have been reviewed and otherwise mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, and hundreds of other publications. She appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show as the featured guest in a show about small towns to promote her book, Moving to the Country Once and For All.
She lives in New Hampshire and is currently at work on a memoir.
Lisa Rogak is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 books, which have been published in more than two dozen languages. Her books Barack Obama: In His Own Words, and Angry Optimist: The Life & Times of Jon Stewart, hit the New York Times bestseller lists. Haunted Heart: The Life & Times of Stephen King was nominated for both the Edgar and Anthony Awards.
Her books have been reviewed and otherwise mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, and hundreds of other publications. She appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show as the featured guest in a show about small towns to promote her book, Moving to the Country Once and For All.
She lives in New Hampshire and is currently at work on a memoir.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 12, 2020
The following review is based off my own opinions, thoughts and reactions. So in other words brace yourself. *There may be inappropriate words such as curse words.* You have been advised in advance.*
Such a disappointment...
As someone who has grown up around family members, friends and neighbors, even my own spouse being a part of the military it was greatly disappointing the way this book turned out. It had so much potential to talk about specific dogs in the military who have done incredible things, but instead the author of this book completely ignored the fact of trying to acquire ACTUAL hero stories of military dogs.
It's great and all that, pictures were included in the book and it's great the author took time to attempt to educate herself on military life (which includes some of the programs and units military dogs are a part of), but this book was completely ruined by the lack of excitement, lack of personal hero stories of individual dogs, lack of back stories on how some of these dogs have actually come into working as military dogs.
I was insanely excited to read this book and by the time I was half way through, my excitement had completely vanished into dust and disappointment arose. I think if this book had more details of personal stories of military dogs then this would really have spiced up this book. It would also probably add a lot more inspiration into the stories itself.
Unfortunately since this book didn't keep my excitement, lack inspiration, certainly didn't live up to the potential this book had, and more so the book revolving more around human and military life than military dogs and the incredible things they do so this book is rated two stars.
Such a disappointment...
As someone who has grown up around family members, friends and neighbors, even my own spouse being a part of the military it was greatly disappointing the way this book turned out. It had so much potential to talk about specific dogs in the military who have done incredible things, but instead the author of this book completely ignored the fact of trying to acquire ACTUAL hero stories of military dogs.
It's great and all that, pictures were included in the book and it's great the author took time to attempt to educate herself on military life (which includes some of the programs and units military dogs are a part of), but this book was completely ruined by the lack of excitement, lack of personal hero stories of individual dogs, lack of back stories on how some of these dogs have actually come into working as military dogs.
I was insanely excited to read this book and by the time I was half way through, my excitement had completely vanished into dust and disappointment arose. I think if this book had more details of personal stories of military dogs then this would really have spiced up this book. It would also probably add a lot more inspiration into the stories itself.
Unfortunately since this book didn't keep my excitement, lack inspiration, certainly didn't live up to the potential this book had, and more so the book revolving more around human and military life than military dogs and the incredible things they do so this book is rated two stars.
July 20, 2012
Ugh. How do you take what could be an exciting and emotional book and turn it into an Oprah-esque heap of crap? Ask Lisa Rogak. This book blows.
Well, it's not horrible in the sense that it would be a great book to give to HS english or history student to show how to write. That is to say, Rogak's writing is very competent HS-level writing. But, very little more.
First and foremost, all Rogak seemingly did was interview or email every Dog Handler in the military should could find and compile their answers into subject sub-headings. She has taken her interviewees words as "all she needs to know" and gone w/ that to write her book. The reality is she never looks in-depth at anything really to do w/ the training of these dogs, the effects of military life and/or the dark-side of military animals. She touches on some of these subjects, but it is always based solely on an interview w/ a handler or a direct quote from the appropriate Military Handbook (some of these passages are almost full pages of dry-bureaucratic field manual excerpts).
Everything is air-brushed over here. There is no meat-on-the-bone at all. OK, dogs suffer PTSD too. Got it. But, just 2 or 3 quotes from handlers saying basically "they suffer PTSD too" does not make for good reading. There is also no examination of the moral issue that arises with these animals - from use as devices of psychological torture (Abu Ghraib) to outright crowd control & violence (Nazi Germany and many, many others). You teach a dog to do exactly what you tell it, then that it is what one gets - with this power comes great responsibility and that is often abused and needs to be examined in the book. Rogak doesn't even look at the definition of "torture" and how animals can (and do) fit in w/ that according to Human Rights Watch, the UN & others. Pretty lame oversight by Rogak.
In the end, I realized why the book sucked. Rogak also wrote two books about the Obamas - both based exclusively on interviews and or spoken-responses. This has become Rogak's M.O. - interview, organize, write. Now, again, this is a great START for MS/HS students to develop their writing skills, but needs to go way beyond this in both the research and writing elements if it is worthy of publication.
Read "One Dog at a Time" for a much better book. This one is pretty BLAH.
Well, it's not horrible in the sense that it would be a great book to give to HS english or history student to show how to write. That is to say, Rogak's writing is very competent HS-level writing. But, very little more.
First and foremost, all Rogak seemingly did was interview or email every Dog Handler in the military should could find and compile their answers into subject sub-headings. She has taken her interviewees words as "all she needs to know" and gone w/ that to write her book. The reality is she never looks in-depth at anything really to do w/ the training of these dogs, the effects of military life and/or the dark-side of military animals. She touches on some of these subjects, but it is always based solely on an interview w/ a handler or a direct quote from the appropriate Military Handbook (some of these passages are almost full pages of dry-bureaucratic field manual excerpts).
Everything is air-brushed over here. There is no meat-on-the-bone at all. OK, dogs suffer PTSD too. Got it. But, just 2 or 3 quotes from handlers saying basically "they suffer PTSD too" does not make for good reading. There is also no examination of the moral issue that arises with these animals - from use as devices of psychological torture (Abu Ghraib) to outright crowd control & violence (Nazi Germany and many, many others). You teach a dog to do exactly what you tell it, then that it is what one gets - with this power comes great responsibility and that is often abused and needs to be examined in the book. Rogak doesn't even look at the definition of "torture" and how animals can (and do) fit in w/ that according to Human Rights Watch, the UN & others. Pretty lame oversight by Rogak.
In the end, I realized why the book sucked. Rogak also wrote two books about the Obamas - both based exclusively on interviews and or spoken-responses. This has become Rogak's M.O. - interview, organize, write. Now, again, this is a great START for MS/HS students to develop their writing skills, but needs to go way beyond this in both the research and writing elements if it is worthy of publication.
Read "One Dog at a Time" for a much better book. This one is pretty BLAH.
February 20, 2016
This was very informative on how dogs are used by the military. The lengths the military and the dog handlers go to to keep them well cared for was great. It amazes what a dog can be trained to do. These dogs are all heroes as far as I'm concerned.
This book didn't really contain personal stories of the dogs and their heroic lives. It basically covered the roles that dogs have played in the various wars.
This book didn't really contain personal stories of the dogs and their heroic lives. It basically covered the roles that dogs have played in the various wars.
September 22, 2011
This book is about two things that I love! One, the US Military and two, dogs, in particular, military dogs! This book did a phenomenal job at "looking at the lives of military dogs and "putting a human face on them" Also, I thought it gave a fascinating picture of what goes into the acquisition/training of military dogs.
There was one part of the book that really bothered me and has stood out the whole time and that was a statement being made by the military that it is a crime to abuse a military dog, yet the military orders soldiers to not only not keep, but to kill stray dogs that wander onto their bases in the middle east. Just a small feeling of hypocracy I feel is out there.
There was one part of the book that really bothered me and has stood out the whole time and that was a statement being made by the military that it is a crime to abuse a military dog, yet the military orders soldiers to not only not keep, but to kill stray dogs that wander onto their bases in the middle east. Just a small feeling of hypocracy I feel is out there.
February 28, 2019
Before reading this book, I honestly did not know much at all about military working dogs. This was not the most exciting book I've ever read but what an interesting topic! Dogs never cease to amaze me.
August 12, 2019
I received "The Dogs of War" by Lisa Rogak as a Goodreads Giveaway and couldn't be happier with my win. The book is a fantastic read for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of the way the military utilizes dogs in war or simply to become better acquainted with the profession. Much like myself, I never truly knew the extent to which these dogs were used and how vital a role they play overseas. Many people probably became more aware of the military's use of dogs after hearing how one helped in the capturing of Osama Bin Laden, and "The Dogs of War" will nicely help people further understand the dog's roles and just how necessary they have become.
Rogak has clearly done her research because she goes into such fine detail over every aspect of these dogs lives from the time they are chosen to participate in the program to when they retire, that one can't help but feel very well informed after reading the book. The book doesn't read like a research paper whatsoever, but as a sort of informative memoir that describes the dogs jobs through the telling of different dogs' stories. Each chapter, or section, mentions a certain Military War Dog and its handler to give it a more human aspect, which helps remarkably to fully grab a reader's attention. Many times I found myself laughing out loud or crying over the stories that Rogak presented, and at times I'd even have to set the book down in order to better reflect on what I'd just read. It is very moving to see just how far these dogs go to protect not only their partners, but country as well. The beautiful color pictures also help bring these stories to life. I also like the fact that at the end of the book Rogak has an extensive list of books, documentaries, memorials, etc. that a reader can look at to gain further knowledge on the topic.
I adore dogs and after reading "The Dogs of War" have gained even more love and respect for them. I genuinely feel like I better understand Military War Dogs and what they go through throughout their entire lifespan because of this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone because it will help shine a new light on the war and the importance dogs have in it.
Rogak has clearly done her research because she goes into such fine detail over every aspect of these dogs lives from the time they are chosen to participate in the program to when they retire, that one can't help but feel very well informed after reading the book. The book doesn't read like a research paper whatsoever, but as a sort of informative memoir that describes the dogs jobs through the telling of different dogs' stories. Each chapter, or section, mentions a certain Military War Dog and its handler to give it a more human aspect, which helps remarkably to fully grab a reader's attention. Many times I found myself laughing out loud or crying over the stories that Rogak presented, and at times I'd even have to set the book down in order to better reflect on what I'd just read. It is very moving to see just how far these dogs go to protect not only their partners, but country as well. The beautiful color pictures also help bring these stories to life. I also like the fact that at the end of the book Rogak has an extensive list of books, documentaries, memorials, etc. that a reader can look at to gain further knowledge on the topic.
I adore dogs and after reading "The Dogs of War" have gained even more love and respect for them. I genuinely feel like I better understand Military War Dogs and what they go through throughout their entire lifespan because of this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone because it will help shine a new light on the war and the importance dogs have in it.
May 10, 2018
They do so much for so little. Man’s best friend is an understatement.
April 18, 2012
The Dogs of War
This book is AWESOME. With the different jobs of war dogs this book fits together. A reason I liked this book was.First of all, I like how it shows what some dogs did in the wars. I also like how the book tells what war the dogs were in and what the dogs did in the book. Second, I like that the book was non fiction. I like that there were things that told only about one specific dog. In this book it told about what some dogs did, who their handler was. People probably think that the humans that were on the job did were way more important than the dogs. Well their wrong. The dogs of war play a very important part in wars.They do every thing from sniffing out bombs to finding people in buildings. One dog lost his life from trying to defend his trainer. They were going into the battle field when the dog got shot instead of the owner/ trainer . That is really sad. When I read this part it made me sad. If that was my dog I would Be very sad and I would be happy for him, and sad for him at the same time. I would be sad because he would be dead but I would be happy because he would've been a very loyal dog and he would've risked his life for me.
I also like this book because of the facts. There were lots of facts about the dogs. I like how part of it was like a biography. The parts that were like a biography had little boxes that told about only 1 dog and what it did. I like the biography part because it gives you specific facts about the dogs. I also like how it has pictures because it can help show you what they do. That is why I like The Dogs of War.
This book is AWESOME. With the different jobs of war dogs this book fits together. A reason I liked this book was.First of all, I like how it shows what some dogs did in the wars. I also like how the book tells what war the dogs were in and what the dogs did in the book. Second, I like that the book was non fiction. I like that there were things that told only about one specific dog. In this book it told about what some dogs did, who their handler was. People probably think that the humans that were on the job did were way more important than the dogs. Well their wrong. The dogs of war play a very important part in wars.They do every thing from sniffing out bombs to finding people in buildings. One dog lost his life from trying to defend his trainer. They were going into the battle field when the dog got shot instead of the owner/ trainer . That is really sad. When I read this part it made me sad. If that was my dog I would Be very sad and I would be happy for him, and sad for him at the same time. I would be sad because he would be dead but I would be happy because he would've been a very loyal dog and he would've risked his life for me.
I also like this book because of the facts. There were lots of facts about the dogs. I like how part of it was like a biography. The parts that were like a biography had little boxes that told about only 1 dog and what it did. I like the biography part because it gives you specific facts about the dogs. I also like how it has pictures because it can help show you what they do. That is why I like The Dogs of War.
December 20, 2011
Actually, I'm giving this a 3.5. I was expecting more personal stories about dogs of war and their handlers, the unique relationship that exists between them. Instead, it was more of a discussion on the history and evolution of the use of war dogs in our military with some dog/handler cases sprinkled throughout. So, definitely not off topic but I was hoping for more gritty details on the dogs/handlers themselves, not as much information (although interesting). I learned a good deal about these dogs, however, and how they train and serve, which breeds are most used, how they are treated in the military and what happens after they retire. Overall, an interesting read and definitely recommended if you are interested in learning more about what MWD do to serve our country.
They retire and then adopt these dogs out to civilians. We just adopted a retired explosive-detection dog in November who came from a security company in Iraq. He has been a great addition to our family. If you love dogs, and are grateful to their help in saving lives overseas, consider adopting a retired MWD!
I LOVE the cover by the way. It's what really first drew me to the book!
They retire and then adopt these dogs out to civilians. We just adopted a retired explosive-detection dog in November who came from a security company in Iraq. He has been a great addition to our family. If you love dogs, and are grateful to their help in saving lives overseas, consider adopting a retired MWD!
I LOVE the cover by the way. It's what really first drew me to the book!
April 17, 2022
(I am pretty much echoing Christopher Rex's 1 star review), as it pretty much wraps it up about how o feel about this book.
Basically, I felt as though I was the only one that thought that the book sounded like a very repetitive, (downright boring) paper written as for a class assignment. (Until I saw Christopher's review) Ugh! I had such high hopes for this book, but, unfortunately, this book wound up in my dreaded DNF pile. ::sigh:: What a bummer!
Basically, I felt as though I was the only one that thought that the book sounded like a very repetitive, (downright boring) paper written as for a class assignment. (Until I saw Christopher's review) Ugh! I had such high hopes for this book, but, unfortunately, this book wound up in my dreaded DNF pile. ::sigh:: What a bummer!
December 30, 2024
Before reading this book I didn’t know much about all the different jobs military dogs have and their training. Enjoyed the stories about how they save so many lives, build such strong bonds with their handlers and are given the best life possible after their service is over. Dogs are the best and we don’t deserve them!
January 18, 2019
Great Book about Military Dogs, loved it!!!
May 10, 2023
I just finished reading a book called The Dogs Of War by Lisa Rogak. She wrote this book because her son was in the military, and she wanted to talk about how important dogs are in war. We don’t think of dogs going to war but we just think they're just cute fluffy animals but this story tells it all. The dogs do a-lot of jobs in war, like medical, bomb searching, pulling sleds and so much more! The people in the military love their animals so much that if the soldiers get hurt they want to make sure their dog is ok first. The dogs even put their life first to save their owners.
I love this book because it shows me who dogs really are, they are super strong and capable of anything. This book is very enjoyable to read, and very interesting. They also have pictures of many real military dogs and their soldiers. The author kept me glued to the text with all the personal stories about the dogs, and how hard the dogs work all day long In war. Plus the text made you get emotional because the dogs also died in the war as well. The Takeaway is how fortunate we are to have brave men, women, and dogs, who serve in our military. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free, and the dogs who are loved so much sometimes give up their lives for their soldiers. My rating would be a five out of five because this book is incredible, showing us the soul of dogs, and how brave they are for what they do for us.
The people who would enjoy this book are those who love and support the military. For people who love animals. Who also love true stories, and adventures. My conclusion is, if you have dogs, remember the dogs who die every second in war, and how brave these people and dogs are for putting their lives at risk to make our country free. If you see someone dedicate their lives for us, just tell them thank you for your service.
I love this book because it shows me who dogs really are, they are super strong and capable of anything. This book is very enjoyable to read, and very interesting. They also have pictures of many real military dogs and their soldiers. The author kept me glued to the text with all the personal stories about the dogs, and how hard the dogs work all day long In war. Plus the text made you get emotional because the dogs also died in the war as well. The Takeaway is how fortunate we are to have brave men, women, and dogs, who serve in our military. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free, and the dogs who are loved so much sometimes give up their lives for their soldiers. My rating would be a five out of five because this book is incredible, showing us the soul of dogs, and how brave they are for what they do for us.
The people who would enjoy this book are those who love and support the military. For people who love animals. Who also love true stories, and adventures. My conclusion is, if you have dogs, remember the dogs who die every second in war, and how brave these people and dogs are for putting their lives at risk to make our country free. If you see someone dedicate their lives for us, just tell them thank you for your service.
November 22, 2011
This is a splendid, splendid book. I never dreamed I'd learn so much from this book when I first found it on a GR FirstReads giveaway. I don't think I've ever been so happy to win a specific book. Ever since I found and read Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of WWII by William W. Putney (who is quoted in this book by the way) I've been intent on learning more about war dogs.
I find it absolutely horrendous that our government treated these dogs in the manner they did in the past. Deplorable. Absolutely disgusting. It's what I would expect from some other countries, not this one.
(On a side note, another excellent, excellent, excellent book is Finding Jack: A Novel by Gareth Crocker. (This is another book Rogak knows about and mentions. It's a fictional story but you'd never know it. It's that real. I recommend both books I've linked here - I recommend them both highly. I found a number of other titles in the back of Rogak's book that I can't wait to find and read.
This is written in more of a journalistic way than I'm used to but if you're interested in war dogs it can't be missed. It's that good. I'm seriously in debt to GR and to everyone involved in the making of this book. It's outstanding.
I hardly ever keep any of the books I read. I own far too many books that I still need to read in the future to waste any space on those I won't reread. (And I kid myself when I say I'll reread more often than not... which is very rare.)
But this I knew would stay with me from the first page.
The person stories sprinkled in are precious while breaking your heart wide open. I only wish they were nonexistent.
Sometimes I choked up without one of the featured stories, just reading a quote from one person or another. On page 24 readers learn about Corporal Crouse and how he, along with his dog Cane, were killed on Dec. 21, 2010. They were killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb. Crouse's last sentence to his fellow soldiers was: "Get Cane into the Blackhawk!" I can't think of that without feeling that heart-stopping shudder for a moment. I'll be all the way honest, the date doesn't help. I don't know about everyone else but when I hear about anyone who died a long, long time ago, no matter how sad it is, it's just a tad easier to handle. This wasn't a whole year ago yet. This man gave his life. He was losing his life and worried about his dog. I don't know words to explain what I feel when I think about this.
The personal story about Target is horrible, just horrible. I'll shorten it here but in 2010 Target and two other dogs stopped a suicide bomber from entering the Afghan Border Police barracks. The man detonated his bomb outside of the building. Five U.S. soldiers were injured and one of the dogs later died because her injuries were so severe.
The dogs were strays. Target wasn't a "war dog". She was an Afghan stray. Yet she, and her two friends, barked and lunged at this suicide bomber so ferociously that he didn't make it in.
Soon the world (excepting me because I never hear about anything until after the fact) knew about Target and Rufus (the other surviving dog).
Sergeant Terry Young had already known and loved Target from when she was coming to the base. Eventually Young had to leave and he had to leave Target. Imagine his happiness when months later he was contacted by Puppy Rescue Mission who told him that they'd take care of all arrangements if he'd like to adopt Target. Imagine this!
Then imagine Target, a stray dog from Afghanistan suddenly being home with an American family and enjoying their love every day. Imagine that. Then imagine Target getting out of the yard and being picked up by animal control. Imagine finding out he's been picked up and that you'll be able to pick the dog up on Monday. Then imagine Monday morning coming and finding Target had been euthanized because of a goddamn "miscommunication" between shelter employees.
I do not sympathize with the incapable employees. I sympathize with TARGET. I sympathize with the YOUNGS. The shelter "director" (What exactly does she direct when a dog gets mistakenly put to DEATH in his "shelter"?), Ruth Stalter was "heartsick". She had to "personally deliver the news to the dog's owner." She "works hard to get strays reunited with their owners." Her choice of words is something telling. The dog's owner. Not the dog's family. Stalter has a family I imagine. A rock doesn't. A table doesn't. A pair of scissors doesn't. And to Stalter, I'm willing to bet, a dog doesn't either.
The fact that this can even happen is appalling. The fact that in America, a dog who HAS A HOME IS STILL PUT TO SLEEP is unfathomable to me.
I went off on a bit of a tangent there, sorry about that. So, uh, back to the book...
I was happy to find out that our military supposedly extends they're animal welfare to all animals, military working dogs, strays, locals, etc. I can only pray it's actually true and not some bullshit they came up with to pacify people.
Robby's Law is interesting in particular, as is how the military goes through the detraining of MWD's to be able to place them after service. I can't imagine having a MWD as a rescue myself because I know next to nothing about the military myself but I'm going to learn more about it nonetheless.
So many titles and organizations are given here and I'll give the website talked about in the book. It's www.MilitaryWorkingDogAdoptions.com and I seriously hope no one offers to adopt a MWD without seriously thinking it through. Honestly, I wouldn't give the website if it weren't for Rogak going into the conditions of adopting. It sounds quite in depth.
So many Americans offered to adopt Cairo this year. Why? Because he was involved in the mission to catch that shithead Osama. Why does that make a difference? Is Cairo any more worthy than any other dog? Are these same people, the people who wanted Cairo, going to adopt a different MWD when they find Cairo can't be adopted? Very few I think, very few. And that is more sad than I can possibly say.
I find it absolutely horrendous that our government treated these dogs in the manner they did in the past. Deplorable. Absolutely disgusting. It's what I would expect from some other countries, not this one.
(On a side note, another excellent, excellent, excellent book is Finding Jack: A Novel by Gareth Crocker. (This is another book Rogak knows about and mentions. It's a fictional story but you'd never know it. It's that real. I recommend both books I've linked here - I recommend them both highly. I found a number of other titles in the back of Rogak's book that I can't wait to find and read.
This is written in more of a journalistic way than I'm used to but if you're interested in war dogs it can't be missed. It's that good. I'm seriously in debt to GR and to everyone involved in the making of this book. It's outstanding.
I hardly ever keep any of the books I read. I own far too many books that I still need to read in the future to waste any space on those I won't reread. (And I kid myself when I say I'll reread more often than not... which is very rare.)
But this I knew would stay with me from the first page.
The person stories sprinkled in are precious while breaking your heart wide open. I only wish they were nonexistent.
Sometimes I choked up without one of the featured stories, just reading a quote from one person or another. On page 24 readers learn about Corporal Crouse and how he, along with his dog Cane, were killed on Dec. 21, 2010. They were killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb. Crouse's last sentence to his fellow soldiers was: "Get Cane into the Blackhawk!" I can't think of that without feeling that heart-stopping shudder for a moment. I'll be all the way honest, the date doesn't help. I don't know about everyone else but when I hear about anyone who died a long, long time ago, no matter how sad it is, it's just a tad easier to handle. This wasn't a whole year ago yet. This man gave his life. He was losing his life and worried about his dog. I don't know words to explain what I feel when I think about this.
The personal story about Target is horrible, just horrible. I'll shorten it here but in 2010 Target and two other dogs stopped a suicide bomber from entering the Afghan Border Police barracks. The man detonated his bomb outside of the building. Five U.S. soldiers were injured and one of the dogs later died because her injuries were so severe.
The dogs were strays. Target wasn't a "war dog". She was an Afghan stray. Yet she, and her two friends, barked and lunged at this suicide bomber so ferociously that he didn't make it in.
Soon the world (excepting me because I never hear about anything until after the fact) knew about Target and Rufus (the other surviving dog).
Sergeant Terry Young had already known and loved Target from when she was coming to the base. Eventually Young had to leave and he had to leave Target. Imagine his happiness when months later he was contacted by Puppy Rescue Mission who told him that they'd take care of all arrangements if he'd like to adopt Target. Imagine this!
Then imagine Target, a stray dog from Afghanistan suddenly being home with an American family and enjoying their love every day. Imagine that. Then imagine Target getting out of the yard and being picked up by animal control. Imagine finding out he's been picked up and that you'll be able to pick the dog up on Monday. Then imagine Monday morning coming and finding Target had been euthanized because of a goddamn "miscommunication" between shelter employees.
I do not sympathize with the incapable employees. I sympathize with TARGET. I sympathize with the YOUNGS. The shelter "director" (What exactly does she direct when a dog gets mistakenly put to DEATH in his "shelter"?), Ruth Stalter was "heartsick". She had to "personally deliver the news to the dog's owner." She "works hard to get strays reunited with their owners." Her choice of words is something telling. The dog's owner. Not the dog's family. Stalter has a family I imagine. A rock doesn't. A table doesn't. A pair of scissors doesn't. And to Stalter, I'm willing to bet, a dog doesn't either.
The fact that this can even happen is appalling. The fact that in America, a dog who HAS A HOME IS STILL PUT TO SLEEP is unfathomable to me.
I went off on a bit of a tangent there, sorry about that. So, uh, back to the book...
I was happy to find out that our military supposedly extends they're animal welfare to all animals, military working dogs, strays, locals, etc. I can only pray it's actually true and not some bullshit they came up with to pacify people.
Robby's Law is interesting in particular, as is how the military goes through the detraining of MWD's to be able to place them after service. I can't imagine having a MWD as a rescue myself because I know next to nothing about the military myself but I'm going to learn more about it nonetheless.
So many titles and organizations are given here and I'll give the website talked about in the book. It's www.MilitaryWorkingDogAdoptions.com and I seriously hope no one offers to adopt a MWD without seriously thinking it through. Honestly, I wouldn't give the website if it weren't for Rogak going into the conditions of adopting. It sounds quite in depth.
So many Americans offered to adopt Cairo this year. Why? Because he was involved in the mission to catch that shithead Osama. Why does that make a difference? Is Cairo any more worthy than any other dog? Are these same people, the people who wanted Cairo, going to adopt a different MWD when they find Cairo can't be adopted? Very few I think, very few. And that is more sad than I can possibly say.
January 27, 2026
OK adoro i cani, li amo alla follia e questo libro è veramente soddisfacente nel parlare della storia del corpo militare canino, del rapporto incredibile e fortissimo tra cane e umano, entrambi soldati, entrambi a pari dignità! Ho apprezzato tantissimo scoprire quante e quali infrastrutture sono dedicate alla cura dell'animale, al suo recupero psicologico e fisico, all'addestramento... Senza contare i momenti-commozione e le piccole storie divertenti su questi eroi a quattro zampe e dell'amore che ricevono.
Un libro che magari sbrodola un pochino verso l'istituzione militare, ma che aiuta il lettore casuale a fare chiarezza contro certi pregiudizi, soprattutto quando si parla di vita in comune, reinserimento neella vita civile, (ahem!) sterilizzazione, ecc.
Quello dei MWD (Military Working Dogs) è un mondo affascinante. Certo, in un mondo perfetto non ci sarebbe bisogno di animali per proteggerci, non solo al fronte ma anche quando si tratta di fare rispettare la legge, scovare la droga, le bombe... Ma LORO ci sono e dobbiamo solo essere grati -a loro e a chi li addestra e se ne cura amorevolmente e con rispetto.
Un libro che magari sbrodola un pochino verso l'istituzione militare, ma che aiuta il lettore casuale a fare chiarezza contro certi pregiudizi, soprattutto quando si parla di vita in comune, reinserimento neella vita civile, (ahem!) sterilizzazione, ecc.
Quello dei MWD (Military Working Dogs) è un mondo affascinante. Certo, in un mondo perfetto non ci sarebbe bisogno di animali per proteggerci, non solo al fronte ma anche quando si tratta di fare rispettare la legge, scovare la droga, le bombe... Ma LORO ci sono e dobbiamo solo essere grati -a loro e a chi li addestra e se ne cura amorevolmente e con rispetto.
February 9, 2019
I had this book on my to-read list well before the obsession with dogs began for me. I was someone who used to be scared and slightly grossed out by dogs when I was younger, but my roommate in college got a Golden Retriever puppy and I became instantly smitten with this glorious, crazy creature. Couple that with my older sister getting a pound pup with her then boyfriend (now husband), I was hellbent on getting a dog of my own. My first dog, my soul pup, came to me in 2014 and I now have a second, sweet but seriously energetic pupper in 2018.
All that said - I’m obviously predisposed to like this book because I like dogs more than people. My sister just called me a misanthrope yesterday (😂 - so true).
Anyways, I found this book very interesting. Obviously this is not extensive due to the classified nature of the content, but still informative and interesting. If you like dogs, read this. Dogs are definitely a gift from god.
All that said - I’m obviously predisposed to like this book because I like dogs more than people. My sister just called me a misanthrope yesterday (😂 - so true).
Anyways, I found this book very interesting. Obviously this is not extensive due to the classified nature of the content, but still informative and interesting. If you like dogs, read this. Dogs are definitely a gift from god.
July 19, 2018
This book was such a disappointment. I was looking forward to a book about the amazing dogs who have served and their stories of how they became military dogs. What I got was a laundry list of facts. It felt like someone was reading an encyclopedia entry to me. Also, as a defense contractor, I am familiar with the solicitation process. So the detailed description of the solictiation process was accurate and cold and again, a list.
November 23, 2022
This is how you write a nonfiction book to grab my interest. Stories. So many stories. And everything was properly cited! So many citations! Well researched and written. Was I laughing at some antics? Yup, because that’s like a massive, tattooed biker talking in baby talk to a kitten. Was i crying over dogs I’d never met who probably died a decade ago? Sure was. Dogs are good. That’s all there is to it
October 29, 2017
When reading about service dogs, I'm always amazed the level of intelligence of these dogs and their trainers. How does one train a dog to distinguish one smell from another? Also the level of caring that most dog handlers have is somewhat expected but often stronger than expected. All in all agood read.
August 22, 2017
If you have any interest in military dogs of war, how they are chosen, trained and used, their history and future, this is the book for you. Lots of hard information, and well-chosen true stories about the MWD and their handlers.
July 8, 2019
This book was probably the most interesting thing I have read in a long time, it tells us about the dogs the serve our country in Past, Present and Future
Read this book!
It’s amazing
~KingdomReader
http://www.KingdomReader.Wordpress.com
Read this book!
It’s amazing
~KingdomReader
http://www.KingdomReader.Wordpress.com
July 9, 2019
I hesitated to read this because I can't take stories of dogs that are wounded or killed. Fortunately this book doesn't dwell on the horrors of war, but celebrates the courage, loyalty and intelligence of military dogs. The vignettes of individual dogs are sweet and touching.
August 12, 2023
Dog is GOD spelled in reverse.
Ever since the wolf entered the world of the caveman and the resultant generations of DOG’s man (and woman) have been the recepiants of a creature giving undying love.
Ever since the wolf entered the world of the caveman and the resultant generations of DOG’s man (and woman) have been the recepiants of a creature giving undying love.
April 1, 2019
Topic very interesting, however it was very slow moving. I appreciate the dogs and handlers though!
June 27, 2019
Full of facts and details, very dry.
December 9, 2019
Simply amazing! To say dogs are man's best friend is a massive understatement. The love, loyalty, sacrifice and perpetual enthusiasm to be with their human is wonderfully depicted in this magnificent work. TO be all that and do a job to protect their team is above and beyond the call of duty!
February 25, 2020
Good but wanted some more in depth info.
March 1, 2021
3.3 - interesting facts and anecdotes about military working dogs/heroes
June 6, 2021
A lot of information that I was not aware of.
Read
June 1, 2023A very strange, but fascinating read.
I did the audiobook and wasn’t a huge fan of the way it was read. But it was still an interesting book.
Can’t decide on stars
I did the audiobook and wasn’t a huge fan of the way it was read. But it was still an interesting book.
Can’t decide on stars
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