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Paws of Courage: True Tales of Heroic Dogs that Protect and Serve

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Modern wars recruit more than just human soldiers. Our canine companions also serve in the line of duty and under fire, whether helping police protect our home turf or accompanying soldiers on missions abroad. Readers will cheer for the hero dogs featured in this collection, profiled with stunning photos and inspiring tales of bravery, friendship, heroism, and devotion. Their touching stories are sure to inspire animal lovers everywhere.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published April 12, 2016

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for K.L. Bernard.
Author 1 book22 followers
April 10, 2016
When someone tells you that a dog is man’s best friend, they are absolutely telling the truth. National Geographic and Nancy Furstinger have put together photos and stories of very heroic dogs.

Opening pages introduces readers to Sergeant Stubby, a World War I hero that captured a German spy. Stubby was a Pit Bull Terrier mix. Judy, an English Painter was the first registered POW during World War II. Azza, a Belgian Malinois, was trained to sniff out explosives and warned his handler when one was near.

Dogs during World War I wore homemade gas masks and other gear. Today’s canine wear dog body armor costing up to $30,000. These doggie vests can transmit top-secret information. These doggies go on missions with U.S. Navy Seals and other elite forces.

If a dog shows focus, aggressiveness and an excellent sense of smell, he/she could become a military dog. Readers will find these stories heartwarming and enlightening. Parents and children can read together and learn so much about these very special animals who put their lives on the line for us. Fun facts and stunning photography will engage readers for years to come. Paws of Courage is bound to leave kids feeling warm and fuzzy.
Profile Image for Scottsdale Public Library.
3,541 reviews498 followers
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September 2, 2020
This small book is quite a gem, especially for dog lovers!

Each chapter introduces a canine hero, past and present, from Sgt. Stubby's adventures in World War I to the brave dogs who have served as rescuers on 9/11 and those that team with a military partner in Afghanistan. Facts about the different breeds are included, along with some tips for young dog owners who would like to train their pooches.

Add in some great photos and heartwarming stories and you have a great book! –Louisa A.
Profile Image for Kelly.
Author 6 books1,217 followers
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November 27, 2016
An interesting idea with great insight into the roles dogs can play in the military and beyond. The photos are excellent, too.

Except why does it take almost the entire book to get to a picture of a single person of color with a dog? Are...there no service people who are handlers that are people of color? And let's not talk about the lack of women, either. As much as this was interesting, it gets quickly boring seeing picture after picture of a white dude with a way-cooler-than-him dog.

("Kelly, it's a middle grade book about courageous hero dogs and you're bitching about lack of representation in the images?" Damn right I am -- don't you want middle grade readers to see their future selves in a book like this? Far as I can tell, there's one demographic that will and too many more than won't."
Profile Image for Claudia.
1,288 reviews39 followers
August 29, 2022
Starts with a couple noted dogs - Sgt. Stubby who served during World War I and a Yorkie named Smoky who stayed with his human companion in World War II Pacific Theater even as a POW along with others. Then it's on to the military dogs of Iraq and Afghanistan, Search-n-Rescue, dogs that detect the signs of accelerants in arson cases along with drugs and contraband. From police/law enforcement to African park rangers battling poachers.

Short tales of these dogs, their training, and handlers - who often get the opportunity to adopt them once they are retired - notable deeds and their lives after retirement. And of course, a picture. Short tales of heroism, partnership, courage and bravery - all in a furry, enthusiastic but devoted 4-legged package.

2022-187
Profile Image for Mai.
7 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2016
Paws of Courage: True Tales of Heroic Dogs that Protect and Serve by Nancy Furstinger
Non-fiction
April 12, 2016
National Geographic

SCORECARD
Entertainment level: A+
Service dog representation: N/A

Modern wars recruit more than just human soldiers. Our canine companions also serve in the line of duty and under fire, whether helping police protect our home turf or accompanying soldiers on missions abroad. Readers will cheer for the hero dogs featured in this collection, profiled with stunning photos and inspiring tales of bravery, friendship, heroism, and devotion. Their touching stories are sure to inspire animal lovers everywhere.

*~*

In celebration of Canada Day and the Fourth of July for our American friends, I’m reviewing a book featuring working dogs who serve and protect their nation. This non-fiction book features stories of military working dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, water rescue dogs, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) dogs, arson dogs, narcotics detection dogs and more!

A fun (true) fact about me — if I hadn’t graduated as a service dog, I would’ve studied to become a sniffer dog. Honestly? I’m pretty happy being a service dog, but sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to be a sniffer dog. So this book was of particular interest to me because it offers an inside look into the lives of many other types of working dogs.

Service dogs are the complete opposite of aggressive, which, according to this book, is a trait that seems to be prized among military and police dogs. We have to be super gentle with our partner while also being confident on the job. But we seem to have at least one thing in common with our more aggressive, furry counterparts.

[Military dog] Stormy’s protection and comfort made our bond strong, one that binds a dog and handler together as lifelong companions and allies. You learn to understand one another, and you realize that the dog will — without even a second’s thought — die for you. And you realize that you would do the same.
– Ronald L. Aiello, President of the U.S. War Dogs Association

I know that for humans, a job is sometimes just a job. But for working dogs, our job is wrapped up in our bond with our handler. My dog guide trainer used to tell all of the students that the most important thing during team training wasn’t really learning all the commands and the protocol — though that’s obviously pretty important, too. It was cultivating a strong bond with our partner and taking care of each other.

Case in point:

Suddenly, an assailant ambushed [military working dog] Layka. He shot the brave dog four times at point-blank range. Yet despite injuries to her leg and abdomen, persistent Layka attacked and subdued the shooter. Her actions, which [her handler] Julian described as a mixture of “survival and instinct,” saved the lives of her handler and the other team members behind him.

I’m impressed, Layka! And her story isn’t the only one of sacrifice. Amazing!

I also learned some new things about deployed military dogs.

Some military dogs serving in the Middle East receive care packages containing cooling vests, special goggles, dog booties and special brushes to help shed their insulating undercoat.

Which brings me to my next point. There’s such a thing as special ops canines. I kid you not. And they wear the coolest gear, accompanying Navy SEALS and other elite forces on all kinds of missions. I’d recommend this book to you on that page (and picture) alone.

I haven’t even touched on all the types of working dogs described in this book, but I highly recommend this book for kids and adults, alike. If you love dogs, and I’m assuming you do, check out this book!

And to all my fellow working dogs around the world, thanks for all the wonderful work you do!
Profile Image for Mikendra.
9 reviews
November 2, 2016
Paws of Courage is a book about many different dogs and their handlers who are or where on the police force or in the military. This book is made up of many little but incredible and heroic stories. These stories tell about how important dogs are to us and that we don’t realize how many people dogs have saved. I never know how dogs have changed the lives of many people in the military or on the police force.
Chips is a german shepherd mix who went from playing and living with a nice loving family to saving lives in war. Chips made 3 enemy soldiers surrender and even tho Chips took a bullet to the scalp he surprised 10 enemies that were planning a surprise attack. The 10 enemy soldiers were taken prisoners without a bullet being shot.
Azza is a belgian malinois she has an amazing nose that sniffed out explosives and IEDs. Azza and her partener Len were being filmed outside base camp Azza changed behavior and signaled Len then an IED exploded and Len went hurdling through the air. The camera man dropped his equipment and went to help Len who had many injuries. Azza was soon laying curled up next to Len. Azza visited Len in the hospital and as soon as Azza retired Len adopted Azza. Now Len and Azza are inseparable.
Layka is a belgian malinois she was picked by Sgt. Julian McDonald. Layka was more stubborn than the other dog the Sgt. Julian McDonald. On Layka's first mission she was searching a building for explosives and then an assailant ambushed Layka. He shot the brave dog four times. Yet despite her injuries she still attacked the shooter to protect her handlers and the other soldiers. Now Layka lives happily with her handler and his family. Even tho she only has three legs she is still loves to play.
Spike is a labrador retriever. His first handler was Jared, but while out on patrol a violent bomb exploded and sent Jaared to the hospital soon finding out he had a brain tumour and was sent straight home. Spike returned to war with a new handler and serves on more than 100 combat missions. After a few years Spike left war and became a badge- carrying for the Virginia Capitol Police. After 2 years and 800 sweeps Spike was still working hard. Jared always wondered where Spike was and what Spike was doing. So his mom launched a social media effort to find Spike for Jared. Soon a K9 handler saw the post and soon Jared and his mom were off to Virginia to get Spike. Jared wondered if Spike would remember him but as soon as he walked into the room where Spike was Spike jumped up and gave Jared lots of kisses.From then on Spike and Jared were inseparable.
In my eyes dogs should never be replaced by robots because you can’t pet or bond with a robot the same way you do with a dog. When people say a dog is a man’s best friend, by reading this book I know understand how true that saying is.
Profile Image for DakotaL.
1 review
December 2, 2016
If you like books about dogs and war then this is your book. So this story takes place during war times because it talks about how these dogs help out there soldier. So I think that the big idea of the book is even if you think people are the only thing on the battle field. You are wrong because there are some soldiers that have four legged partners with them and when they get hurt the dogs can go get help. So in this story there are different parts talking about soldiers and there four legged partners. So the main people are the soldiers and there partners. First person is the point of view because there are a lot of hers, she's. Some times there are conflicts for example there is a paper that someone that is in trouble trying to send to the soldiers a crossed the field and there is a tube underground that runs to the guy they will send the dog through the tube and if he is lucky he will make it back alive or get shoot. So know that you have heard the example in this book it just talks about the conflicts of war and having four legged friends. I think the mood in this book is sad because they talk about people getting killed and also how their four legged friends get killed. I think the author's theme is that even know you do not care for the people fighting because you do not know anyone fighting. Just think there are other family's out there that have people on the battle field and so family's are getting calls saying there loved one passed away. So over all think if other people on the battle field.
Profile Image for Barbara.
15.1k reviews314 followers
August 7, 2016
Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes those heroes have fur coats and four legs. In this photo-filled volume, readers meet 22 different dogs who have served their country during wartime but also during peacetime, sniffing out drugs, bombs, and helping find lost individuals. The book describes how dogs that are most suited to this particular type of work are identified and then trained, and also makes note of the bond that often exists between war and service dogs and their human companions. Readers won't soon forget the stories of Bretagne, one of the dogs who searched for survivors at the World Trade Towers in 2001, or the countless other furry heroes described in this book. I loved reading about Layka, a Belgian Malinois, and how she saved the lives of soldiers in Afghanistan and Mas, a Newfoundland dog that rescues swimmers from a helicopter. The book also includes historical notes about some other dogs that have been celebrated for their feats of courage during wartime. The book certainly makes readers look at their own family pets with a new kind of respect.
Profile Image for Kid Lit Reviews.
376 reviews64 followers
August 8, 2016
If ever there was an accurate book title, Paws of Courage would be at the top. The dogs profiled are all heroes. They are loyal, hard-working, determined dogs with one thing in mind: working the trade they trained so hard to learn. Okay, two things in mind. These dogs are also very conscious about the safety of their handler partner. Case in point, Azza (Belgian Malinois) a military dog on tour in Afghanistan. Her job was to sniff out “improvised explosive devices,” aka BOMBS! When her handler was hurt, she refused to leave his side.

Paws of Courage highlights the stories of twenty-two magnificent and yes, courageous dogs and the bonds they have with their beloved handlers.. You will begin with a little history. Sergeant Stubby (pit bull terrier mix) . . .

Originally reviewed at Kid Lit Review. To read complete review and see many of these dogs, go to: http://bit.ly/NatGeoKidsPawsOfCourage
Profile Image for Margaret.
2,822 reviews
September 26, 2016

For more years than we probably know dogs have served humans in a military, rescue, search and protective capacity. Their intelligence and enhanced senses are invaluable in assisting us and enriching our lives. It goes far beyond being our best friends. Their willingness to put themselves in danger, to do a job to the best of their ability, is astonishing.

The stories of their feats of valor cannot ever be accurately numbered; so many have happened on a daily basis for centuries. Paws Of Courage: True Tales Of Heroic Dogs That Protect And Serve written by Nancy Furstinger with a foreword by Ronald L. Aiello, President of the U. S. War Dogs Association (National Geographic, April 12, 2016) collects some of these finest achievements. Readers will feel their admiration for canines growing larger and larger.

My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
Profile Image for Nicole.
492 reviews34 followers
October 13, 2016
Starting with World War I, Nancy Furstinger takes readers on a journey through history and the incredible stories of service dogs. From combat, to search and rescue, to defending the home front, dogs have proven to be the perfect partners, as they are willing to risk their lives in order to protect and bring humans home safely. They also offer companionship and give crews positivity, during dark times. The beautiful pictures will delight every animal lover’s heart and allow this to be a read, the whole family will enjoy. These courageous dogs deserve medals, honor and respect. Nancy Furstinger also provides information for how readers can get involved and help make a difference in these furry heroes’ lives.

Note:
This review was originally posted on the Ariesgrl Book Reviews website.
641 reviews12 followers
January 31, 2017
gr3-5
I didn't actually have a chance to read this book, but it has booktalking written all over it. It is a great collection of stories and full color photographs that introduce the reader to different dogs. It is a great browsing book and includes some info on the different breeds shared throughout. The smaller size and slick, beautiful pages/layout and interesting photos I think will make this a hit. Younger than third grade for browsing, but the text is a higher reading level than an easy to read book. Also, this book includes dogs from a lot of different places - medical, military, police, etc. etc. etc.
Profile Image for Christiane.
1,247 reviews19 followers
July 7, 2016
Excellent collection of stories about working dogs, filled with amazing pictures (like the Newfoundland leaping out of a helicopter into the ocean to rescue swimmers off Italy's beaches) and interesting facts. Includes local German Shepherds Jaeger and Ziva who work with the Seattle Police Department. Ziva is one of only two female patrol dogs in Washington! I have actually met Ziva and her handler Officer Wong and mentioned to the students I showed this book to that they might also see her out and about in Seattle.
Profile Image for Great Books.
3,034 reviews60 followers
August 19, 2016
Heartwarming, and heart wrenching, stories of courage, sacrifice, and loyalty between dogs and their people. Photographs accompany the inspirational short stories. There are interesting facts throughout and a chapter of training tips for your own “hero dog”. reviewer 2
Profile Image for Megan Farve.
410 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2016
This book did a great job of honoring doggie heroes, past and present. Highly recommend for all of the dog lovers out there.
Profile Image for Shirley.
472 reviews46 followers
March 26, 2018
Paws of Courage is a great book. It was published by National Geographic and has the thick and glossy photographs that are characteristic of their magazine. The suggested interest level is 5th. through eighth grade and the reading level is 8.6. This is a book that adults should enjoy reading as well.

Did you know that a dog's sense of smell is so strong that it can smell a half a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic-size swimming pool? (p. 89)

Did you know that cat-sized rats have been used to locate land mines in post war countries? (p. 126)

It was difficult choosing a favorite from all of the dogographies included in the book but the story of Bretagne (pronounced BRIT-tan-ee) was the one that won my heart. After her years of deployment to search and rescue sites including Ground Zero, this Golden Retriever continued her service efforts in other ways. Please, allow me quote from the book here because I can't match Nancy Furstinger's words.

"Bretagne retired from active duty in 2008, but this rambunctious retriever doesn't spend her days snoozing on the sofa. As she approaches her 16th. birthday, Bretagne continues her legacy of service as a reading dog at Robert Road Elementary School in Texas, where she lends a 'listening ear' while first graders read to her. 'Bretagne listens way better than most people,' according to one student.

Compassion is Bretagne's legacy. 'Sometimes, there is a dog who changes the lives of others, not by heroic acts of bravery, but by how she reaches out to those in need. Bretagne is one of those dogs, and she always has displayed the ability to know who needed comfort, or a soft paw, or a just plain silly dog who could bring a smile,' said Denise. (the handler) This inspiring dog keeps on raising her paw as if to say, 'Put me in, coach!'" (p. 85)

Paws of Courage is a great addition to our library and would also make a super gift for any of our dog loving friends or family.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,617 reviews
November 28, 2021
This “pawsome” book will have your tail wagging with its colorful photos and stories of real working dogs and their accomplishments in search and rescue, tracking criminals, sniffing out explosives and more.

The colorful pages are designed to hold the attention of today’s overstimulated youths, but makes it hard to read the words if you are me and using a dim bedside lamp to read. A couple of the dogs featured may be familiar (Stubby, Chips) but most of the stories here are ones you have likely not heard of before.

And yes, a few of the dogs get blown up, shot, maimed etc. while on the job, and many (most?) of them have crossed the rainbow bridge, but this book does its best to gloss over those aspects for the sensitive reader.
61 reviews
March 14, 2017
This is a book that is compiled up with many stories of dogs that are heroes. It tells about the dog and then also shares the story of what they did to be a hero. I loved this book because it is about working dogs in the military and police, which is different than some other books that are about pets. Also I like it because it talked about the different dogs and had some amazing pictures, as well has gave true stories. The book is not made of illustrations rather actual pictures. I can use this by sharing individual stories to my class.
1,273 reviews
February 22, 2023
This was a short but good book about guide dogs and service dogs along with some just regular pets who saved their humans.
Profile Image for Haley Kilgour.
1,330 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2023
Honestly just a super heartwarming dog book.

Plus, what’s these dogs can and have done is amazing.
Profile Image for korah.
46 reviews
March 12, 2022
This book was awesome. I loved learning about dogs of service!
Profile Image for Pam.
399 reviews54 followers
Read
July 14, 2016
Sgt Stubby and every military working dog and rescue dog in between. Go Dogs!
Profile Image for Emma.
16 reviews
June 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, I think it is really cool that so many dogs helped countries win wars and stuff like that.
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