Dogs at War

December 1, 2016

Gr 6 Up-Goldsmith's short book immediately captures attention by opening with detailed stories of two military working dogs (MWDs): Rex, who served with his handler, Mike, in Iraq; and Clipper, who served in the Vietnam War with his handler, John. Subsequent chapters address the history of service dogs, from ancient to present times; the extensive breeding, fostering, and training process; and what the service dogs can expect when they return home. Captioned photographs appear on nearly every page, including adorable pictures of puppies along with charming images of specific MWDs and their human partners. Helpful sidebars on topics like "Myths About Military Work Dogs" and how to send care packages to them overseas are peppered throughout. As a research tool, this title provides extensive back matter perfect for reports. VERDICT School libraries serving upper elementary and middle school students will want to consider this for purchase, as it not only is appealing but also offers a unique focus on a less covered aspect of the military.-Anne Jung-Mathews, Plymouth State University, NH

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2016
As we come to appreciate more and more the emotional and sentient lives of animals, take a moment to consider the military working dog. As readers will learn in this admirable introduction to the military's K-9 corps, they thrive and suffer as much as the women and men who serve. The book starts with a guided tour of the training work and why some breeds have a natural aptitude for the work. It goes on to provide specific vignettes on dogs at war--with vest-pocket biographies of some better-known champs: Nemo, Chips, Sgt. Stubby--while accompanied by numerous photos. Boxed features break up the text and focus closely on various aspects of MWD work (dogs working near helicopters wear goggles to protect their eyes, for instance) as well as debunking myths (dogs bite to kill, dogs go home with handlers each night, dogs are euthanized once their usefulness is over). Hovering over the story are the extreme dangers that the dogs encounter--not because their lives are less worthy, but because they know what they are doing. It comes down to the senses, as Goldsmith explains how the dogs' noses work (sniffing out improvised explosive devices and alerting soldiers to incoming poisonous gas) and how their hearing helps soldiers avoid ambushes. Kennel masters and handlers contribute first-person accounts. A smart salute to MWD that deserves a wide readership beyond dog lovers and military buffs. (Nonfiction. 12-16)

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November 15, 2016
Grades 7-11 Man's best friend becomes man's best ally in times of war, according to this thorough examination of U.S. military working dogs (MWDs). Utilizing firsthand accounts from trainers and handlers, this follows the history of MWDs, focusing primarily on the period between the Vietnam War and present day. Detailed, info-packed chapters look at the ideal temperament and breeds for combat, training practices, and the various jobs a dog can hold in the military. The layout is text-heavy, and photos are few and far between. Frequent full-page asides tell the stories of particularly notable MWDs, from Sergeant Stubby, a bull terrier who was a WWI hero, to Cairo, a Belgian Malinois who was on the SEAL team that brought down Osama bin Laden. This doesn't skirt the darker parts of MWD historydogs were left behind when the U.S. retreated from Vietnam, and many end up with PTSDbut happy-ending stories of handlers adopting their retired dogs abound, and the loyalty and respect soldiers have for their canine partners is undeniable.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)