First published 2007
Cracker ranks among the Army's most prized assets in Vietnam. This German shepherd detects bombs, traps, and enemy soldiers with her exceptional nose. Entire platoons depend on her abilities for survival. She knows her importance and takes pride in it. Sometimes she recalls her civilian days when her former owner fed her hot dogs and let her share his bed. Rick Hanski ships out to Vietnam determined to prove his worth. He wants to show his family, his sergeant, and everyone who doubted him that he can handle combat. Yet doubt creeps in. Maybe they were right. Maybe he should have stayed home to work at his father's hardware store. When the Army pairs Cracker with Rick, she questions this new partnership. He must earn her trust before she will give her best effort. Rick faces the same challenge. They must build friendship first, then become an effective team. Their survival depends on this bond. Both dog and handler navigate the dangers of war while learning to rely on each other completely.
Genres: animals, military-fiction, adventure, action
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Vietnam
Period: 20th-century
314 pages · Unknown Binding · Aladdin
Content warnings: war