by Mike Ritland
First published 2013
Mike Ritland tells his journey from childhood through military service to founding his specialized training company. As a small kid facing bullies at school, Ritland found comfort with dogs. He pushed through BUD/S training to become a Navy SEAL. During combat deployment in Iraq, he witnessed a military working dog in action and recognized his calling. Ritland left active duty to establish his own company, training working and protection dogs for government agencies and the Department of Defense. He also founded the Warrior Dog Foundation to care for retired Special Operations dogs. The book explores how military dogs detect explosives and eliminate threats while forming deep bonds with their handlers. Ritland describes the rigorous training process that transforms these animals into highly skilled warriors. His story connects personal struggles with professional purpose, showing how early experiences with dogs shaped his later career training canines for the most dangerous missions.
Genres: biography, military-fiction, adventure, action, non-fiction, true-crime
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, personal-journey
208 pages · Hardcover · St. Martin's Griffin