First published 2012
Maria Goodavage takes readers inside the world of military working dogs and their handlers. The prominent dog blogger examines how canines like Cairo, the Belgian Malinois who accompanied Navy SEALs during the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, contribute to modern warfare through their intelligence, physical capabilities, and unwavering loyalty. Goodavage presents stories of training programs, combat operations, and the powerful relationships that form between dogs and their human partners. She interviews dog cognition specialists who explain why these animals thrive on missions with trusted handlers, whether detecting IEDs or parachuting into hostile territory. Former marine scout dog handler Ron Aiello explains that military working dogs live for approval from their handlers, viewing dangerous work as an elaborate game that earns them affection and praise. The book follows these warrior dogs through active duty, retirement, and adoption by families of fallen soldiers, revealing how these remarkable animals dedicate themselves completely to their human teammates.
Genres: animals, military-fiction, non-fiction, biography-memoir
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family
Setting: Osama Bin Laden's Compound
Period: Modern Warfare
304 pages · Hardcover · Dutton