Non-Fiction Pick of the Week: Soldier Dogs

Soldier Dogs by Maria Goodavage 2012

Soldier Dogs is an inspirational tale about the role of military working dogs (MWD) in the Afghan and Iraq wars. Many chapters describe the special bond of a military dog handler and his working dog. Some chapters deal with how the dogs are selected by the military and about the training centre for dogs and handlers, Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonia. Most dogs that are used in Afghanistan are dual purpose, patrol and sniffer dogs. These dogs have been trained for both aggression for patrol work and for detecting IED’s (improvised explosive device). There is also an adoption program in place for the dogs that are trained but not suitable to become MWD and dogs who have been deployed and have retired due to age or medical conditions. If you love dogs this book is a must read!