Tales of Canine Heroism - and Love - War Dogs

This is a well-researched and well-written book that provides a 360 degree perspective on War Dogs that includes the history, the training, the performance, the trauma, the handlers and the connections of the dogs. For readers who do not have knowledge of the roles of dogs in war to those quite familiar with war dogs, this book will surely spark your interest and tug on your emotions. The emotional element of this book's engagement with readers has been the most difficult for me. This book, as much as any I have read on recent wars, demonstrates the abject tragedy of the recent and current wars. The use of dogs provides another source of frustration, anger and sorrow to readers who compassionately care about this country, its soldiers and rue our situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fortunately, these negatives are contrasted by the positives of the relationships and heroism of the soldiers and the dogs.

Frankel has done an exceptional job offering a comprehensive and touching look at War Dogs.

"War Dogs: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love" by Rebecca Frankel is an amazing read about military dogs and their working and emotional relationship with their handlers. I knew the military used dogs but didn't realize the breath of their responsibilities or their connection with the soldiers. Or the bond between K-9 and handler.

There is so much in this book that I learned about what the soldiers do as well as the dogs. The danger our troops face encompasses much more than being shot. Sadly, at times the dogs are put in danger to save the lives of the soldiers. At other times the soldier and dog both depend on the other equally. Dogs are sensitive to sounds and can often alert soldiers of danger or sniff out bombs saving lives.

War dogs are as much heroes as they are trusty, lovable K-9 partners for select troops.

3.5 Stars
A journey through the writer's experiences with Working Military Dogs and their handlers, mostly through a training course. There's some short interlacing stories of these pairs (although I wish there were more), some during conflicts, some after, with a focus on the usefulness and skill of the dogs and the positive outcomes the animals have on people. Also, a discussion on the effects of PTSD on both. Very good read, especially if you know what you are getting. I initially thought the book would have more individual stories in greater detail, but it's still a story that needs to be told.

GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway

I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this book. If you are interested in the vital role that dogs play in our armed forces, and in war, then you will love this book. If you are a dog lover, you'll also love this book. And if you just enjoy a well-written narrative, then you'll certainly appreciate it too.

I, for one, am not a huge animal person, but was pulled in by the crisply, yet emotionally, narrated stories of the relationships between the dog handlers and the dogs. The members of the military described in this book build incredible bonds with the animals, many of whom go home when their handlers lose their lives. Get the tissues out for those chapters.

There's also quite a bit of history about the role dogs have played in past conflicts, but it's presented very well and is woven fluidly into the narrative. Also peppered throughout is Rebecca's own story of meeting the members of the military whom she writes about, which is one of the strongest parts of the book. And props to anyone who lets a huge German Shepard lunge at her arm to learn about the job.

A very smart, beautifully written read that might just have you racing to the pound when you're done.

I'm a military veterinarian but this book was still very moving and eye-opening for me, since I see the dogs almost exclusively in medical settings rather than seeing them work with their handlers on a daily basis. I like the format - a series of short stories/vignettes which don't necessarily have to be read in order or all at once. My father contacted the publishers and they went out of their way to get me a signed copy of the book, which he gave me for Christmas. Perfect!

In wars throughout the centuries dogs have served in a variety of ways; from sniffing out IED’s, to carrying messages, to bringing comfort to weary soldiers: dogs have proved their usefulness. In War Dogs Rebecca Frankel gives us a brief history and compelling insight into dogs on the battleground. By reading her book I got to know these amazing courageous dogs and their handlers. She has given a captivating first hand account of the training they go through to prepare for their assignments in the war zones of the Middle East. I would love to see many people read War Dogs and give recognition to these heroes. It would make a great gift for service men and woman, history buffs, and anyone who loves dogs.

War Dogs tells the tales of soldiers and their K9 counterparts. There is a great mixture of stories in here and none of it is sugar coated. You are told how the dogs are trained and what combatants go through during war. I love dogs so I was very fascinated by how they have been used and trained during the recent "campaigns".

It's a good read, but not a true tear jerker like some other animal books. It's a shame we have wars and bring animals into war with us, but that is the reality we live in.

To our soldiers out there, Thank you.

Frankel offers an absorbing, if a bit scattershot, story of MWD, otherwise "military working dogs," and their relationship with their handlers, their heightened senses that pick up clues that would be otherwise missed, and their devotion to their duty. She tries to define what a war dog is: a tool? a weapon? a partner? What they are are certainly not pets, but the dogs' bonds with their handlers, and vice versa, are not impersonal and the death of either partner is usually devastating to the other. To get inside the dogs' training, Frankel goes on training missions with the K-9 troops: trailing, scent discrimination, practice war scenarios. She also briefly addresses the history of the war dog, from the Egyptian era through Vietnam. The majority of the narrative, however, follows the partnership of American handlers and their dogs who are stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

While I enjoyed the individual stories of the dogs and their handlers, and Frankel's observations during the training mission, I didn't find it a page turner, either. I found I could put it down and not be eager to pick it back up. However, reading about the dogs' distress when they were separated from their human partners, I was angered all over again of the fate of the military dogs that were just left behind as "equipment" in Vietnam; they were most probably euthanized after faithfully serving our soldiers. Thankfully, the military has changed their thinking about this practice, but the memory still stings.

Frankel's book covers a unique subject, dogs used in military operations throughout history.
She informs the reader how handlers and their dogs have a special relationship, and how valuable an asset these animals have been to the military over the years.

Pro-war and anti-war readers alike will find WAR DOGS a fascinating read.
Highly recommended.

I have an application pending to adopt a retired military dog and am interested in the dogs of war. With stories focusing on the bond between the dogs and their handlers, this book is an interesting read. The intelligence and courage of these animals is amazing and any fan of working dogs will find the stories moving. The center features black and white photos which provide some perspective.

Although nicely written, the book's organization was lacking with different subjects scattered throughout. There was quite a bit of information mashed within and I wish the presentation had been more cohesive. The author sidesteps any serious questions of the morality of using the dogs in warfare. If you are looking for a historical reference, this is not it. It does provide background but is far from a detailed historical account. Still, it is a great introduction filled with heartwarming stories and as such is a worthy tribute to warriors, canine and human.

This book has amazing stories of not just dogs, but their solider counterparts. The stories are well written, and made me want to keep reading. The relationship between these incredible animals and their handlers is so evident and endearing. Overall, this is a great book for any animal lover!

"War Dogs", written by Becky Frankel brought tears and smiles with every page.. Becky did much research and traveled far to get all the facts and every personal story about the wonderful dogs and their owners both during wartime and when they were united back in the States. Great writing and interesting photographs...One does not have to be a dog owner or dog lover to appreciate this book. We loved reading it and now am displaying it on our coffee table., Barbara and Horton Wasserman

Very informative and well documented. Uses actual war stories to explain how dogs are used in war. Also points out the total lack of a long term commitment to the program. Dogs and their handlers need to be recognized for their valor and sacrifice.

Well-written, this book lives up to its reviews. It offers a poignant glimpse into the world of the dogs that serve our military and those special handlers who choose to work with them. Not sappy or sentimental, it will nevertheless bring tears to your eyes when you read the stories and accounts. Wonderful photos. This book is quickly becoming a favorite.

One of the most informative and emotional books I've read in a long time. Ms. Frankel educates the reader on the history of dogs in the military, their present day use and what the future may look like, intertwined with real life stories. A wonderful subject matter made even better by outstanding writing. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages!

"War Dogs" is several things - a book about the history of dogs in wars,, about the current training and practice of dogs in the military, about how the dogs interact with their handlers and with others, and about the rehabilitative effects of dogs. It's clear that a great deal of time, effort, and work went into the book's creation. I fould the short vignettes about the interactions between dogs and handlers, and the brief reports of individual actions the dogs had been on, to be the most interesting parts of the book. When "War Dogs" dealt with history or policy, it sometimes lagged a bit for me, but the personal histories of dogs and handlers made up for that. Among the recent batch of popular books about dogs and their behavior, this is one of the best. Highly recommended.