Paws of Courage: True Tales of Heroic Dogs that Protect and Serve

by Nancy Furstinger, Ronald Aiello (Foreword by)

Overview

Modern wars recruit more than just human soldiers. Our canine companions also serve in the line of duty and under fire, whether helping police protect our home turf or accompanying soldiers on missions abroad. Readers will cheer for the hero dogs featured in this collection, profiled with stunning photos and inspiring tales of bravery, friendship, heroism, and devotion. Their touching stories are sure to inspire animal lovers everywhere.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781426323775
Publisher:	Disney Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/12/2016
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	951,031
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 6.50(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	1110L (what's this?)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

NANCY FURSTINGER has been speaking up for animals since she learned to talk, and she hasn't shut up yet. She is the author of many books on her favorite topic: animals! Nancy has been a feature writer for a daily newspaper, a managing editor of trade and consumer magazines, and an editor at two children's book publishing houses. She shares her home with big dogs and house rabbits (all rescued), and also volunteers and fosters pets for several animal organizations. This is her first book for National Geographic.

Editorial Reviews

01/18/2016
This compact, photo-filled book celebrates service dogs of all kinds as Furstinger profiles more than 20 real-life combat, rescue, police, and tracker dogs, among others. They include a golden retriever named Bretagne, who searched for survivors at ground zero on 9/11; Mas, a Newfoundland graduate of the Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs, trained to save drowning swimmers; and German shepherds Rocky and Rosdas, who track poachers in Tanzania. Furstinger explains how various breeds’ physical, behavioral, and biological characteristics enable them to excel (for example, Newfoundlands have a water-repellent undercoat). Descriptions of the powerful bonds between service dogs and their handlers, as well as happy service dog retirements, contribute to a lively and touching narrative. Ages 10–up. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

"The bonds between more than 20 military and law enforcement dogs and their handlers are lovingly and proudly shown in this compact, fact- and photo-filled offering. [This book]... addresses a wide range of interests and age levels and will make readers want to go home and hug the doggie heroes in own their lives" — Booklist 

"The photographs will make this highly appealing to dog lovers who will also find the brief text and short chapters easy to manage.” — Kirkus

"This amazing book offers prose that is fast-paced and super-factual, but is written in a conversational style that keeps readers engaged to the fullest....This is a National Geographic book, so the pictures live up to their brand." — New York Journal of Books



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From the Publisher

2016-01-20
Myriad canines loyally serve in a variety of roles aiding their human companions; National Geographic portrays the efforts of 24 working dogs. This small-format volume—about 6 1/2 inches square—briefly describes the work of five categories of dogs: war dogs from the past; current war dogs; rescue dogs; scent-following dogs (although this chapter is called "Leaders of the Pack"); and police dogs. There is some overlap between sections, with a retired war dog grouped with the scent-following dogs and a couple of dogs with two careers. Each dog portrait includes several attractive color photographs, a description of the dog's background and training, and information about the dog's working techniques. Various text boxes that fit nicely into the narrative without interrupting the flow provide information on related topics, such as relief organizations for working dogs, traits of certain dog breeds, military mascots, noncanine working animals, and dog-training information for readers. Occasional captions printed in white on a lime-green background are difficult to read. Although no dogs that were killed in action were included, the hazards of the work are mentioned but not emphasized; two of the war dogs lost legs in Afghanistan, as did one of the handlers. The photographs will make this highly appealing to dog lovers who will also find the brief text and short chapters easy to manage. (Nonfiction. 9-14)

Kirkus Reviews