Mod 11: Dogs on Duty Review

What's It All About?

Patent shows how man's best friend becomes a soldier's best friend on the battlefield. She elaborates on the history of service dogs, what they can contribute, and what kind of life they lead once their duties are finished. Dogs on Duty is an excellent sampling of brave K-9 heroes in the United States Military.

What'd I Think?

I've never really been one for non-fiction books but this one captured my attention from the start. The story was fast-paced and filled with interesting tidbits. The full-color photos were a lovely addition to the timeline of America's service dogs. I found the book riveting and enlightening!

I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

What'd They Think?

School Library Journal

(September 01, 2012; 9780802728456)

Gr 3-6-The invaluable contributions of Military Working Dogs are well documented in this book. Patent discusses their special attributes such as the night vision and sense of smell that help MWDs to keep their human partners safe. The roles they have played in World Wars I and II, in Vietnam, and in Iraq and Afghanistan are highlighted. Brief histories of individual dogs such as Stubby from World War I and Eli in Afghanistan are touchingly told. Present-day training and equipment are also explained. The excellently selected, full-color photos constantly capture these devoted canines selflessly performing their duties and sometimes just offering comfort and affection to their human counterparts. The author points out that the military continues to classify these dogs as equipment in spite of their unique service, and many were abandoned in Vietnam when the U.S. left the country. Today, more are returning home and being adopted or continuing to serve in other capacities. Their story is impressive and the author has told it well.-Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA (c) Copyright 2012.

Publishers Weekly

(August 06, 2012; 9780802728456)

In informed prose and photographs of conflicts past and present, Patent explores the timely topic of dogs trained to assist soldiers. Images from contemporary wars depict such breeds as the Belgian Malinois (the breed of the dog that famously assisted with the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound) being trained by handlers and at work in the field, while vintage photographs of soldiers and their dogs from WWII and other past wars reveal how dogs have been involved in combat for generations. Profiles of "Hero Hounds" appear throughout, offering specific accounts of dogs at war. A moving portrayal of the powerful human-canine partnership. Ages 4-up. (Sept.) 

What Do I Do With It?

Students can write a poem about what makes military dogs heroes in their eyes.