The Dogs of War

The Dogs of War documents the Military Working Dog program in the United States military, focusing on the canine-handler teams serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Through interviews and field research, Rogak chronicles how these dogs and their handlers train, live, and operate in combat zones. The book follows several military dog teams through their deployment cycles, revealing the intense bonds formed between handlers and their canine partners. The narrative covers the dogs' specialized roles in detecting explosives, tracking enemies, and protecting troops, while also exploring the daily challenges faced by these teams in war zones. K9 veterans receive particular attention, with Rogak examining what happens to military dogs after their service ends. The historical context of military working dogs is woven throughout, tracing their evolution from WWII to present-day operations. The work stands as both a tribute to these service animals and an examination of the complex relationship between humans and dogs in extreme circumstances. Through these stories, larger themes emerge about loyalty, sacrifice, and the unique capabilities that dogs bring to modern warfare.

Readers note this book provides a thorough look at military working dogs and their handlers, though some find the organization scattered. The chapters jump between different time periods and conflicts. Readers appreciated: - Personal stories and anecdotes about specific dogs and handlers - Details about training methods and daily routines - Historical background on military dogs' roles - Photos included throughout Common criticisms: - Disjointed narrative structure - Some repetitive information - Limited coverage of more recent conflicts - Several factual errors noted by military handlers One reader said "It reads more like a collection of articles than a cohesive book." Another mentioned "The personal stories bring these brave dogs to life, but the timeline is hard to follow." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (280+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.1/5 (90+ ratings)

War Dogs by Rebecca Frankel A chronicle of military working dogs and their handlers across multiple combat zones, detailing missions, training methods, and bonds formed in service.

Soldier Dogs by Maria Goodavage Documents personal accounts of military dog teams in Afghanistan and Iraq, their operational procedures, and life-saving contributions to modern warfare.

No Better Friend by Robert Weintraub The story of Frank Williams and Judy, the only official canine POW of WWII, as they survived Japanese prison camps together.

Sergeant Rex by Mike Dowling A Marine K9 handler's first-hand account of his deployment to Iraq with his military working dog, Rex, during the early stages of the war.

From Baghdad with Love by Jay Kopelman, Melinda Roth A Marine's account of finding and saving a puppy during the Battle of Fallujah reveals the impact of animals on soldiers in combat zones.

🐾 Military Working Dogs have served in every American conflict since the Revolutionary War, though they weren't officially recognized by the U.S. military until World War II. 🎖️ Author Lisa Rogak spent two years interviewing military dog handlers, veterinarians, and trainers across all branches of the armed services to gather material for this book. 🐕 Each Military Working Dog is considered a full rank above their handler, ensuring that any mistreatment of the dog can be considered an assault on a superior officer. 💰 The training of a single Military Working Dog can cost up to $40,000, and the Pentagon estimates each dog's skills are worth over $150,000. 🏆 The book highlights Cairo, the Navy SEAL dog who participated in the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound - the only member of the operation whose name was initially released to the public.