This book is a combination of a photo journal and a work of tribute to the brave canines and their handlers who gave so much of themselves during the recovery mission after the 9/11 attacks. Following the opening chapter of World Trade Center that includes several photos of the disaster and of Ground Zero, each dog and his handler are given two full pages that include color photos and information about the dog and the handler. There are seventy-seven dogs altogether. The chapters that follow the introduction of the dogs are: Shanksville, Pennsylvania; National Disaster Search Dog Foundation; Understanding the Search and Rescue Canine; The Air-Scenting Dogs; The FEMA-Certified Dog; Veterinary Assistance (during the mission); Health Study on 9/11 Dogs; and DOGNY- AKC’s Salute to Search and Rescue Dogs.

The preface to the book is written by Wilma Melville the founder of NDSDF (National Disaster Search Dog Foundation). To the end of the book, a two-page glossary is added to help with the understanding of the terms for the handling of the dogs. The language in the book is clear and direct and the chapters are organized carefully and efficiently.

Many distinguished professional and amateur photographers have contributed to the book with their spectacular photographs. As much as the dogs' photos and the information about them and their handlers are delightful to observe and cherish, my most favorite chapters are those at the end that explain the fantastic work these canines and their handlers do. In addition, how hard the dogs worked after the attacks, what was done to keep them safe and healthy, and human and canine alike, the exemplary dedication of all workers are poignant and heart-rending.

learning about search and rescue dogs and enjoying the spectacular photos of the dogs.

everything.

sad and disturbed because the disaster of 9/11 came back to haunt, but also I felt gratitute for all those who worked so hard with the search, rescue, and recovery.

is Nona Kilgore Bauer, an award-winning author who writes about dogs. Bauer lives in a large farm in Missouri where she trains retrievers. Her books are: The World of the Golden Retriever- a Dog for All Seasons; The Complete Idiot's Guide to Golden Retrievers; Golden Retrievers for Dummies; and Dog Heroes of September 11th- A Tribute to America's Search and Rescue Dogs. She has also written many articles about dogs for newspapers and magazines.

It deals with an important part of our recent history and is a proof of what these heroic dogs have done for us.

Some books are so touching and they invoke such gripping emotions that, even though looking at them tears you apart, you still cannot keep away from reading and loving them. This book is such a book, and the exemplary dedication of all workers, human or canine, is truly moving.

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Created Mar 03, 2008 at 3:01pm • Submit your own review...