Soldier Dogs

People everywhere have been riveted by the story of Cairo, the Belgian Malinois who was a part of the Navy SEAL team that led the raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound. Dogs’ intelligence, physical abilities, and loyalty contribute to our military efforts now more than ever. You don’t have to be a dog lover to be fascinated by the idea that a dog could be one of the heroes who helped execute the most vital military mission of the new millennium. Maria Goodavage tells heartwarming stories of modern soldier dogs and the amazing bonds that develop between them and their handlers. Beyond tales of training, operations, and adoption into the families of fallen soldiers, Goodavage talks to dog-cognition experts about why dogs like nothing more than to be on a mission with a handler they trust, no matter how far they must parachute or rappel from aircraft into enemy territory.