Book ~ "Service Tails: More Stories of Man's Best Hero" (2016) Ace Collins

From Goodreads ~ Not all heroic dogs wildly toss themselves into lifesaving situations. Some save lives simply by their incredible commitment to duty and service. Some lead the way to independence for people whose disabilities were supposed to limit their lives. 

In "Service Tails: More Stories of Man's Best Hero", author Ace Collins introduces us to leaders whose entire lives are wrapped in the banner of service. Their stories are remarkable snapshots of the value of vision and teamwork, as well as devotion to duty and unconditional love and acceptance-stretching the way we see both canine and human potential. Their training was intense, their loyalty unquestioned and each step of the way they constantly adapt to better serve those they lead. These unforgettable dogs are more than heroes; they are models from which we can learn how to love and serve unconditionally.

I love reading stories about dogs!

This book showcases 12 true stories of service dogs.  There were a variety of stories of dogs who served people who were blind, had Alzheimer's, were deaf, had vertigo, cerebral palsy, etc.

The first story is about Morris Frank, who went blind and was the first person to be partnered with a seeing eye dog (in the late 1920s) and the co-founder of The Seeing Eye, a guide-dog school.  Other stories include:

• Cristina, who struggled with asthma and Tatiana (2012 American Humane Association "Hearing Hero Dog of the Year"), her dog who saved her life
• Tim, a quadriplegic since a diving accident at age 16 who gained his independence because of a dog named Yaz
• George, a teacher who eventually went blind and became a pioneer in digital talking books and his dog Nesbit
• Jared, who was born with cerebral palsy and how his dog, John III, opened up a new world for him

This is the second book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style. He did a great job telling stories about the dogs and the humans they served.

Book ~ "Man's Best Hero: True Stories of Great American Dogs" (2014) Ace Collins

From Goodreads ~ From Lassie to Old Yeller to Rin Tin Tin to Marley, dogs have stolen our attention and our hearts. In real life, our own pets are more than just canine companions; they are members of our family. And for some, they are heroes and brave servants. 

In "Man's Best Hero", author (and lifelong dog lover) Ace Collins provides a collection of short, dramatic stories about dogs that have gone the extra mile. Though not trained to perform heroic acts, circumstances and the remarkable bond between the dog and its owner led these animals to perform amazing feats that defy logic. Whether it is saving a drowning man, jumping in front of a truck to push a toddler to the curb, or tearing the burning clothes off a child s back, the actions presented in these stories display courage, loyalty, intelligence, and other admirable qualities of life and faith. 

These compelling portraits, told first in the words of the dog and then through exciting narrative that recounts the dog s actions, will touch reader s hearts and will leave them with a greater appreciation for their furry friends.

I love reading stories about dogs!

This book showcases 13 true stories of dogs who are heroes:

1. Opportunity - Paws in Prison partners with shelter and rescue groups to bring unwanted dogs into prisons so inmates can train them
2. Tenacity - Patches saves his owner when he falls into icy waters
3. Determination - Stubby, the most decorated war dog of World War I and the only dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat
4. Potential - Eve, a blind and deaf dog who adopts Dillon, another deaf and blind dog
5. Duty - Roselle, a guide dog who led her owner (and others) safely from the World Trade Centre Tower 1
6. Fortitude - Sadie, who dragged her owner home after he'd had a heart attack
7. Loyalty - Smoky, a war dog who served in World War II
8. Love - Dakotah and Custer, therapy dogs
9. Courage - Brandy, who protected her owner during a home invasion
10. Gratitude - Bum, who in 1910 was taken in by a homeless man and saved his life when he collapsed from an illness
11. Purpose - Chips, the most decorated war dog from World War II
12. Character - Pal (the original Lassie), who saved three men when their boat wouldn't start and they started drifting
13. Faithfulness - Lulubelle, who in 1952, thought it was her job to ensure kids crossed the street safely on their way to and from school

This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed the writing style.  He did a great job telling the dog's stories.  I liked that there was a variety of stories from war heroes to everyday dogs.  It made me miss having a dog!

This is a must-read for all dog lovers!