For thousands of years, men and women have known who to turn to in times of trouble - a dog. All over the world dogs have risked, and often lost, their lives to look after the human beings they care for. Their intelligence, devotion and astonishing courage to help humans in distress on countless occasions almost defies belief. Their stories range from Roselle the Labrador, who led her blind owner to safety from the carnage of the World Trade Centre, to the legends of Balto and Togo, two of the huskies who traversed over 1,000 kilometres of snow and ice to bring life-saving medicine to an isolated town, and Swansea Jack, the black Labrador who rescued almost 30 people from drowning and who had a statue erected in his honour. Many of the dogs featured in this book have been specially trained to help humans, a task they eagerly set about regardless of the physical risk they face as a result. Then there are the family pets who, when danger threatens, react with total disregard for their own wellbeing, caring only about one thing; protecting the humans they love.

Swansea Jack, the Labrador who saved more than 25 people from drowning. Maya, the pit bull who defended her owner from a brutal attack. Max, the police German shepherd who chased and caught two convicted criminals. These are just a few of the incredible canine characters whose true stories are recounted in this inspiring collection of dog tales. Hounds from all walks of life are united within these pages. Heart-melting, dramatic and often deeply moving, Dog Heroes champions the often underestimated role of man's best friend.

Dogs really are man's best friend-and we can prove it! In this uplifting, beautifully illustrated book, you'll discover the incredible true stories of talented, brave, and daring dogs whose exploits have made them world-famous. Find out all about... - Balto and Togo, who bravely led sleds carrying a life-saving vaccine through the Alaskan wildnerness - Bobbie, who journeyed 2,500 miles from Indiana, to return to his family in Oregon - Belka and Strelka, the first dogs in space - Chips, the most decorated war dog of WWII - ... and so many more! A fantastic gift for animal lovers aged 8+.

A moving collection of amazing stories that will make you laugh and cry, show just how much dogs bring to our lives.

A leading reporter offers a tour of military working dogs' extraordinary training, heroic accomplishments, and the lasting impacts they have on those who work with them. People all over the world 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. A dog's natural intelligence, physical abilities, and pure loyalty contribute more to our military efforts than ever before. You don't have to be a dog lover to be fascinated by the idea that a dog-the cousin of that furry guy begging for scraps under your table-could be one of the heroes who helped execute the most vital and high-tech military mission of the new millennium. Now Maria Goodavage, editor and featured writer for one of the world's most widely read dog blogs, tells heartwarming stories of modern soldier dogs and the amazing bonds that develop between them and their handlers. Beyond tales of training, operations, retirement, and adoption into the families of fallen soldiers, Goodavage talks to leading dog-cognition experts about why dogs like nothing more than to be on a mission with a handler they trust, no matter how deadly the IEDs they are sniffing, nor how far they must parachute or rappel from aircraft into enemy territory. "Military working dogs live for love and praise from their handlers," says Ron Aiello, president of the United States War Dogs Association and a former marine scout dog handler. "The work is all a big game, and then they get that pet, that praise. They would do anything for their handler." This is an unprecedented window into the world of these adventurous, loving warriors.

During World War I, while stationed overseas in France with the United States Army, Private James Donovan literally stumbles upon a small dog cowering on the streets of Paris. Named Rags for his disheveled appearance, the little stray quickly finds a home with Donovan and a place in his heart. Although the Army did not have an official canine division, Rags accompanies Donovan to the battlefield, making himself a useful companion delivering messages and providing a much-appreciated morale boost to the soldiers. News about Rags spreads and soon the little dog's battlefield exploits become the stuff of legend. But during a fierce battle near the end of the war, both Rags and Donovan are wounded. Severely injured, Donovan is sent back to the United States. And the little dog with the big heart refuses to leave his best friend's side.

Modern wars recruit more than just human soldiers. Our canine companions also serve in the line of duty and under fire, whether helping police protect our home turf or accompanying soldiers on missions abroad. Readers will cheer for the hero dogs featured in this collection, profiled with stunning photos and inspiring tales of bravery, friendship, heroism, and devotion.

Imagine walking to the same place every day, to meet your best friend. Imagine watching hundreds of people pass by every morning and every afternoon. Imagine waiting, and waiting, and waiting. For ten years. This is what Hachiko did. Hachiko was a real dog who lived in Tokyo, a dog who faithfully waited for his owner at the Shibuya train station long after his owner could not come to meet him. He became famous for his loyalty and was adored by scores of people who passed through the station every day. This is Hachiko’s story through the eyes of Kentaro, a young boy whose life is changed forever by his friendship with this very special dog. Simply told, and illustrated with Yan Nascimbene’s lush watercolors, the legend of Hachiko will touch your heart and inspire you as it has inspired thousands all over the world.

Dog Heroes of September 11th -- A Tribute to America's Search and Rescue Dogs, now in its Tenth Anniversary second edition, is the first and only major publication to salute the canines that served our nation in the recovery missions following the terrorists' strikes on America. In his foreword to this edition, former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani says, "No American could be unmoved by the stories and images of these dogs and their handlers....Their journeys, as told in these pages, reinforce our resolve to persevere, rebuild and keep our nation safe and strong." A testament to man's best friend and his most critical role in American history, Dog Heroes of September 11th pays tribute to 79 canine heroes and their handlers, retelling their heart-stirring stories and photographically capturing many defining moments of the days that followed September 11, 2001. This oversized gift book features over 400 color photographs, many never seen except in this publication. Nona Kilgore Bauer, who has won multiple awards for her books on dogs, interviewed each of the handlers who participated in the recovery efforts at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, Shanksville, Penn., and the Fresh Kills landfill, the site to which remains from the fallen towers were transported, and lovingly retells their stories of heroism and bravery. In its first edition (released in 2006), Dog Heroes of September 11th won numerous awards, including book of the year from the Dog Writers Association of America, Book-of-the-Month Club, and the Independent Book Publishers Association. The second edition, expanded with over 100 new pages and over 150 new full-color photographs, presents chapters on military working dogs in Iraq and Afghanistan, the therapy dogs who worked at Ground Zero, the SDF's new National Training Center, and post-9/11 rescue missions at home and abroad. A special section, written by selected 9/11 handlers, pays tributes to their canine partners who passed away after their recovery missions. In addition to paying tribute to the dog-and-handler teams that were deployed after the attacks, this I-5 Press book supports the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) in its mission to produce certified search and rescue teams to protect our whole nation. A portion of the proceeds of Dog Heroes of September 11th benefits the SDF.

Mimi, a tiny peach-colored poodle, saved a family of seven from a fiery death. Eve dragged her handicapped mistress from a truck just seconds before it exploded. Accompanied by touching, full-color photographs, HERO DOGS records 100 accounts of canine intuition, bravery, and devotion from across the country. Everyone loves a hero and everyone loves a dog. HERO DOGS unites the two.