Secret Service Dogs: The Heroes Who Protect the President of the United States, by Maria Goodavage (Dutton/Penguin Random House, 2016, 306pp HC, $28)
There are two kinds of non-fiction books: those that read like novels and those that read like reports. I much prefer the former* but some readers prefer the latter (easier to write) and there are certain times that the latter 'fits the bill' better.
Secret Service Dogs is a report-like book. Author Maria Goodavage turned a report into a lengthy book: often you will see a generalization followed by the rest of the paragraph containing a scenario that illustrates the generalization. And to break this mold, towards the back of the book you will find a couple of chapters devoted to one particular dog each. And finally, to the finality of dogs. And when a Secret Service dog passes away, it is not unusual for the captain to give the eulogy.
Training
The dogs and their handlers train and train and train (one theme). "Did you know [dog's name] was a water dog?"
"A water dog? I thought he was a German shepherd."
"No, he was a water dog. You could turn him on and you could turn him off just as easily." (p. 60)
The Job: "Worthy of Trust and Confidence" (motto)
Basically the primary job of the Secret Service (and their dogs) is to protect the President and to do so takes a lot of training - and a good dog. Then, an exceptional bond between the dog and handler. They must trust each other and be together 24/7. (Plus, a dog will perform more than 7,000 vehicle searches in a year.) More than one agent has turned down a promotion to stay working with his dog.
*Even though I am not a fan of Goodavage's writing style, would I read another of her books? Probably! And here are more war dog books:
Books by Maria Goodavage
Soldier Dogs - The Untold Stories of America's Canine Heroes
.jpg)
Top Dog: The Story of Marine Hero Lucca
(Secret Service Dogs)
Lucca The War Dog
Doctor Dogs: How Our Best Friends are Becoming Our Best Medicine
No comments:
Post a Comment