A service dog hears a doorbell, runs to its owner, and then nudges her leg with its nose. The owner cannot hear the bell, but she knows theres a visitorthanks to the dogs signal. In this captivating introduction to service dogs, beginning readers will learn all about these dedicated canines that take on different jobs to assist people with disabilities or illnesses. From opening doors for a person in a wheelchair to calling the hospital when an owner...

"Vets and Pets tells fifteen emotional and entertaining stories of the incredible bonds between wounded warriors, veterans, and other service members and their service and companion animals. Whether these special relationships are with dogs, cats, horses, pigs, or even birds of prey, readers will discover how these remarkable animals help veterans return to civilian life and live independently while simultaneously bringing joy and confidence into...

"The Underdogs tells the story of Karen Shirk, felled at age twenty-four by a neuromuscular disease and facing life as a ventilator-dependent, immobile patient, who was turned down by every service dog agency in the country because she was “too disabled.” Her nurse encouraged her to tone down the suicidal thoughts, find a puppy, and raise her own service dog. Karen did this, and Ben, a German shepherd, dragged her back into life. “How many people...

Forced into early retirement by a spinal condition, Steven Wolf reluctantly left his family for Arizona's warm winter climate. A lifelong dog lover, the former hard-driving attorney is drawn to a group that rescues retired greyhounds. When Comet, a once-abused racer, chooses to "adopt" Wolf, a life-altering relationship begins. After Wolf shows the mistrustful dog how to thrive in the real world, the tables turn and Comet helps Wolf with the most...