I recently had the opportunity to join a book tour about an amazing and inspiring book called, Loyal 38 Inspiring Tales of Bravery, Heroism, and the Devotion of Dogs by Rebecca Ascher-Walsh
About Loyal
• Hardcover: 160 pages• Publisher: National Geographic (March 7, 2017)
This special collection of dog stories and photographs features four-legged heroes who have worked side by side with soldiers, searched the wreckage of natural and man-made disasters, changed families' lives through emotional support, and administered aid around the world and at home in the United States. Heartwarming photographs and touching anecdotes bring to life thirty-eight caring canines who have served the people who mean the most to them, from a German Shepherd who leads a blind man on his marathon training mission to a belly rub-loving Sheltie who supports at-risk youth in the classroom. For anyone who has experienced the extraordinary affection of a dog, Loyal is a lasting celebration of the joys of canine companionship.
Loyal is a nice, easy read with a beautiful colored photograph of each dog to go along with their story. These are dogs of all breeds, sizes and backgrounds. Here are a few examples of some stories:
Bandit - A European Great Dane rescued from a puppy mill with a severe leg deformity. Now registered as a therapy dog, Bandit visits and connects with soldiers on suicide watch and those that struggle with pain and injuries due to war.
Alli - An Australian Cattle Dog Mix from Washington is a rescue who is now trained to locate endangered species to be identified and studied. She is what you would call a master wildlife CSI detective who scours the wilderness for evidence of rare animals to protect.
Andy - A Golden Retriever from Indiana, a trained service and therapy dog who saved his neighbor's life. One night while in his yard, he began barking loudly and jumped the 4ft. fence, his owner found him lying beside their elderly neighbor who had fallen in the snow. "I would have died 20 feet from my house without him." she says. "He's my hero."You can see him pictured below.