Book Review: Paws to Protect by Sharon Sakson

Paws to Protect - Dogs Saving Lives and Restoring Hope is a compelling tribute to heroic dogs. This educational and heartwarming book honors the many dogs who have served the United States and its people for generations.

When I decided to read Paws to Protect, by Sharon Sakson, I knew it would be a different kind of book for me. I am not generally a fan of military or police genres when it comes to books. Of course, I have heard of military working dogs (WMDs) and police dogs. I have always respected what they do, but I never knew how truly amazing these dogs are.

Paws to Protect is a collection of stories and interviews about working dogs that have saved lives and helped people for ages. Just a few pages into the book, I realized that it actually was my kind of book! Sakson teaches us about the value of working dogs, eloquently bringing together tender moments, impressive victories and even bits of humor.

The first half of Paws to Protect contains vignettes about multiple MWDs dating back to World War I. Sakson tells us about Stubby, a Pit Bull mix that was one of the first recognized canine war heroes. Several interviews with Military Working Dog handlers, who shared their stories wit utmost sincerity. I was inspired by the unconditional love and dedication of these amazing dogs and deeply touched by the dedication of their handlers. Many of these dogs were awarded military honors and treated like human soldiers. Sadly, other war dogs were not given proper credit because of U.S. laws. Fortunately, this changed when dog handlers came together to help change these laws.

Sakson also shares the stories of dogs like Smokey. This Yorkie was not a trained MWD, but she did her part to help win the war. Not only did she lift the spirits of the soldiers around her, she also completed a very important task to help win the war.

Later in the book, Sakson recounts many tales of police dogs who stood faithfully beside their handlers, fearlessly facing tough criminals and other dangerous situations - sometimes saving the lives of their human partners. We also learn about Winston, the arson dog that helps determine the cause of fires. Sakson then shares the anecdote of a border patrol dog working to keep our country secure, plus a story about beagles who assist U.S Customs. I was again moved and amused by the tales of these intelligent, heroic dogs and the connections they had forged with their handlers.

These are just a few of the many wonderful stories about amazing, heroic dogs. Sakson does an excellent job of explaining the sometimes gruesome details about the dogs' jobs while focusing on the magic of the human-canine bond. Her storytelling offers a welcome balance of educational facts, emotionally stirring events and humorous tales. Sakson writes on a level that is articulate and comprehensible, making Paws to Protect appropriate even for young adult readers.

I learned so much about military and other working dogs from Paws to Protect. I was moved by reading the perspective of the dog handlers. The deep love and respect they possess for their dogs often brought me to tears. I recommend this book for any dog lover who would enjoy some educational inspiration. I think it can be enjoyed by dog lovers of nearly all ages.

Even though my own personal dog is not saving the world from bombs or catching criminals, she makes my life complete - and that is part of her job. I gave her a huge hug after reading Paws to Protect - it made me appreciate all dogs more than ever.


_{Sharon Sakson is a journalist and televisionproducer with an MFA in creative writing. She is a judge for the American Kennel Club, plus a breeder of champion Brussels Griffons and Whippets. She is the author of Paws & Effect: The Healing Power of Dogs and Brussels Griffons: A Complete Owner's Manual. She is the co-author (with Neil Plakey) of Paws & Reflect: A Special Bond Between Man and Dog.}