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Saving Private Sarbi
The true story of Australia's canine war hero
Lost for 13 months in the wilds of Afghanistan, this is the dramatic, heart-warming and truly amazing story of Sarbi, the Army's most famous explosives detection dog - the miracle dog of Tarin Kot.
Description
Powerful, dramatic, heartwarming, this is the true story of Sarbi, the scruffy black Labrador-cross trained by the Australian Army as an explosives detection dog for the most dangerous combat mission imaginable.
Thirteen months after Australia's most famous canine warrior went missing in action following an historic battle between the elite SAS and the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2008, she was found by an American Special Forces officer patrolling a village in a region known to be a Taliban stronghold. Against all odds, Sarbi had survived her injuries, the enemy's weapons, a bitter winter, one brutal summer and the harsh unforgiving landscape on her own. She was the miracle dog of Tarin Kot.
Sarbi's story, and those of the other brave Australian Army dogs in Afghanistan, will resonate with anyone who has known the unconditional love of man's best friend, and understands the rewards of unbidden loyalty, trust and devotion. It will appeal to all those who appreciate the selflessness of serving your country and the inherent dangers of putting your life on the line for others in a war zone. And it will strike a chord with anyone who has experienced the magical connection with a dog.
Lost for 13 months in the wilds of Afghanistan, this is the dramatic, heart-warming and truly amazing story of Sarbi, the Army's most famous explosives detection dog - the miracle dog of Tarin Kot.
Description
Powerful, dramatic, heartwarming, this is the true story of Sarbi, the scruffy black Labrador-cross trained by the Australian Army as an explosives detection dog for the most dangerous combat mission imaginable.
Thirteen months after Australia's most famous canine warrior went missing in action following an historic battle between the elite SAS and the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2008, she was found by an American Special Forces officer patrolling a village in a region known to be a Taliban stronghold. Against all odds, Sarbi had survived her injuries, the enemy's weapons, a bitter winter, one brutal summer and the harsh unforgiving landscape on her own. She was the miracle dog of Tarin Kot.
Sarbi's story, and those of the other brave Australian Army dogs in Afghanistan, will resonate with anyone who has known the unconditional love of man's best friend, and understands the rewards of unbidden loyalty, trust and devotion. It will appeal to all those who appreciate the selflessness of serving your country and the inherent dangers of putting your life on the line for others in a war zone. And it will strike a chord with anyone who has experienced the magical connection with a dog.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2011
11 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Lee
5 books5 followersSandra Lee is an Australian journalist and author with more than two decades experience in the daily newspaper and magazine publishing industry in Australia and the United States.
She has also worked in radio. Sandra is a former Assistant Editor, Opinion page editor, foreign correspondent and columnist for The Daily Telegraph, and more recently was the back-page columnist of The Sunday Telegraph and special features writer for Sunday magazine. Before that, she spent three years as editor-at-large at Australia’s biggest selling and best read fashion monthly, marie claire
In the United States, Sandra’s work has appeared in the New York Post and USA Today Weekend, TV Guide and People magazines.
She is now freelancing while working a new book projects, and her work appears in various magazines and newspapers including marie claire and Vogue among others.
Sandra is the author of four non-fiction books: the best-selling Saving Private Sarbi, The True Story of Australia’s Canine War Hero (Allen and Unwin, 2011), and 18 Hours, The True Story of an SAS War Hero, (HarperCollins, 2006) Beyond Bad; The Life And Crimes Of Katherine Knight, Australia’s Hannibal and The Promise, An Iraqi Mother’s Desperate Flight to Freedom, both of which were published by Random House in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Her books also have been published in the United Kingdom and Europe where they have been translated into foreign languages.
Sandra is a regular guest on radio and television programs discussing current events and pop culture issues. She is available for public speaking and literary events.
She is married and lives in Sydney with her husband and a black rescue mutt.
She has also worked in radio. Sandra is a former Assistant Editor, Opinion page editor, foreign correspondent and columnist for The Daily Telegraph, and more recently was the back-page columnist of The Sunday Telegraph and special features writer for Sunday magazine. Before that, she spent three years as editor-at-large at Australia’s biggest selling and best read fashion monthly, marie claire
In the United States, Sandra’s work has appeared in the New York Post and USA Today Weekend, TV Guide and People magazines.
She is now freelancing while working a new book projects, and her work appears in various magazines and newspapers including marie claire and Vogue among others.
Sandra is the author of four non-fiction books: the best-selling Saving Private Sarbi, The True Story of Australia’s Canine War Hero (Allen and Unwin, 2011), and 18 Hours, The True Story of an SAS War Hero, (HarperCollins, 2006) Beyond Bad; The Life And Crimes Of Katherine Knight, Australia’s Hannibal and The Promise, An Iraqi Mother’s Desperate Flight to Freedom, both of which were published by Random House in 2002 and 2003, respectively. Her books also have been published in the United Kingdom and Europe where they have been translated into foreign languages.
Sandra is a regular guest on radio and television programs discussing current events and pop culture issues. She is available for public speaking and literary events.
She is married and lives in Sydney with her husband and a black rescue mutt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 10, 2011
I was so incredibly disappointed with this book; the author seemed to care little for Sarbi's ACTUAL story, and decided it was more important to tell us about background military history, facts about the breed, dogs in history and about a million other things besides. Massive paragraphs with nothing to do with the dog, a quick two sentence burst about her, and then back to rabbiting on. I mean, near the start of the book there is almost an entire page dedicated to describing the opening scene of 'the lion king' the movie from which Sarbi and Rafi get their names. But they describe each piece in general, like the reader is a moron and has never seen the Lion king themselves. A short 'The dogs were named after lion king characters, because for the children in that family that was their favorite movie' would have been better than the waffling on the author decided to go with for this story.
In fact, it isn't even until the final 60 pages that she even seemed to remember the book was meant to be about Sarbi, not the war in general, not describing the flags at the base and any number of other, unimportant details. Then it's 'Oh, and Sarbi disappeared, i'll give you very little reminiscences of what happened to her or the soldiers, and then she's found and I can end the book with over forty pages of notes, bibliography and acknowledgements'. I'm sure this book would have great for people interested in wartime facts and figures, but I wanted to know SARBI'S story. I should note as well, that I love the work that EDD dogs and their handlers do, it was just the writing in this book that made it almost unbearable. You go Sarbi, and all the other dogs trained in this line of work. It was just a shame of the choice of author to tell her story, or in this case, lack of story.
In fact, it isn't even until the final 60 pages that she even seemed to remember the book was meant to be about Sarbi, not the war in general, not describing the flags at the base and any number of other, unimportant details. Then it's 'Oh, and Sarbi disappeared, i'll give you very little reminiscences of what happened to her or the soldiers, and then she's found and I can end the book with over forty pages of notes, bibliography and acknowledgements'. I'm sure this book would have great for people interested in wartime facts and figures, but I wanted to know SARBI'S story. I should note as well, that I love the work that EDD dogs and their handlers do, it was just the writing in this book that made it almost unbearable. You go Sarbi, and all the other dogs trained in this line of work. It was just a shame of the choice of author to tell her story, or in this case, lack of story.
April 12, 2022
Was very enjoyable but also had me crying a lot which was a surprise. Took half the book to actually discuss anything to do with Sarbi and wasn't the best written, but I really enjoyed the story and learning more about Sarbi, Dee and a lot of Military working dogs history. New dream job for sure because this sounds so darn cool. But yeah, very glad I read it and took me long enough since finding the book in Canberra :)
October 31, 2011
This is a difficult review to write, as I found some of the first half of the book 'hard going'.
Sarbi and Rafi, sister and brother, and cross between a Labrador retriever and a Newfoundland, were both named by their owners Wendy Upjohn and children Gemma, Nic and Marcelo, after the characters from 'Lion King', Sarabi and Rafiki.
We read about Sarbi the civilian, and the enormous love, devotion and fun she and Rafi had with their human family. You will laugh out loud at the games with the tennis balls! The substitute pebbles when there were no tennis balls around! We also learn about the Newfoundland breed and the vast history behind the animal.
Leading up to Sarbi going to Afghanistan with her handler, Sergeant D (for security) there are a lot of facts and figures, and seemingly unrelated (in places) history. But when we reach the war zone, I was riveted, following Sarbi and her fellow EDD (Emergency Dog Detection) hounds through their hazardous and gut wrenching duties. The attack leading up to Sarbi's loss, and how it came about, was harrowing to say the least.
Sarbi's story, as well as that of the other brave Australian Army dogs in Afghanistan, is one that will move anyone who has known the unconditional love of man's best friend, and understands the rewards of loyalty, trust and devotion. Enjoy Saving Private Sarbi as you experience the magical connection between Sarbi and her fellow soldiers.
Sarbi and Rafi, sister and brother, and cross between a Labrador retriever and a Newfoundland, were both named by their owners Wendy Upjohn and children Gemma, Nic and Marcelo, after the characters from 'Lion King', Sarabi and Rafiki.
We read about Sarbi the civilian, and the enormous love, devotion and fun she and Rafi had with their human family. You will laugh out loud at the games with the tennis balls! The substitute pebbles when there were no tennis balls around! We also learn about the Newfoundland breed and the vast history behind the animal.
Leading up to Sarbi going to Afghanistan with her handler, Sergeant D (for security) there are a lot of facts and figures, and seemingly unrelated (in places) history. But when we reach the war zone, I was riveted, following Sarbi and her fellow EDD (Emergency Dog Detection) hounds through their hazardous and gut wrenching duties. The attack leading up to Sarbi's loss, and how it came about, was harrowing to say the least.
Sarbi's story, as well as that of the other brave Australian Army dogs in Afghanistan, is one that will move anyone who has known the unconditional love of man's best friend, and understands the rewards of loyalty, trust and devotion. Enjoy Saving Private Sarbi as you experience the magical connection between Sarbi and her fellow soldiers.
May 1, 2017
Story about Sarbi interesting but I couldn't stand the style of writing. Murdoch journalist - what can you expect.
I couldn't finish too annoying.
I couldn't finish too annoying.
March 12, 2017
**Contains Spoilers**
This book represents pure joy for all dog lovers. I really am utterly sure I am a 'dog person' having listened to the beautiful audio version of this book, read in the laconic Aussie accent of Peter Byrne. It is utter perfection, and a must read (or listen).
My own grandfather fought in World War II and was one of the 'Rats of Tobruk'. Like many other Aussies, I come from a family tradition of handing down stories of bravery and attending Anzac Day celebrations religiously. 20 years later I can still recall with utter clarity how I felt standing on the shores of the beach at Gallipoli, and walking amongst the graves of 16-20 year old Aussie and Kiwi boys who gave their all in 1915.
I had no idea of the current conditions of engagement in punishing theatres like Afghanistan. It is a dirtier and crueller war being waged in countries that have been mired in conflict and consumed by patriarchal Islamic ethos for centuries. It is not a war where rations are left for the enemy, or mutual respect shouted across tidy sections of no man's land during ceasefires, as in WWII at Gallipoli. If soldiers' bodies killed in action in Afghanistan were left behind, they would certainly not be 'resting in our bosoms' as proclaimed by the Turkish monument at Gallipoli. So Sarbi's survival is all the more the stuff of pure myth; she survived a punishing Afghan winter, and her exact whereabouts during the year she was Missing in Action are ultimately uncertain.
Like many Australians, I am not in full agreement with our involvement in Afghanistan, and am frequently aghast at what seems to be an expensive, and fruitless, 'War Against Terror'. This does not in any way detract from my complete respect for the personnel who willingly sacrifice their time with family, put their lives on the line, and risk psychological trauma doing their duty. The book has given me renewed admiration and gratitude for the forces willing to follow orders given, and protect our beautiful country at all cost. Terrorists represent a serious threat to our way of life and I am ever grateful for the brave warriors prepared to give their all.
Sarbi's story is set in the fascinating context of Australian Army life during recent deployments in Afghanistan. Sarbi is a cross Newfoundland and Labrador who began life as a family pet before being rehomed with the Australian Army dog squad. She and Simpson's Donkey are the only two animals awarded the purple cross for bravery and courage in the theatre of war.
This is the amazing story of how Sarbi survived multiple deployments with her handler Sergeant D, before being lost during a fierce battle in one of the most dangerous provinces of Afghanistan. At the time, Sarbi and Sergeant D were attached to an elite SAS regiment. During the battle, Sarbi became detached from Sergeant D, when shrapnel severed the metal lead attaching her to his body armour. Sarbi made multiple gallant attempts to return to her handler following separation but was unable to do so.
During this long engagement, the regiment suffered heavy casualties before extracting from the battle. They also inflicted extensive damage on the enemy. The account of Sarbi's multiple close but unsuccessful attempts to reunite with her handler, and his inability to retrieve her (due to extreme risk this would pose both him and other members of the elite SAS squad), are heartbreaking.
In a twist of irony following the engagement and return of the regiment to base, Sarbi did manage to return but was chased away by local guards outside the base, who did not recognise her. It is believed that Sarbi was subsequently found by a local child who brought her home. News of Sarbi's presence travelled fast, and she was then taken from the family by a well known Taliban warlord. The 'doggies', as they are colloquially known in the Australian Army, are also known to Taliban and highly prized as 'loot', as they can be used in negotiations.
Sarbi survived a full year, including a punishing Afghan winter, where she was Missing in Action, before extensive covert intelligence attempts to locate her bore fruit. Successful negotiations were undertaken via a local 'middleman', including demands of 'proof of life' and ransom before she was returned to her handler. It is an amazing story which made headlines around the world in 2009. Sarbi's lovely nature and joyous reunification with army personnel, in combination with her heroism and intelligence are striking evidence that dogs are almost perfect beings who walk amongst us, giving unrestrainedly of themselves and willing to devote their all to 'their' humans.
The book is also fascinating as it details the dogs' training regime, the bond they develop with their handlers, and the love and hope they infectiously spread, contributing to maintaining and improving morale across entire regiments. Incorporated into Sarbi's own story are those of other handlers attached to other regiments, and their dogs. These resound with themes of incredible bravery, courage under fire and bonds of mateship and ultimate sacrifice.
If you only read one book this year, this is the one to read. If you were ever in doubt about the sacrifice made by our personnel, read this. If you ever thought Kevin Rudd was completely soft and a try hard, read this book with its perfect assessment of him and comparison to the battle toughened elite soldiers; I found it highly amusing, with a solid helping of cringe factor. If you have a beloved dog who you suspect is really an angel in disguise, here is the proof. I adored this book. So much that I plan to borrow it from the library in the future, or buy my own copy. It is just stunning in its beauty, and the author's research and tenacious negotiations undertaken with the top brass of the Army, to allow the story to be written and published, are almost as impressive as Sarbi's own survival and miraculous return to her regiment, and eventually, to the country she served and protected. Sarbi returned to live retired from service, with her handler Sergeant D.
This book represents pure joy for all dog lovers. I really am utterly sure I am a 'dog person' having listened to the beautiful audio version of this book, read in the laconic Aussie accent of Peter Byrne. It is utter perfection, and a must read (or listen).
My own grandfather fought in World War II and was one of the 'Rats of Tobruk'. Like many other Aussies, I come from a family tradition of handing down stories of bravery and attending Anzac Day celebrations religiously. 20 years later I can still recall with utter clarity how I felt standing on the shores of the beach at Gallipoli, and walking amongst the graves of 16-20 year old Aussie and Kiwi boys who gave their all in 1915.
I had no idea of the current conditions of engagement in punishing theatres like Afghanistan. It is a dirtier and crueller war being waged in countries that have been mired in conflict and consumed by patriarchal Islamic ethos for centuries. It is not a war where rations are left for the enemy, or mutual respect shouted across tidy sections of no man's land during ceasefires, as in WWII at Gallipoli. If soldiers' bodies killed in action in Afghanistan were left behind, they would certainly not be 'resting in our bosoms' as proclaimed by the Turkish monument at Gallipoli. So Sarbi's survival is all the more the stuff of pure myth; she survived a punishing Afghan winter, and her exact whereabouts during the year she was Missing in Action are ultimately uncertain.
Like many Australians, I am not in full agreement with our involvement in Afghanistan, and am frequently aghast at what seems to be an expensive, and fruitless, 'War Against Terror'. This does not in any way detract from my complete respect for the personnel who willingly sacrifice their time with family, put their lives on the line, and risk psychological trauma doing their duty. The book has given me renewed admiration and gratitude for the forces willing to follow orders given, and protect our beautiful country at all cost. Terrorists represent a serious threat to our way of life and I am ever grateful for the brave warriors prepared to give their all.
Sarbi's story is set in the fascinating context of Australian Army life during recent deployments in Afghanistan. Sarbi is a cross Newfoundland and Labrador who began life as a family pet before being rehomed with the Australian Army dog squad. She and Simpson's Donkey are the only two animals awarded the purple cross for bravery and courage in the theatre of war.
This is the amazing story of how Sarbi survived multiple deployments with her handler Sergeant D, before being lost during a fierce battle in one of the most dangerous provinces of Afghanistan. At the time, Sarbi and Sergeant D were attached to an elite SAS regiment. During the battle, Sarbi became detached from Sergeant D, when shrapnel severed the metal lead attaching her to his body armour. Sarbi made multiple gallant attempts to return to her handler following separation but was unable to do so.
During this long engagement, the regiment suffered heavy casualties before extracting from the battle. They also inflicted extensive damage on the enemy. The account of Sarbi's multiple close but unsuccessful attempts to reunite with her handler, and his inability to retrieve her (due to extreme risk this would pose both him and other members of the elite SAS squad), are heartbreaking.
In a twist of irony following the engagement and return of the regiment to base, Sarbi did manage to return but was chased away by local guards outside the base, who did not recognise her. It is believed that Sarbi was subsequently found by a local child who brought her home. News of Sarbi's presence travelled fast, and she was then taken from the family by a well known Taliban warlord. The 'doggies', as they are colloquially known in the Australian Army, are also known to Taliban and highly prized as 'loot', as they can be used in negotiations.
Sarbi survived a full year, including a punishing Afghan winter, where she was Missing in Action, before extensive covert intelligence attempts to locate her bore fruit. Successful negotiations were undertaken via a local 'middleman', including demands of 'proof of life' and ransom before she was returned to her handler. It is an amazing story which made headlines around the world in 2009. Sarbi's lovely nature and joyous reunification with army personnel, in combination with her heroism and intelligence are striking evidence that dogs are almost perfect beings who walk amongst us, giving unrestrainedly of themselves and willing to devote their all to 'their' humans.
The book is also fascinating as it details the dogs' training regime, the bond they develop with their handlers, and the love and hope they infectiously spread, contributing to maintaining and improving morale across entire regiments. Incorporated into Sarbi's own story are those of other handlers attached to other regiments, and their dogs. These resound with themes of incredible bravery, courage under fire and bonds of mateship and ultimate sacrifice.
If you only read one book this year, this is the one to read. If you were ever in doubt about the sacrifice made by our personnel, read this. If you ever thought Kevin Rudd was completely soft and a try hard, read this book with its perfect assessment of him and comparison to the battle toughened elite soldiers; I found it highly amusing, with a solid helping of cringe factor. If you have a beloved dog who you suspect is really an angel in disguise, here is the proof. I adored this book. So much that I plan to borrow it from the library in the future, or buy my own copy. It is just stunning in its beauty, and the author's research and tenacious negotiations undertaken with the top brass of the Army, to allow the story to be written and published, are almost as impressive as Sarbi's own survival and miraculous return to her regiment, and eventually, to the country she served and protected. Sarbi returned to live retired from service, with her handler Sergeant D.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2014
Kane says: (read Jan 10 2014) Having a great affection for K9's and working (not a handler but medic) with them (and some of the soldiers in this book i know very well and have worked with for many years.. Cheers Guys!) and their handlers I couldn't put this down. Great book on our lesser known soldiers, how they are picked out and trained and more importantly the work they do and risks they haven't a care for to help other soldiers return home to see families. The fact that Sarbi was lost and then returned is very unique. This book also tells of hardships that both handlers and MWD's go through and the bond between these 2 soldiers (and dogs in general) is so great ... nearly spoiled it. Definitely a must read book from any angle (combat stories, K9's and working dogs the bond of human and animals), its tear inducing, adrenaline pumping and ultimately.. TRUE! Add it to your shelf to read.
Sally says: I found a lot of the facts and figures a bit heavy and at times couldn't see the relevance of a particular fact used in a paragraph that seemed unrelated and therefore felt a bit like it was padding the book out. that's not to be confused by the importance and significance of the information on its own. I really enjoyed the I guess more human emotional storytelling writing parts of the book: the relationships between humans and hounds. Overall a recommended read for any dog person.
Sally says: I found a lot of the facts and figures a bit heavy and at times couldn't see the relevance of a particular fact used in a paragraph that seemed unrelated and therefore felt a bit like it was padding the book out. that's not to be confused by the importance and significance of the information on its own. I really enjoyed the I guess more human emotional storytelling writing parts of the book: the relationships between humans and hounds. Overall a recommended read for any dog person.
April 25, 2016
The story of Sarbi is an interesting one as dogs who are involved in combat like human soldiers are simply incredible and their contributions in warfare need to be acknowledged as well. I just did not like the style in which this book is written.
May 20, 2022
Unfortunately this book was not what it said it was in the title and subtitle. The chapters about the dogs when they were puppies were gushing and sentimental. The chapters about when Sarbi was an Explosives Detection Dog in the Army were full of Defence-speak (I used to work for Defence and know too much about Defence jargon) and were very much propaganda for the war in Afghanistan. Reading it now in 2022, knowing how the Taliban immediately took over the country again when the Coalition soldiers left, and knowing how badly the Australian government has treated the Afghans who worked with our soldiers, made the whole book leave a bad taste in my mouth. The actual "saving" of Sarbi was one chapter, and she saved herself.
May 16, 2018
This is an interesting book. The respect I had for service dogs in general was increased exponentially on hearing of the sacrifice and love the dogs give their handlers and the whole camp. Their very presence raises morale and decreases stress amongst the troops. Great true story, summed up in the poem on the memorial to the dogs who gave their lives in service:
My eyes are your eyes.
To watch and protect yours.
My ears are your ears.
To hear and detect evil minds in the dark.
My nose is your nose.
To scent the danger of your domain.
And so you may live, my life is also yours.
My eyes are your eyes.
To watch and protect yours.
My ears are your ears.
To hear and detect evil minds in the dark.
My nose is your nose.
To scent the danger of your domain.
And so you may live, my life is also yours.
September 19, 2017
While I agree with some of the reviews of the disappointed readers about the style of writing, the sidebar trivia etc, for me it was still a very interesting story. Being an animal lover and having an ex military husband, so much of the story was still an eye opener. It is after all non fiction and tells of the lengths so many people went to, to find Sarbi.
December 22, 2024
(Audiobook) Like many other reviews have stated, this wasn’t the type of book I expected. I thought the whole book would be about Sarbi, instead the focus wasn’t about Sarbi until half-way through the book. The book started off with a focus on the military. I would have like to have heard more stories about Sarbi.
October 9, 2017
A good story but it could have benefited from a bit of precis. Maybe Reader's Digest could do it as a condensed book.
April 18, 2020
Amazing story !! I really want a black lab
August 19, 2020
3 1/2 stars. A good story and tribute to dogs working in dangerous conditions - with a happy ending for a good doggy.
February 18, 2023
there is clearly not enough content on the dog alone so the book has all this boring crap which i skipped past. also like when the story is about a dog being missing for a year, and the only person who knows what happened is a dog, and dogs cannot talk, idk what i expected lmao.
January 15, 2016
Like another reviewer, I was a bit disappointed with this book. While I enjoyed it, there is little actual story about Sarbi in here. While I realise the difficulties involved, I would have loved to have read an actual account from the Taliban (or hearsay from others) involved in what happened to Sarbi after the ambush that separated her from Soldier D.
Even stories from others in the unit about how D reacted when he realised she was missing, how they tried to find her, ANYTHING but what we got.
What we did get was that she was a brave dog, who loved her job (or tennis balls at least), and that she trusted D to look out for her.
There was hardly even any mention about the huge social media campaign the Australian public created when it was originally reported that because she had been "in country" for longer than her immunisations allowed, she would not be returned home.
Even stories from others in the unit about how D reacted when he realised she was missing, how they tried to find her, ANYTHING but what we got.
What we did get was that she was a brave dog, who loved her job (or tennis balls at least), and that she trusted D to look out for her.
There was hardly even any mention about the huge social media campaign the Australian public created when it was originally reported that because she had been "in country" for longer than her immunisations allowed, she would not be returned home.
September 13, 2012
Saving Private Sarbi is an Australian dog/military book, about an explosives detection dog (EDD Sarbi) who went missing in action in Afghanistan after an historic battle between the SAS and the Taliban. Sarbi, who was injured in the battle, was MIA for thirteen months in an area known to be a Taliban stronghold.
This is a great book, however, being a massive dog lover, I had difficulty reading about the fate of many of the EDD’s while they are on duty in war zones. This book provides an honest look into the participation of Australian troops (both two legged and four legged) in combat zones.
3.5/5 paws
This is a great book, however, being a massive dog lover, I had difficulty reading about the fate of many of the EDD’s while they are on duty in war zones. This book provides an honest look into the participation of Australian troops (both two legged and four legged) in combat zones.
3.5/5 paws
February 19, 2013
Great book, but not what I expected. I thought the story would be more about the dog, less about the history of the militarys use of dogs.
This neverless does not make this a good book, but in a way enriches the story.
I was disappointed that her missing time was almost barely mentioned. I know that not much is probably known about her mising time, but in the book, you get the feeling that she was only gone for a few months, not 13 months that it actually was.
Glad that her story ended well, and that her good work is still being completed by others of her kind.
This neverless does not make this a good book, but in a way enriches the story.
I was disappointed that her missing time was almost barely mentioned. I know that not much is probably known about her mising time, but in the book, you get the feeling that she was only gone for a few months, not 13 months that it actually was.
Glad that her story ended well, and that her good work is still being completed by others of her kind.
July 15, 2012
Like many other people, I read this book hoping to read more about Sarbi herself. The author has a very affected style which sometimes got in the way of the story ...
I did enjoy reading about the life of an EDD and I thought that it was interesting to find out what the army looks for when getting a dog - I could have done without some of the extrapolation though
I did enjoy reading about the life of an EDD and I thought that it was interesting to find out what the army looks for when getting a dog - I could have done without some of the extrapolation though
January 2, 2013
After losing my adorable chocolate lab, I wanted to read the story of a hero among dogs. While the story was great - the book was dragged out, recounting endless unrelated tales which took the meaning away for me, maybe I was looking for something else. Pity, because the dogs involved are such amazing creatures and true heroes.
June 30, 2016
This was an interesting story about Explosives Detection Dog, Sarbi, who worked in Afghanistan for the Australian Army. The risks she took to protect her human counterparts was amazing. Although a bit dry at times, it was plainly obvious that the author has a great love for animals in general and dogs in particular.
May 29, 2025
So majority of the book was describing facts about military, dogs etc and had a major lack of what the story is actually meant to be about. Idk why we needed to go in depth about dog genetics, it’s not what I picked the book up for. I got half way and gave up, took me months to come back and finish it.
December 22, 2012
I really enjoyed this story as it gave good inside into the battles our Aussie & allied soldiers have to endure in the Middle East as well as what the EDD's go through to protect the diggers. Well written & researched.
Recommend
Recommend
November 18, 2013
I absolutely loved this book! Maybe it is my own personal connections to the Australian Army and also labradors.... But either way it is a fantastic tale/tail :) and all true! Well done Sarbi, seek on!
September 3, 2016
Have enjoyed reading books about dogs during all wars and how brave they were brought many a tear to my eyes by Lorna Gemmell
Excellent book to read a true story to hit the heart strings all books on war dogs are brilliant true stories
Excellent book to read a true story to hit the heart strings all books on war dogs are brilliant true stories
November 11, 2012
This book is more about Explosive Detection Dogs and really just uses Sarbi's story as example. Nevertheless, it brings to light the amazing things that these dogs and their handlers do.
December 14, 2012
Although at times tough to get through with it's factual detail, ultimately, a fantastic read. Very interesting and a heart warming end to the true story.
Read
April 8, 2013I loved it a couple tears but truly loved it. So thankful my sister picked it up for me
Read
August 3, 2016Loved loved loved!
November 2, 2015
Loved this book. Dogs are the true unsung hero's of war. Wonderful guy that was his handler.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews