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Dogs of Courage
A celebration of the amazing canines who perform feats of bravery every day
Dogs don't just make lovable pets. They also work at an incredible number of jobs, helping humans in countless ways. From working with search-and-rescue teams to find missing persons to helping patients recover from injuries, Lisa Rogak covers the many ways in which dogs are an essential part of our world. And she tells the surprising stories of regular dogs who have gone above and beyond to help their owners—and even each other.
Dogs of Courage reveals the heartwarming and awe-inspiring stories of these hard-working dogs, from the training they receive to the ways we honor their sacrifices and reward their years of service. Affirming what every dog lover knows, this book shows how deep a dog's loyalty and friendship can go.
Dogs don't just make lovable pets. They also work at an incredible number of jobs, helping humans in countless ways. From working with search-and-rescue teams to find missing persons to helping patients recover from injuries, Lisa Rogak covers the many ways in which dogs are an essential part of our world. And she tells the surprising stories of regular dogs who have gone above and beyond to help their owners—and even each other.
Dogs of Courage reveals the heartwarming and awe-inspiring stories of these hard-working dogs, from the training they receive to the ways we honor their sacrifices and reward their years of service. Affirming what every dog lover knows, this book shows how deep a dog's loyalty and friendship can go.
- GenresDogsNonfictionAnimals
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2012
3 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Rogak
51 books136 followersMy new book Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS will be published on March 4, 2025.
Lisa Rogak is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 books, which have been published in more than two dozen languages. Her books Barack Obama: In His Own Words, and Angry Optimist: The Life & Times of Jon Stewart, hit the New York Times bestseller lists. Haunted Heart: The Life & Times of Stephen King was nominated for both the Edgar and Anthony Awards.
Her books have been reviewed and otherwise mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, and hundreds of other publications. She appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show as the featured guest in a show about small towns to promote her book, Moving to the Country Once and For All.
She lives in New Hampshire and is currently at work on a memoir.
Lisa Rogak is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 books, which have been published in more than two dozen languages. Her books Barack Obama: In His Own Words, and Angry Optimist: The Life & Times of Jon Stewart, hit the New York Times bestseller lists. Haunted Heart: The Life & Times of Stephen King was nominated for both the Edgar and Anthony Awards.
Her books have been reviewed and otherwise mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, and hundreds of other publications. She appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show as the featured guest in a show about small towns to promote her book, Moving to the Country Once and For All.
She lives in New Hampshire and is currently at work on a memoir.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 8, 2022
There were some things about Dogs of Courage that annoyed me, but there was enough good stuff to rate it at least 3.5 out of 5. This book would be better for those who haven’t read a lot of books on dogs like I have.
Good to talk about positives first. It covers a LOT, of the ways people work with dogs. As I have read a lot of books on dogs prior to this one, a fair amount was stuff I already had read whole books on. But there was stuff brought up from time to time that I didn’t know, like that dogs can swim faster than Olympic swimmers. There were some ways dogs are used to smell out different things that was also new to me. If you haven’t read a fair number of books and articles on dogs, there would probably be a LOT of new info for you.
The other great thing about this book is the little stories of specific dogs. I think all of them are good, but there were a couple of really great ones in there.
The last chapter contained stories about dogs used in movies, including the 5 dogs used for Marley & me. I especially liked that chapter.
Now the negatives for me. Since I have read a lot of books, the short chapters on topics felt like crib notes. It would be like a choice to watch a great movie, or have someone just tell you the high points.
The writing style, especially in the beginning of the books, somehow reminded me of a school kid having to do a report and site their sources. I don’t claim to have any literary expertise, but the book felt choppy to me because of the quotes and citations and brief amount of information given on some topics.
Lastly, I felt the author uses the phrase ‘Dogs of Courage’ way too much that it annoyed me. I felt the author could have just let the great things dogs do speak for themselves instead of slap the same label on the different thing’s dogs do over and over again.
I would recommend reading full books on the topics she covers in this book rather than read this book, but for me, there was some things that made the book still a good read.
Good to talk about positives first. It covers a LOT, of the ways people work with dogs. As I have read a lot of books on dogs prior to this one, a fair amount was stuff I already had read whole books on. But there was stuff brought up from time to time that I didn’t know, like that dogs can swim faster than Olympic swimmers. There were some ways dogs are used to smell out different things that was also new to me. If you haven’t read a fair number of books and articles on dogs, there would probably be a LOT of new info for you.
The other great thing about this book is the little stories of specific dogs. I think all of them are good, but there were a couple of really great ones in there.
The last chapter contained stories about dogs used in movies, including the 5 dogs used for Marley & me. I especially liked that chapter.
Now the negatives for me. Since I have read a lot of books, the short chapters on topics felt like crib notes. It would be like a choice to watch a great movie, or have someone just tell you the high points.
The writing style, especially in the beginning of the books, somehow reminded me of a school kid having to do a report and site their sources. I don’t claim to have any literary expertise, but the book felt choppy to me because of the quotes and citations and brief amount of information given on some topics.
Lastly, I felt the author uses the phrase ‘Dogs of Courage’ way too much that it annoyed me. I felt the author could have just let the great things dogs do speak for themselves instead of slap the same label on the different thing’s dogs do over and over again.
I would recommend reading full books on the topics she covers in this book rather than read this book, but for me, there was some things that made the book still a good read.
February 25, 2021
"Dogs of Courage" by Lisa Rogak
Reviewed on 25 February 2021
I found this book at the library when I was searching for dog training tips. Although there are not dog training tips in here, it's nice to read about our canine heroes. I enjoyed reading the story about the small Chihuahua-rat terrier cross Police dog named Midge on page 39. Heroes come in small packages, too. As the sheriff owner says, "Even if you are small, if you take a stand, you can make a difference."
I read this book right after reading "Angel Dogs with a Mission" by Allen and Linda Anderson, which had also included Midge in one of their stories. There are many great dogs out there who do lots of courageous duties. I was hoping this book was written with a bit more poignancy and raw emotions, as there were no tears shed for such heroic and brave stories of saving-lives. I feel as though the writing was very journalistic (more of reporting) rather than really attempting to connect the readers to these incredible dogs.
There is a great speech by George Graham Vest, a lawyer in Missouri who was hired in 1870 by a man who was suing a neighbour for damages for killing his dog. The speech was made popular when a congressman form Missouri named Clement C. Dickinson red "Eulogy on a Dog" into the Congressional Record in 1916. The dog will stay true and loyal even when death takes his master away.
The actions of dog owner Robert Homrighous of Oakland Park Florida, who buried alive his dog Sheba's offsprings once he found out the pups were not pure-blood Rottweilers was incredibly asinine. Sheba surely is a remarkable dog for breaking free and digging up her puppies. Rightfully so, Homrighous was sentenced to four months in jail for cruelty to animals. People like that make me sick. Farmers often shot unwanted dogs, which also makes me feel very uncomfortable.
Overall, a heartfelt book, but not super well-written.
Reviewed on 25 February 2021
I found this book at the library when I was searching for dog training tips. Although there are not dog training tips in here, it's nice to read about our canine heroes. I enjoyed reading the story about the small Chihuahua-rat terrier cross Police dog named Midge on page 39. Heroes come in small packages, too. As the sheriff owner says, "Even if you are small, if you take a stand, you can make a difference."
I read this book right after reading "Angel Dogs with a Mission" by Allen and Linda Anderson, which had also included Midge in one of their stories. There are many great dogs out there who do lots of courageous duties. I was hoping this book was written with a bit more poignancy and raw emotions, as there were no tears shed for such heroic and brave stories of saving-lives. I feel as though the writing was very journalistic (more of reporting) rather than really attempting to connect the readers to these incredible dogs.
There is a great speech by George Graham Vest, a lawyer in Missouri who was hired in 1870 by a man who was suing a neighbour for damages for killing his dog. The speech was made popular when a congressman form Missouri named Clement C. Dickinson red "Eulogy on a Dog" into the Congressional Record in 1916. The dog will stay true and loyal even when death takes his master away.
The actions of dog owner Robert Homrighous of Oakland Park Florida, who buried alive his dog Sheba's offsprings once he found out the pups were not pure-blood Rottweilers was incredibly asinine. Sheba surely is a remarkable dog for breaking free and digging up her puppies. Rightfully so, Homrighous was sentenced to four months in jail for cruelty to animals. People like that make me sick. Farmers often shot unwanted dogs, which also makes me feel very uncomfortable.
Overall, a heartfelt book, but not super well-written.
February 4, 2013
When I think hero dogs, my mind automatically goes in the direction of police dogs tracking down criminals, military dogs on the front lines overseas, and those heartwarming stories about the family pets who wake their humans when a fire breaks out. This book takes those ideas and expands on them, covering all angles of ways dogs can be heroes (though I think the military dogs got their own book, as I don't recall a chapter about them in this book), including drug sniffers, environmental protectors, arson detectors, guide dogs, medical alert dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and even celebrity pooches whose roles broadened our expectations for what dogs can be trained to do.
I thought all the stories were great, as the author provided both a background on how a dog is trained to be a Dog of Courage in the role indicated by the chapter name and specific examples of dogs who meet those requirements and why they're special. I would have liked more of the specific examples, as I found the lead-up to be well built, but then there were only one or two dogs whose full story was told in each chapter. Also, those specific stories were in their own sections in the middle of the chapters, so I would be reading about the background, and the story section would come up at a page break, right in the middle of a sentence at times. It was more a technical problem than a content issue, and perhaps if they put out a later editions of this book, they'll move the stories to the end of the chapters.
Overall, I found the book very comprehensive and it broadened my knowledge of what dogs do for society. For example, I never realized dogs were used for things such as tracking whales by smelling their wastes in open ocean water or picking out invasive non-native plants in a field of weeds. Chapters were short and it's the kind of book that can be read a little at a time.
I thought all the stories were great, as the author provided both a background on how a dog is trained to be a Dog of Courage in the role indicated by the chapter name and specific examples of dogs who meet those requirements and why they're special. I would have liked more of the specific examples, as I found the lead-up to be well built, but then there were only one or two dogs whose full story was told in each chapter. Also, those specific stories were in their own sections in the middle of the chapters, so I would be reading about the background, and the story section would come up at a page break, right in the middle of a sentence at times. It was more a technical problem than a content issue, and perhaps if they put out a later editions of this book, they'll move the stories to the end of the chapters.
Overall, I found the book very comprehensive and it broadened my knowledge of what dogs do for society. For example, I never realized dogs were used for things such as tracking whales by smelling their wastes in open ocean water or picking out invasive non-native plants in a field of weeds. Chapters were short and it's the kind of book that can be read a little at a time.
January 31, 2013
An informative read covering the gamut of dogs of courage—from guide dogs to police dogs to even fictional dogs who have inspired people for countless generations on television. As a dog lover, I already knew a bit about some of these specially trained dogs, and how they are chosen and placed. Yet there is still a wealth of information, including stories about specific dogs and their accomplishments as well as discussions of programs I didn't even know existed, such as prison dogs. Who knew that over 200 prisons in the United States have programs where well-behaved inmates have the opportunity to train dogs on death row to become service animals, or even just obedient pets to be placed in loving homes? They may even have the chance to earn certification as vet techs so they can find a job when released! This is just a small amount of the interesting information you will find in this book for dog lovers.
May 29, 2013
Dogs of Courage: The Heroism and Heart of Working Dogs Around the World by Lisa Rogak
★★★
This book discusses the different roles a working dog does (therapy, assistant, rescue, search, etc) – how they get to be in such roles, criteria, training, and so on - and once in awhile throws in a story about an extraordinary dog in its field. Since the description of the book states it is the stories of working dogs, I was hoping there would be more of those, not just descriptions of the jobs and what they entail. The few stories in there were too short for my liking but rewarding nonetheless, because who doesn’t like to hear about happy dogs and their masters? Not a bad book. Quick and educational, especially if you know little about the different roles and you might just be surprised how many roles there are! But not exactly what I was hoping for.
★★★
This book discusses the different roles a working dog does (therapy, assistant, rescue, search, etc) – how they get to be in such roles, criteria, training, and so on - and once in awhile throws in a story about an extraordinary dog in its field. Since the description of the book states it is the stories of working dogs, I was hoping there would be more of those, not just descriptions of the jobs and what they entail. The few stories in there were too short for my liking but rewarding nonetheless, because who doesn’t like to hear about happy dogs and their masters? Not a bad book. Quick and educational, especially if you know little about the different roles and you might just be surprised how many roles there are! But not exactly what I was hoping for.
November 9, 2012
Although a little dry at some points, this book covers the jobs and help man's best friend has offered us over the years in great detail. From cancer sniffing dogs, to orca scat sniffing dogs, to guide dogs. There are sure to be stories here that will amaze and astonish. Sometimes the added quotes do distract a little, throwing you off the point of the story. Often with the inserted stories being right in the middle of a chapter, you had to go back to read them, and this was a little irritating. I would have preferred these highlights to be stand alone at the end of each chapter, so I didn't have to flick back pages to find them again. Still, it was very informative even if it did take me a long time to read. Four stars for the book, but five stars to the dogs!
October 30, 2012
This book by Lisa Rogak is a great read for any dog lover. Her discussion of the various Dogs of Courage on earth is fascinating. I knew that dogs were used by airports and customs offices, but they are working in so many other locations too! Bug detection, wildlife preservation, medical testing and therapy work are just a short list of the many ways dogs impact our lives in a positive manner. Lisa's writing style is friendly and engaging, and personally, I never get tired of feel-good stories involving dogs.
I appreciated the way the chapters were laid out, and I loved the added personal stories in each chapter.
Thank you Lisa for introducing me to so many Dogs of Courage!
I appreciated the way the chapters were laid out, and I loved the added personal stories in each chapter.
Thank you Lisa for introducing me to so many Dogs of Courage!
July 9, 2013
heartfelt and inspiring; a must read for dog lovers everywhere. what was really cool about this book was it goes through what each service dog needs to do for their area of expertise (police, fire, military, sar, therapy, etc) and how they do it. very cool, I was in awe of these amazingly dedicated dogs.
October 27, 2013
Author means well, but the writing was rather uninspired. I feel rather bad giving it a "meh" review - but with such a compelling subject, I would have liked to have the writing match the subject matter. It did not.
November 3, 2022
2.5/5
A little too general for my taste. I was expecting more in the way of tales of adventure, and less in the way of a description of the basics of service animals.
A little too general for my taste. I was expecting more in the way of tales of adventure, and less in the way of a description of the basics of service animals.
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September 16, 2025Actually I didn’t read very much of it. Wasn’t what I expected.
October 22, 2012
For those who love dogs, 'Dogs of Courage' will not only confirm but will extend your love. These heroic, working dogs from around the world we are introduced to rely on instincts unique to the canine population.. In Ms Rogat's book, we learn how the dogs are trained to perform as guide dogs, fire dogs, police dogs, search and rescue dogs, prison dogs, and so much more. The author has not only interviewed trainers, she has also done a great amount of research into the breeds, the history, and the development of canine companions and rescuers. Throughout the book, the author also introduces us to individual dogs and we hear their personal stories. There is a section where Ms Rogak has included photographs as well.
'Dogs of Courage' is remarkable in its scope and depth of content and certainly a must-read for anyone who loves dogs as we do. Remember the word 'courage' comes from the French word for heart (coeur). This book expands our understanding of acting "from the heart." We have much to learn and respect about our canine companions. Thank you Lisa Rogak.
'Dogs of Courage' is remarkable in its scope and depth of content and certainly a must-read for anyone who loves dogs as we do. Remember the word 'courage' comes from the French word for heart (coeur). This book expands our understanding of acting "from the heart." We have much to learn and respect about our canine companions. Thank you Lisa Rogak.
April 2, 2016
If you're looking for a feel-good compilation of tales recounting the heroics of working dogs, this is not that book. And yet, it is that and more. The author gets very deep into the nitty-gritty details of how dogs are chosen and trained for various jobs, but she also supplies many anecdotes and pictures of working dogs. While i did read the whole book, I didn't enjoy some of the detail that seemed unnecessary unless i plan on using our raising a working dog. I had checked out the book for my middle-schoolers, who are dog crazy, but neither of them read me than the anecdotes included in each chapter.
February 10, 2016
Enjoyable read on the many different jobs dogs do for us. Their sense of smell is amazing and enables them to help people complete some jobs faster and more effectively than any tools we've invented to date. Their ability to lift spirits and persevere through difficulties is inspiring. Anyone who loves dogs will find at least a few stories in this book to touch them.
The chapters can begin to feel a bit repetitive, but thats simply because the jobs and training process is similar in many cases. An easy read though so this doesn't detract much.
The chapters can begin to feel a bit repetitive, but thats simply because the jobs and training process is similar in many cases. An easy read though so this doesn't detract much.
December 29, 2013
This goes beyond the expected police dogs and rescue dogs.
Chapter are:
Dogs of courage; Police dogs; Fire dogs; Search-and-rescue dogs; Guide, service, and assistance dogs; Therapy dogs; Prison dogs; Medical-detection dogs; Wildlife-detection and -conservation dogs; Civilian dogs; Celebrity dogs of courage. There are from one to three individual profiles in each section.
Includes 8 pages of color photos.
Chapter are:
Dogs of courage; Police dogs; Fire dogs; Search-and-rescue dogs; Guide, service, and assistance dogs; Therapy dogs; Prison dogs; Medical-detection dogs; Wildlife-detection and -conservation dogs; Civilian dogs; Celebrity dogs of courage. There are from one to three individual profiles in each section.
Includes 8 pages of color photos.
January 8, 2016
This book reminds us just how important of a role dogs have in our lives. Dogs are our daily companions, heroes, and make us smile and laugh endlessly. There really is no better savior than a dog and this book proves just that. It is easy to overlook the support, protection, and love that dogs give us, but the endless ways dogs enrich our lives is a characteristic that should be praised for all of eternity.
February 14, 2013
Dogs of Courage is a terrific book that will make readers appreciate the capacity for selfless service of man's best friend. Here's a review I wrote for LiteraryDogs.com:
http://literarydogs.com/2013/02/08/do...
http://literarydogs.com/2013/02/08/do...
Want to read
March 3, 2015I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13207087
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13207087
September 5, 2016
Dogs love to work and in this book, the reader learns about all the occupations a dog can have. Interesting reading.
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April 19, 2018This book was pretty good. It gave me a good insight on what Dogs can do which is a lot. They can do so many different things like help people or detect a bomb. Both of those are very good. Dogs are great they lot of courage. I love dogs.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews