Thunder Dog

by Michael Hingson

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

Paperback

Published August 7, 2012

About the author

When the World Trade Center was attacked on 9-11, it was as though the world stood still. It was a day that captured our full attention. Michael Hingson and his Guide Dog Roselle were on the 78th floor of Tower One that day, and were able to make their way to safety and survive the attack. The duo was immediately thrust into the international spotlight, becoming well-known representatives of the strength of the human/animal bond and a living example of the powerful partnership that exists between a blind person and their Guide Dog. In 2002 Michael joined the Guide Dogs for the Blind team as the National Public Affairs director, to share his story throughout the world on behalf of the school. In June of 2008 Michael left Guide Dogs to form The Michael Hingson Group to continue his speaking career as well as to serve as a consultent for corporations and organizations that need assistance with Inclusive and Diversity training as well as adaptive technology training.
Michael Hingson is available for speaking engagements, public appearances, consulting and training contract positions and media interviews.
In his own words:
I lived through the 9-11 tragedy and have much to say about my experiences leading up to and escaping from the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Since that day, I’ve traveled the world with Roselle and her successors; at first to help people heal and hope, and now, to help them find meaning and purpose. As a blind person living in today’s world I want people to see that while there are many different kinds of people, each with their own different gifts, we all can live and work together if we choose to open our minds and hearts and become a more inclusive world. There are positive lessons to be learned from every tragedy, and 9-11 is certainly no exception.
Because I am blind, I have a unique perspective. Because I believe in the power of partnering with my Guide Dog, I can speak from the heart about teamwork and trust. I’ve been a guest numerous times on Larry King Live, have been interviewed on Regis and Kelly, and have appeared on the CBS Morning Show – but I’m looking forward to my next big engagement: as the featured speaker at your event.
I promise to bring my faithful friend and guide dog, Africa – she has her own fan club! If it weren’t for our ability to work together as a team just as I Roselle and I did on 9-11, my story would be much different and I probably would not have learned the lessons I now can pass on to audiences throughout the world.
The events of September 11th changed the world, and they certainly changed my life. There’s something about almost losing your life that makes what really matters in life crystal clear. I left my successful 27-year career in high tech computer sales and management to travel the world speaking about the importance of teamwork and trust in our professional and personal lives.
I would like to bring my story to your audience at your next event or meeting and help you make it a memorable and rewarding experience. And you will have the satisfaction that any dollars you spend will not only cover my speaking fees, but will help others like myself enjoy the independence and companionship that comes from a partnership with a Guide Dog.

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to imagine how a blind man and his guide dog were able to escape from the 78th floor. Lots of information about living successfully despite a handicap.

[Arda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idag har jag lyssnat klart på boken 'Thunder Dog'. Boken handlar om Michael Hingson, en blind man, och hans ledarhund Roselle. Michael beskriver sin upplevelse den 11 september 2001. Michael och Roselle befann sig i WTC i det norra tornet när det första flygplanet träffade byggnaden. De lyckades lämna byggnaden oskadda, men befann sig fortfarande i närheten när det södra tornet kollapsade. Täckt med damm och chockade lyckades de hitta säkerhet och vila hos en vän. Michael använder sin upplevelse från den dagen för att berätta om sin uppväxt och sitt liv som blind, och om de särskilda banden mellan en blind person och hans ledarhund. Förut visste jag knappt någonting om 11 september, om att vara blind eller om ledarhundar. Därför var boken väldigt intressant för mig och jag lärde mig mycket. Jag lyssnar på mina ljudböcker på Audible. Jag köper bara ett medlemskap när det finns ett bra erbjudande. Eftersom Audible inte är det bästa mediet för svenska ljudböcker, måste jag leta hårt efter intressanta svenska ljudböcker som jag inte hittar där. Den här boken var ett bra fynd.

[Madison Brownfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thunder Dog is an inspirational story about overcoming adversity and trusting in teamwork, both human and canine. I came for the 9/11 survival story but left with a deeper understanding of what it means to live without sight and how much attitudes toward blindness shape daily life. The bond between Michael Hingson and his guide dog, Roselle, was powerful—their calm, loyalty, and trust in each other during such unimaginable chaos were unforgettable. The first half of the book was fascinating and fast-paced, especially during their escape from Tower 1, but it dragged a bit once they reached safety. I also could’ve done without the heavier religious tone; I would’ve preferred more focus on Roselle, Michael’s relationships with others that day, and the blind community as a whole. Still, it’s an incredible account of courage and the unshakable connection between a man and his dog.

[Paul Pessolano · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was fantastic but it had little to do about the dog. The book is merely a book on blindness, which I enjoyed and got a lot of good information about blind people. I was really looking for a book on the dog. The biggest part he played was getting she and her master out of Tower One when the terrorist plane hit it. Mind you it was a monumental effort by the dog. She was able to keep focused on her job in a very difficult situation; and not only that but when she got out her work continued until they got clear of the disaster. A Truely remarkable feat. Again I really wish the book focused more on the dog, although it is a great book about blindness. e

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobbed my way through this one

[Abby Ulstrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! Such an incredible story and I have re read this multiple times!

[Carroll Ericson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in a day! It was funny and scary at the same time. Made you really see how "normies" make the blind feel less-than.

[Robin Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming account of 911. Learned some miconceptions about being blind. Easy read.

[Peggy Mangum · Rating 5 out of 5]

What A Fantastic Uplifting Book!
Another Book I would Give 10*. I Listened to This Book. Michael is a Great Reader. I Learned So much about Blindness. I Highly Recommend This Book For Everyone🙏🙏

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping it would be more about 9/11 and the journey of what happened on that day. I felt like it was more about being blind. It was a good story but it felt like it was mis-marketed

[Amy K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a story and what a way to experience this tragedy.