Caesar the War Dog

Caesar the War Dog #1

by Stephen Dando-Collins

Based on the true experiences of military dogs, Caesar the War Dog is story of loyalty, strength, and the bond between a man and his dog

At the kennels, Caesar doesn't look special. But Corporal Ben Fulton sees something different—an intelligent dog whose curiosity will make him an excellent sniffer dog in the Australian Army. On operations in Afghanistan with Ben, Caesar proves his worth, finding hidden explosives and saving the lives of the soldiers. Then, during a Taliban ambush, Caesar is separated from his master. In the aftermath, Ben and his best friend Charlie are seriously wounded and evacuated to the hospital before being shipped back to Australia. But where is Caesar? From their home in Australia, Ben and his family search for clues that might reveal whether their beloved dog is still alive and surviving Afghanistan's bitter winter cold and capture by the Taliban. It will be a long road home, and Caesar will face many hardships along the way, but for this brave and loyal dog, anything is possible. This book is based on the true story of Australian military dog Sarbi and its experiences in Afghanistan, combined with the factual experiences of Endal, the devoted British dog who cared for his wheelchair-bound ex-serviceman master and became the most decorated dog in history.

Genres: Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Stephen Dando-Collins is the multi-award-winning author of 48 books. British reviewer, noted playwright Robin Hawdon, says that Dando-Collins is "the modern age's foremost dramatizer of Greek and Roman history," while American reviewer bestselling military author Lt. Colonel Dave Grossman has described Dando-Collins as "a literary giant." Considered an authority on the legions of ancient Rome, Dando-Collins has written ancient and modern history, children's novels, scientific nonfiction, and biographies. The bulk of his works deal with military history, ranging from Greek, Persian and Roman times to American, British and Australian 19th century history and World I and Word War II.
Many of his books have been translated into foreign languages including Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Dutch, Russian, Albanian and Korean.
His most acclaimed book on the ancient military, 'LEGIONS OF ROME,' was the culmination of decades of research into Rome's imperial legions.
Dando-Collins aims to travel roads that others have not, unearthing new facts and opening new perspectives on often forgotten or overlooked people and aspects of history.
He has two new books in 2024: 'CAESAR VERSUS POMPEY: Determining Rome's Greatest General, Statesman & Nation-Builder,' (Turner, US), and 'THE BUNA SHOTS: The Amazing Story Behind Two Photographs that Changed the Course of World War Two,' (Australian Scholarly Publishing).

Reviews

[Paul (Life In The Slow Lane) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about a dog! Enough said.

As I was reading this, I thought, "What a lovely fictional story," but it's not fiction. It's real, based on the famous war dog "Sarbi", who served with the Australian military in Afghanistan.

While the writing style seems aimed at young adults, the story has universal appeal - well, it appealed to me anyway. I learned a great deal, not just about the actions of Caesar (Sarbi), but the daily life of the Afghans, the war in Afghanistan, the Taliban and what they represent, dog training, the intelligence level of various dogs, IEDs, and a bunch of other stuff. I guess when a book is written by a multi-award-winning author of over 45 historical novels/books, you can expect a bit of a history lesson. This is more than that though; this leaves you with a wee lump in your throat and maybe a tear in your eye.

I love it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

As soon as I saw the front cover of this book I knew I had to read it - how could anyone resist such a beautiful face. Caesar is a true Labrador, he's intelligent, curious, loyal, friendly and obedient (unlike Marley who was a disgrace to the breed). At first I thought this was a true story, that Caesar really was an explosives detector dog working for the Australian army, but the book is based on true stories of service dogs. However, this was still an easy and interesting read.

[Maree Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from my Dad and absolutely adored it.
I've previously read Saving Private Sarbi so know her story well. Some of the events in this book are based on what happened to her.
Caesar is just an amazingly clever dog and forms such a strong bond with his handler Ben and is well liked by his fellow soldiers. His skills save many lives.
There are lessons for all to learn from this book, dealing with loss and overcoming adversity to showing compassion for others.
I will certainly be looking out for the other books in this series.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story for a reading challenge prompt but I really enjoyed it. So much so I’m going to have to read the rest of the books in the series if I can. It’s based on the true stories of war dogs which makes it even better in my opinion. I felt like I was right there as I was reading it as Caesar proved to Ben that he could be a great explosives detector dog. He proved himself to be a great asset to the team and was a super sniffer! When something happens and Caesar has to survive on his own - he does. The part towards the end of the story with Ben and Caesar - I had a lump in my throat!

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in series that focuses on Caesar who is trained to be a bomb detecting dog for the military, a d he goes on several adventures around the world saving countless lives with every mission that gets completed.

He also helps his owners family as they go through their own ups and downs dealing with loss and tragedy. I think that story was great and I think that the author did a great job writing it.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the first few pages I fell in love with this because of its detail and spark. This story includes a man dog relationship like know other with the man believing in Caesar to become a great sniffer dog. There is a great sense of loyalty and passion. The man that trained Caesar never gave up in training this wonderful dog and in the end he saved countless lives. This book was amazing and I can’t wait to read the other ones in the series!

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book because it gives of the strong message of companionship and loyalty through an extremely well written novel, making us feel like we are a part of the story. Caesar the war dog follows a brave sniffer dog working in the Australian army, and his owner, Corporal Ben Fulton. Caesar doesn't look like much at first, but ben sees something that the others don't. a curious dog who will make an excellent sniffer dog for the army. after Ben takes Caesar back home to meet his family, we are allowed an insight into his private life. it introduces us to Maddie, Bens daughter, Bens mother, and lastly, Josh, Bens 9 year old son who is still dealing with the recent loss of his mother due to breast cancer and, the recent loss of Bens previous dog. Josh isn't accepting of Caesar at first, but slowly comes around to him during the course of the novel. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone interested and I am looking forward to reading the sequels

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of an exceptional dog!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for the younger reader this book is simple in it's explanations but thorough. I did enjoy the story but because it was aimed at such a young audience (I would say 10 - 13 yr olds) I probably wouldn't read #2. Would definitely recommend to the kids at school to read though.

[Joanne Quick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent piece of fiction.
Based on true events, I kept thinking it was entirely real.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work of fiction appeals in many ways : animals, grieving family, war, human kindnesses and cruelty. I will be recommending this to our Yr 6 reluctant readers as well as our enthusiastic ones!

[Daemon]

It is a great book I would read it from school to home and I am not a good reader

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story suitable for Year 5 and above. Set in Afghanistan in recent times, it follows Ben and Caesar as they are posted in Taliban territory.

[Macca · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is my favourite book!!!!! it is sad but i keeps you really hooked in but at the end it gets really good.

[Emily Rawlings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a bit slow but all in all a beautiful book.
But I absolutely hated the ending.

[Harlem Latham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone willing to read it this book got me into joining the Australian SAS this book is action packed. Recommend for every person

[Tamsyn Grumetza · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a sad book.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely engaging and leaves you just wanting to read more and more after each chapter. The book brings you into the story as you feel part of what is happening.