What do you think?
Rate this book
Buster: The Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives
Thousands of lives have been saved by this spaniel. He is a best friend in dog's clothing. An RAF dog with his mossy feet firmly on the ground. A brave dog who has served his colleagues and his country with unstinting devotion. A dog in a million.
This is the story of the partnership of Buster and Will, told by Will himself, describing how each came to save the other's life. This is a relationship that produced some heroic feats - and the most decorated dog in military history.
"With some dogs you share a boil in the bag breakfast and maybe a blanket on a cold desert floor. Some you wouldn't leave in charge of your Grandma unless you wanted to find out just how fast the old girl could run. But, if you're very, very lucky there will be the one dog you would lay down your life for - and for me that dog is Buster."
This is the story of the partnership of Buster and Will, told by Will himself, describing how each came to save the other's life. This is a relationship that produced some heroic feats - and the most decorated dog in military history.
"With some dogs you share a boil in the bag breakfast and maybe a blanket on a cold desert floor. Some you wouldn't leave in charge of your Grandma unless you wanted to find out just how fast the old girl could run. But, if you're very, very lucky there will be the one dog you would lay down your life for - and for me that dog is Buster."
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2014
10 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 11, 2024
I appreciate all who serve and like it when people immortalize dogs who do great service for us, however this book lacked exciting details I would expect from a military related book. While the sub title says 'The Military Dog who Saved a Thousand Lives" there wasn't much evidence of that directly spelled out. From the details in the book Buster and his handler hardly even got shot at, which I am very glad for them, but made this book less exciting that others I have read.
The normal dog with human relationship is good. And Buster, a Springer Spaniel, sounds like a great dog. Also, since the dog handler Will Barrow is British, it is sprinkled with differences in language that us Yanks love, like calling the troops 'lads.' So even though stuff said about good dogs have been done before, I still like reading about them. For example:
'Those who aren’t dog lovers probably think that talking to our four-legged friends is a step too close to crazy, but sometimes there’s no better conversationalist than a dog: if you are afraid they sense it and calm you without uttering a word. If you are making a fool of yourself they draw you to one side and give you that look that says ‘you know, you can be a real prat sometimes’.
Buster at one point was contrasted with the other type of dogs used in the military:
'Buster, by all accounts, was a ‘character’ and in the job we are very aware of the interpretation of ‘character’. In my experience that can mean anything from a loveable creature that licks your face and brings you your slippers at the end of a hard day, to a hard-arse heap of solid muscle that would eat your face and your slippers all at the same time.'
I always love reading about a great dog. the lads always loved on the dog and had to keep being told not to give him food. Love hearing of his quirks like not wanting to sit on the floor but up in a seat whenever he could. How he slept on his feet while they shared a 'mozzipod' (bedding with mosquito netting around it). I especially liked this bit about Buster:
'One thing that made me laugh from the start was Buster’s ‘indication’ — how he told me and the rest of the team that he had located a ‘find’. Most dogs trained for this work will sit or stand to indicate, but Buster did something else entirely — he performed a little jig with his front paws and growled! I laughed the first time I saw it, in fact 1t made me chuckle every time. He looked so intense and so funny all at the same time. But the hugely serious side to Buster’s little ‘dance’ was that when he did it there was, without a shadow of a doubt, a weapon or explosives right under his nose. With Buster, there was no mistake.'
Will was only Busters handler for one period of time. So it could be Buster did most of his more interesting adventures and finds with other handlers. Will wasn't his dog when he left Iraq save and sound though, however:
'But it was my Buster who was to have the honour of being the last British Military Working Dog to leave Iraq in 2009.'
Nice there is no Kleenex needed in the end of the book. So nice to hear about Buster, but the book was not that exciting enough for me to want to highly recommend it.
The normal dog with human relationship is good. And Buster, a Springer Spaniel, sounds like a great dog. Also, since the dog handler Will Barrow is British, it is sprinkled with differences in language that us Yanks love, like calling the troops 'lads.' So even though stuff said about good dogs have been done before, I still like reading about them. For example:
'Those who aren’t dog lovers probably think that talking to our four-legged friends is a step too close to crazy, but sometimes there’s no better conversationalist than a dog: if you are afraid they sense it and calm you without uttering a word. If you are making a fool of yourself they draw you to one side and give you that look that says ‘you know, you can be a real prat sometimes’.
Buster at one point was contrasted with the other type of dogs used in the military:
'Buster, by all accounts, was a ‘character’ and in the job we are very aware of the interpretation of ‘character’. In my experience that can mean anything from a loveable creature that licks your face and brings you your slippers at the end of a hard day, to a hard-arse heap of solid muscle that would eat your face and your slippers all at the same time.'
I always love reading about a great dog. the lads always loved on the dog and had to keep being told not to give him food. Love hearing of his quirks like not wanting to sit on the floor but up in a seat whenever he could. How he slept on his feet while they shared a 'mozzipod' (bedding with mosquito netting around it). I especially liked this bit about Buster:
'One thing that made me laugh from the start was Buster’s ‘indication’ — how he told me and the rest of the team that he had located a ‘find’. Most dogs trained for this work will sit or stand to indicate, but Buster did something else entirely — he performed a little jig with his front paws and growled! I laughed the first time I saw it, in fact 1t made me chuckle every time. He looked so intense and so funny all at the same time. But the hugely serious side to Buster’s little ‘dance’ was that when he did it there was, without a shadow of a doubt, a weapon or explosives right under his nose. With Buster, there was no mistake.'
Will was only Busters handler for one period of time. So it could be Buster did most of his more interesting adventures and finds with other handlers. Will wasn't his dog when he left Iraq save and sound though, however:
'But it was my Buster who was to have the honour of being the last British Military Working Dog to leave Iraq in 2009.'
Nice there is no Kleenex needed in the end of the book. So nice to hear about Buster, but the book was not that exciting enough for me to want to highly recommend it.
August 15, 2015
I found this title to be unique to the many hero dog stories out there. Admittedly, I am a sucker for this genre. I enjoyed it.
August 17, 2015
I have to be honest and say I am not one for reading books based on animals/pets.
However, with my current research on British/American forces I thought it would be a good idea; given the fact I have/had no knowledge of dog/handler in the forces. It was such a great read. After reading heavy books based on Afghanistan/Iraq about Soldiers being shot at, severely wounded, and sometimes being blown up, it was good to read an easy-reading book. The chemistry between Will and Buster was well addressed; Will's narration on Buster's emotions was both funny and warm. I was actually falling in love with a dog I hadn't met. But, this journey, although it was based on Buster, wouldn't have succeeded had the chemistry and understanding not have being as blunt. Will Barrow is clearly a dog lover and to work alongside a dog with as much as energy is a bonus. I am glad they made it back to England without neither been injured.
I did notice that quite a lot of the reviews claim this book to be "boring" without "much happening (action)."
Well, I can assure you, it is much more of a pleasure in reading this book, having a happy journey and ending, than reading those whose lives have changed drastically and/or ended.
However, with my current research on British/American forces I thought it would be a good idea; given the fact I have/had no knowledge of dog/handler in the forces. It was such a great read. After reading heavy books based on Afghanistan/Iraq about Soldiers being shot at, severely wounded, and sometimes being blown up, it was good to read an easy-reading book. The chemistry between Will and Buster was well addressed; Will's narration on Buster's emotions was both funny and warm. I was actually falling in love with a dog I hadn't met. But, this journey, although it was based on Buster, wouldn't have succeeded had the chemistry and understanding not have being as blunt. Will Barrow is clearly a dog lover and to work alongside a dog with as much as energy is a bonus. I am glad they made it back to England without neither been injured.
I did notice that quite a lot of the reviews claim this book to be "boring" without "much happening (action)."
Well, I can assure you, it is much more of a pleasure in reading this book, having a happy journey and ending, than reading those whose lives have changed drastically and/or ended.
February 1, 2016
Having an English Springer Spaniel made this book especially enjoyable. Apparently they all have some things in common........beggers, nosey and high energy, love of owners. Buster served 5 tours of duty with the RAF (England) in Afganistan searching for bombs with his military handler, Will Barrow. We hear some interesting stories from Will about his special ESS, Buster in this book. This is a true story as told to Isabel George by Will Barrow. It broke my heart when Buster had to be quarantined before he could join Will after duty. (Such heartache for Buster and Will). I would recommend this book to everyone for a closer look at the war and for the bond between man and dog. Happy reading!
January 11, 2022
Dogs are one of man's best friends. They are loyal to a fault. Earn a dog's trust and you have a lifetime friend.
There are also military dogs who take that trust to the next level...this book is about one such dog, Buster, who was a loyal companion to the author through his tours of duty for the UK.
We see how Buster and the author bonded and read about some of the war stories in Afghanistan and how he was a protector for many. So much so, that Buster was recognized for his 5 Tours of Duty in Afghanistan.
All in all a great book of what life is like as a soldier overseas with a dog in your care
There are also military dogs who take that trust to the next level...this book is about one such dog, Buster, who was a loyal companion to the author through his tours of duty for the UK.
We see how Buster and the author bonded and read about some of the war stories in Afghanistan and how he was a protector for many. So much so, that Buster was recognized for his 5 Tours of Duty in Afghanistan.
All in all a great book of what life is like as a soldier overseas with a dog in your care
October 30, 2017
What can you say what a great team you and buster make. I absolutely loved this book, if I’m ever in Cyprus I would love to meet you all. Thank you for taking time to write this book.
Read
September 24, 2019Not the best hero dog book I’ve read , the ending chapters were the best of the book
January 24, 2020
I feel really bad for rating this book only 2/5, but it is so poorly written, I feel it's justified. It's such a shame, because the main focus of this book is a RAF bomb sniffer dog called Buster who does 5 tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. His skill is of the utmost importance when it comes to saving the lives of soldiers and civilians alike. Buster and his fellow service dogs are invaluable in war-torn countries. This book really shows the relationship between dog and handler and there are parts all dog owners can relate to. However, I felt this book needed a good editor - the punctuation and dialogue was awful - and, in some cases, there were words in sentences that didn't need to be there! I'm full of admiration for Buster and his handler, Will, but this book needs a bit of a polish.
April 17, 2016
one of the best books I have read all year. love the way it is told and how humble the handler will is to make this book truly all about Buster. if you have every loved a dog, lived with a dog, worked with a dog, wanted a dog, pet a dog, or seen their puppy dog eyes and caved, this book is for you. wonderfully written, 5+ stars!
November 18, 2018
Buster is a 5++++ star in my opinion! I enjoyed this story of Buster and Will very much; it is so obvious that they had a special bond and that Will loved his dog. I admire these two brave souls and their contributions to saving lives. The only things I would note are that there were a few spots where it felt repetitive and I wish there were pictures of Buster included
February 8, 2023
The special relationship between handler and working dog is really heartwarming. Unfortunately I found the book itself lacked excitement or even a real sense of narrative.
May 17, 2020
This story almost deifies its hero, Buster, but that’s okay. He really is a god among dogs who have served in the military.
While I am not a fan of military stories and even less so of foreign military stories, I am a big fan of dogs who serve, and this tale is excellent. The author, Will Barrow, has made a career of training military dogs and serving with them at home (in England) and abroad. Of all the dogs he has trained or known in his military years, Buster is the very best. He served six tours (more than any other British military dog) sniffing out bombs, weapons, and improvised explosive devices. He kept thousands of military men and women safe, including American military personnel. When he returned home, he was in high demand for media interviews. Several awards were bestowed upon him, all of which he rightfully earned and deserved.
This is a pretty straightforward telling of Will and Buster’s experiences, none of which led to injuries for either of them, thank God. Encounters with Afghanis were often filled with tension, but rest assured, not a hair on Buster’s head (or elsewhere) was damaged.
Read and enjoy. This dog and his handler are the real thing.
While I am not a fan of military stories and even less so of foreign military stories, I am a big fan of dogs who serve, and this tale is excellent. The author, Will Barrow, has made a career of training military dogs and serving with them at home (in England) and abroad. Of all the dogs he has trained or known in his military years, Buster is the very best. He served six tours (more than any other British military dog) sniffing out bombs, weapons, and improvised explosive devices. He kept thousands of military men and women safe, including American military personnel. When he returned home, he was in high demand for media interviews. Several awards were bestowed upon him, all of which he rightfully earned and deserved.
This is a pretty straightforward telling of Will and Buster’s experiences, none of which led to injuries for either of them, thank God. Encounters with Afghanis were often filled with tension, but rest assured, not a hair on Buster’s head (or elsewhere) was damaged.
Read and enjoy. This dog and his handler are the real thing.
August 31, 2025
Buster, an English springer spaniel attached to the RAF Police trained in weapons and explosives detection. Buster teamed with Will Barrow to serve tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Buster's work saved lives from suicide bombers, IEDs and other hazards of war. Buster made friends wherever he went and was a calming force with the troops as nothing seemed to bother him.
I think I found this by browsing library recommendations, and I'm glad I did. Thoroughly enjoyed it and it's made me want to read other books on the exploits and heroics of animals in combat experience.
I think I found this by browsing library recommendations, and I'm glad I did. Thoroughly enjoyed it and it's made me want to read other books on the exploits and heroics of animals in combat experience.
November 5, 2019
I was expecting to read about the thousand lives saved, but in the book the only thing Buster seemed to have found was 2 rifles. If you are looking for a book more along the lines of human/dog relationships than this is the book for you, if you are looking for a gritty book about war, look elsewhere. The writing style was simple and I wondered if it wasn't written more for a younger audience. It was OK, just not to my taste so for me it rated 2.5 stars.
June 27, 2023
Omg this was such a good book! I couldn’t put it down! Buster your one amazing dog, your like a human in a dogs body!
Thanks Will for sharing your story with us about you and Buster. Will you put yourself in dangerous situations too fighting so thank you!
Well worth a read x
Thanks Will for sharing your story with us about you and Buster. Will you put yourself in dangerous situations too fighting so thank you!
Well worth a read x
February 21, 2017
A superb account of the life of a working military dog. What a talented hound he is. Enjoy your richly deserved retirement, Buster!
June 14, 2017
Fantastic book - if you love dogs this is the one for you!
August 6, 2017
I picked this up in a whim because who can resist a picture of a military working dog on the front cover?
November 4, 2017
Oohsha lost count how many times I had lumps in my throat reading this. Amazing dog
November 4, 2017
This is a nice, feel-good story. Buster is a military dog, and the story of his time searching for bombs in the middle East is very interesting.
August 14, 2018
A book to read if you love the four legged companion
June 1, 2021
An incredible story about an incredible dog and his handlers. I recommend this if you want a real life, no holds barred story.
December 18, 2022
The best boi
March 12, 2023
Loved this, and what a tremendous partnership!
My Full Review →
My Full Review →
May 21, 2024
Great idea for a story but couldn't get in Mr Barrow's writing style
October 19, 2024
Great story of Buster the war dog and very interesting learning about how the war in Iraq was helped so much by our beloved best friends!
May 22, 2023
Makes you think of the animals of war, not just the humans.
thought provoking
read if a dog person.
many happy and emotional tears where shed
thought provoking
read if a dog person.
many happy and emotional tears where shed
August 23, 2016
I don't know why but I have a real soft spot for dog stories. And Buster is definitely no exception to this.
Buster is definitely one of the easier dog stories I've read. It's written in a very simple way and is told from the perspective of Will Barrow. It sort of reads like a monologue. The story does not go into great detail, however, it is still a great insight into the life of a military dog.
It's far from a predictable story. Although Buster has won many awards I hadn't actually heard of him until I bought this book. So you could say I went into this story blind. It's not the most climatic story but I didn't really expect it to be. It mainly just highlights the day-to-day life of a military dog. However, I don't think Will Barrow could have ended Buster's story in a better place - it provided just the right amount of closure on the story.
I would definitely recommend Buster as a quick read for animal and dog lovers. If you enjoy the likes of It's All About Treo and Marley and Me, then you'll enjoy Buster. It's not the best I've ever read, but it was lovely all the same.
This review and many more can be found at My Expanding Bookshelf.
Buster is definitely one of the easier dog stories I've read. It's written in a very simple way and is told from the perspective of Will Barrow. It sort of reads like a monologue. The story does not go into great detail, however, it is still a great insight into the life of a military dog.
It's far from a predictable story. Although Buster has won many awards I hadn't actually heard of him until I bought this book. So you could say I went into this story blind. It's not the most climatic story but I didn't really expect it to be. It mainly just highlights the day-to-day life of a military dog. However, I don't think Will Barrow could have ended Buster's story in a better place - it provided just the right amount of closure on the story.
I would definitely recommend Buster as a quick read for animal and dog lovers. If you enjoy the likes of It's All About Treo and Marley and Me, then you'll enjoy Buster. It's not the best I've ever read, but it was lovely all the same.
This review and many more can be found at My Expanding Bookshelf.
August 11, 2015
Admittedly, it isn't a book that I would pick up and think 'I want to read it' but my grandmother let me borrow it and I figured that I would give it a go. Pretty interesting story/biography of what happens to those who fight in wars and this book was no exception as the war in question took place in Afghanistan that happened a few years back (around 2007-2008).
I did have a fair bit of trouble with a lack of punctuation (one of my biggest pet peeves) but that didn't stop me from reading it. Would I recommend it, yes and no as while it is an eye-opener, it does include some swearing and isn't much of a story. It can be a bit of a tear-jerker and a bit graphic at times, particularly for dog and animal lovers alike. My advice, read the first chapter and decide for yourself whether this is your 'type' of book or not.
I did have a fair bit of trouble with a lack of punctuation (one of my biggest pet peeves) but that didn't stop me from reading it. Would I recommend it, yes and no as while it is an eye-opener, it does include some swearing and isn't much of a story. It can be a bit of a tear-jerker and a bit graphic at times, particularly for dog and animal lovers alike. My advice, read the first chapter and decide for yourself whether this is your 'type' of book or not.
August 25, 2015
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press and Goodreads as I won this book in a giveaway.
I really enjoyed reading this book! It is a moving story about how dynamic dogs can be. Buster is a military arms and explosives search dog, but also plays the role of friend, counselor, good luck charm, and blanket. Sergeant Will Barrow is in the British Royal Air Force and for the most part does a good job of explaining military lingo, but there were a few things I was left unclear about. I also thought there were a few places were the timeline moved too quickly. Overall, this is a good book about the bond between a man and his dog.
I really enjoyed reading this book! It is a moving story about how dynamic dogs can be. Buster is a military arms and explosives search dog, but also plays the role of friend, counselor, good luck charm, and blanket. Sergeant Will Barrow is in the British Royal Air Force and for the most part does a good job of explaining military lingo, but there were a few things I was left unclear about. I also thought there were a few places were the timeline moved too quickly. Overall, this is a good book about the bond between a man and his dog.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews