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It's All About Treo: Life and War with the World's Bravest Dog
This is the incredible true story of the unbreakable bond forged between Treo, the world's most highly decorated dog, and his handler Sgt. Dave Heyhoe, whilst doing the most dangerous job on earth - sniffing out bombs in Afghanistan. It is a story full of tragedy and triumph, pathos and laughter, as one man and his best friend dare all to ensure that no lives are lost.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
July 12, 2013
To sum up my feelings about this book, I think this one quote says it all:
Treo's a miracle dog, a combat veteran, a survivor, a hero and the morale-booster extraordinaire. He's my saviour, my best friend, my brother warrior and he's the son I never had.
An amazing bond between a man and his best mate, who have saved many lives in the fight against terror. it's heartfelt and just plain amazing! Loved it!
Treo's a miracle dog, a combat veteran, a survivor, a hero and the morale-booster extraordinaire. He's my saviour, my best friend, my brother warrior and he's the son I never had.
An amazing bond between a man and his best mate, who have saved many lives in the fight against terror. it's heartfelt and just plain amazing! Loved it!
February 26, 2026
Books on military dogs are one of my favorite categories of dog books. I have read quite a few including ones on dogs used in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Reading books on Afghanistan now however always makes me feel a bit sad after the Biden administration botched our withdrawal and gave the country to the Taliban after all the bloodshed. I enjoyed this book, but it does not rank over other books I have read despite the bold subtitle ‘Life and War with the World’s Bravest dog.’ Other similar books to me had more combat action and more references to training that I prefer. This is not to say that it isn’t a good book, just not the best in my opinion. And I love how it is from a Brit’s point of view which us Yanks always appreciate.
I will share excerpts from the book as I usually do with my reviews. I think they don’t convey enough of an individual story thread to be a spoiler but does give small parts from key parts. Hopefully, it will peak people’s interest, in spite of my comments it may not be the best one out there on the topic, but if you are going to read the book, you could chose to stop here. Then read the book and come back to let me know your thoughts on the book.
I like being reminded of the different type of roles for dogs. I believe what they have in the UK is different than US designations. A review I posted on another books had a lot more roles that I think also included ones from contract companies working with the military. Not sure if the role of the AES dogs makes them the ‘bravest’ especially when they are not trained to really understand the danger of the work they do. Here is a bit to mention the roles:
‘A few days back we’d deployed from the 104 Military Working Dog Unit, based at North Luffenham, Rutland. We were two dozen human-and-dog teams, including Arms Explosive Search (AES) dogs, Infantry Patrol (IP) dogs, and Patrol Dogs. IP dogs are trained to go out on the front line and detect the enemy from afar, whereas patrol dogs are trained to provide security at military bases and other installations.’
‘The 104 is seen as being the elite of the British military working dog world, and we’re often deployed to support Special Forces operations.’
Here is one small bit relating to his training:
‘I pull out Treo's reward - a bog-standard fluorescent green ball - and instantly my dog knows were here to search. ball ss the key. It's how handler and dog train together from the very start. You begin by rolling a ball into a room, and letting the dog run in to play with it. You then put a target scent (such as an explosive) inside a box, and roll the ball up to the box. The dog smells the scent at the same time as grabbing the ball and you call him back and tell him he's a good boy. Now hes linked the scent to the ball and to play: If I find the scent I find the ball, and so I get to play.
On that basic premise you build layer upon layer of further training. The dog never knows that he's in any danger; that he’s searching for this deadly killer device.’
There is a lot of finds of IED’s and weapons described in the book. Here is a bit on one that was particularly dramatic as they see someone approaching them:
‘‘What is it, boy?’ I ask of him. “What is it you think you've got there?’
Maybe it's an Afghan drugs dealer, and it’s the smell of the opium thats got Treo stumped. He glances back at the Afghan male, then fixes him with his unmoving, laser-eyed stare. I'd know that expression anywhere. Treo knows exactly what scent he's detected here: it’s explosives. But the weird thing for my dog is the source of that smell: it’s a human.
The Afghan male is barely twenty metres from Treo when it clicks. With a horrible flash of realisation I know for certain what Treo’s onto here: it’s that Afghan male himself whos the bomb. He's a suicide bomber. And right now he’s making directly for my dog.’
I leave it to you to read the book to find out if the pair get injured there or any other time. Sometimes dog teams die. It hits the news. Then you call your parents:
‘After several false starts, I finally get through to my mum. ‘Hi, Mum, it’s me?
All I can hear is this tidal wave of hysterical sobbing, before she passes me directly to Bob. Bob explains what's happened. Sure enough, theyd heard on the news that a dog team had been hit in the Sangin Valley, and for hours theyd believed it was us.
My mum had been waiting for the knock on the door from the guy in the dark suit. So when she heard my voice on the phone, it was as if I had come back from the dead. I put her through so much hell in my adolescent years, but this has been like the day of days. My sister’s there with her, and the two of them just can't stop crying, even though they know that Treo and J are alive.’
And the soldiers Treo’s work helps locate IED’s in their path are grateful as we are all grateful for all who serve in our military and allies who put their lives on the line:
‘I just want you to know if it wasn’t for you and your do today, me and my team would now be dead. He's all chokeg . with emotion. ‘It’s that plain goddamn simple.'
Because people want to know, Kleenex is not needed at the end of the book. But the lives of those who serve in combat, even those of the dogs, are not the same afterwards as indicated in this bit after they leave the miliary and are able to stay together:
‘Wherever I took Treo in our new life as civvies, I noticed that he couldn't seem to stop searching. I'd take him down to the local park, and he was forever checking out the bins and the hedges and even the kids’ play area. I kept telling him that he could have his tennis ball any time he wanted it now, but whenever I showed it to him I could see that look in his eyes: Right, Dad, I’m on it. Where are we starting the search?’
Hope you can see from these passages that it is a good book and worth reading.
I will share excerpts from the book as I usually do with my reviews. I think they don’t convey enough of an individual story thread to be a spoiler but does give small parts from key parts. Hopefully, it will peak people’s interest, in spite of my comments it may not be the best one out there on the topic, but if you are going to read the book, you could chose to stop here. Then read the book and come back to let me know your thoughts on the book.
I like being reminded of the different type of roles for dogs. I believe what they have in the UK is different than US designations. A review I posted on another books had a lot more roles that I think also included ones from contract companies working with the military. Not sure if the role of the AES dogs makes them the ‘bravest’ especially when they are not trained to really understand the danger of the work they do. Here is a bit to mention the roles:
‘A few days back we’d deployed from the 104 Military Working Dog Unit, based at North Luffenham, Rutland. We were two dozen human-and-dog teams, including Arms Explosive Search (AES) dogs, Infantry Patrol (IP) dogs, and Patrol Dogs. IP dogs are trained to go out on the front line and detect the enemy from afar, whereas patrol dogs are trained to provide security at military bases and other installations.’
‘The 104 is seen as being the elite of the British military working dog world, and we’re often deployed to support Special Forces operations.’
Here is one small bit relating to his training:
‘I pull out Treo's reward - a bog-standard fluorescent green ball - and instantly my dog knows were here to search. ball ss the key. It's how handler and dog train together from the very start. You begin by rolling a ball into a room, and letting the dog run in to play with it. You then put a target scent (such as an explosive) inside a box, and roll the ball up to the box. The dog smells the scent at the same time as grabbing the ball and you call him back and tell him he's a good boy. Now hes linked the scent to the ball and to play: If I find the scent I find the ball, and so I get to play.
On that basic premise you build layer upon layer of further training. The dog never knows that he's in any danger; that he’s searching for this deadly killer device.’
There is a lot of finds of IED’s and weapons described in the book. Here is a bit on one that was particularly dramatic as they see someone approaching them:
‘‘What is it, boy?’ I ask of him. “What is it you think you've got there?’
Maybe it's an Afghan drugs dealer, and it’s the smell of the opium thats got Treo stumped. He glances back at the Afghan male, then fixes him with his unmoving, laser-eyed stare. I'd know that expression anywhere. Treo knows exactly what scent he's detected here: it’s explosives. But the weird thing for my dog is the source of that smell: it’s a human.
The Afghan male is barely twenty metres from Treo when it clicks. With a horrible flash of realisation I know for certain what Treo’s onto here: it’s that Afghan male himself whos the bomb. He's a suicide bomber. And right now he’s making directly for my dog.’
I leave it to you to read the book to find out if the pair get injured there or any other time. Sometimes dog teams die. It hits the news. Then you call your parents:
‘After several false starts, I finally get through to my mum. ‘Hi, Mum, it’s me?
All I can hear is this tidal wave of hysterical sobbing, before she passes me directly to Bob. Bob explains what's happened. Sure enough, theyd heard on the news that a dog team had been hit in the Sangin Valley, and for hours theyd believed it was us.
My mum had been waiting for the knock on the door from the guy in the dark suit. So when she heard my voice on the phone, it was as if I had come back from the dead. I put her through so much hell in my adolescent years, but this has been like the day of days. My sister’s there with her, and the two of them just can't stop crying, even though they know that Treo and J are alive.’
And the soldiers Treo’s work helps locate IED’s in their path are grateful as we are all grateful for all who serve in our military and allies who put their lives on the line:
‘I just want you to know if it wasn’t for you and your do today, me and my team would now be dead. He's all chokeg . with emotion. ‘It’s that plain goddamn simple.'
Because people want to know, Kleenex is not needed at the end of the book. But the lives of those who serve in combat, even those of the dogs, are not the same afterwards as indicated in this bit after they leave the miliary and are able to stay together:
‘Wherever I took Treo in our new life as civvies, I noticed that he couldn't seem to stop searching. I'd take him down to the local park, and he was forever checking out the bins and the hedges and even the kids’ play area. I kept telling him that he could have his tennis ball any time he wanted it now, but whenever I showed it to him I could see that look in his eyes: Right, Dad, I’m on it. Where are we starting the search?’
Hope you can see from these passages that it is a good book and worth reading.
January 20, 2014
5/5, this book is amazing.
It funny, sad, tense etc. I've never loved reading a book this much, it's an incredible story about a soldier/man/dad and his dog soldier. Both incredibly brave. I highly recommend this book. Wish it didn't end but as mentioned in the book
''..Nothing is for ever. I guess it couldn't last.''
It funny, sad, tense etc. I've never loved reading a book this much, it's an incredible story about a soldier/man/dad and his dog soldier. Both incredibly brave. I highly recommend this book. Wish it didn't end but as mentioned in the book
''..Nothing is for ever. I guess it couldn't last.''
June 12, 2014
If anyone thinks a soldier can't write a book: Read this one. You're taken into the thick of the fight in a flash and five months in Afghanistan don't become boring old "we fired at them and they at us". No.
The fact that Heyhoe decided to put pen to paper in spite of severe PTSD shows how deeply the war in Afghanistan affected him and his dog. Clearly a lot of training went into Treo, making it a two-way give and take - Heyhoe prepared to spend that time and patience (and understanding!) on Treo. Treo's medals more than attest to the amount he gives back. When I say "more", I mean even into realms not included in his training. When a suicide bomber blows himself up in front of them and they are asked to hunt down the suicidee's head, Heyhoe calls halt. "You need a cadaver dog for that", he says ... but before his words are out, Treo's out there and comes up with the goods. Was he listening to the human exchange? Did he understand what they were looking for even though he's only a bomb search dog?
Later we read of a dog search team that were killed, Ken and Sasha. Treo only "hears" about this and sees Heyhoe's reaction, but he knows. He knows he's lost his friend, Sasha. How? What intuition is ingrained in dogs that they know what's going on before we've even comprehended it? Later still, when one of the rangers dies, it's Treo that leans his whole body against Heyhoe in more than sympathy. There's a deep affection between these two - that's what I meant earlier with the 'understanding'. Heyhoe realizes that his dog is only "playing" (and also that he needs to play when he's not working) when they go out on a search. As long as he finds something, he knows he'll get rewarded. There is more to it, though. They both know the game is one of death and life. This knowledge binds them into utter trust in each other. It is something that Heyhoe manages to demonstrate through this book and can by no means be put into words in a review.
The bottom line is that Treo is not one of a kind. All dogs are capable of more than we know. We just don't trust ourselves (or them) enough to live this out. This book has certainly encouraged me to delve more into my dogs' understanding. To keep searching for that illusive raison d'être described on page 258 and page after page before and after that. Perhaps the killer bombs in life outside of war are us humans not understanding what these special creatures called 'canines' are all about.
The fact that Heyhoe decided to put pen to paper in spite of severe PTSD shows how deeply the war in Afghanistan affected him and his dog. Clearly a lot of training went into Treo, making it a two-way give and take - Heyhoe prepared to spend that time and patience (and understanding!) on Treo. Treo's medals more than attest to the amount he gives back. When I say "more", I mean even into realms not included in his training. When a suicide bomber blows himself up in front of them and they are asked to hunt down the suicidee's head, Heyhoe calls halt. "You need a cadaver dog for that", he says ... but before his words are out, Treo's out there and comes up with the goods. Was he listening to the human exchange? Did he understand what they were looking for even though he's only a bomb search dog?
Later we read of a dog search team that were killed, Ken and Sasha. Treo only "hears" about this and sees Heyhoe's reaction, but he knows. He knows he's lost his friend, Sasha. How? What intuition is ingrained in dogs that they know what's going on before we've even comprehended it? Later still, when one of the rangers dies, it's Treo that leans his whole body against Heyhoe in more than sympathy. There's a deep affection between these two - that's what I meant earlier with the 'understanding'. Heyhoe realizes that his dog is only "playing" (and also that he needs to play when he's not working) when they go out on a search. As long as he finds something, he knows he'll get rewarded. There is more to it, though. They both know the game is one of death and life. This knowledge binds them into utter trust in each other. It is something that Heyhoe manages to demonstrate through this book and can by no means be put into words in a review.
The bottom line is that Treo is not one of a kind. All dogs are capable of more than we know. We just don't trust ourselves (or them) enough to live this out. This book has certainly encouraged me to delve more into my dogs' understanding. To keep searching for that illusive raison d'être described on page 258 and page after page before and after that. Perhaps the killer bombs in life outside of war are us humans not understanding what these special creatures called 'canines' are all about.
October 11, 2012
Who could resist those melting eyes on the front cover? I saw this book in a Big W catalogue a few weeks ago and knew I had to buy this book and read Treo's story. It took me some time to finish this one; this isn't the kind of book you fall into easily and can just keep turning pages. I felt like I needed to reconcile with some of the situations myself, before moving on. Treo and his 'Dad' Dave Heyhoe go through literal hell in this book, but I'm glad I read it. For all the sadness, there is a happy ending, or even a happy beginning at the end, if you know what I mean. Five stars, a great true life animal book!
June 15, 2019
This was brilliant.
One can't even imagine being in their situation, Dave and his dog Treo, out every day in the blistering heat, feeling the fear as they search for IED'S and other explosives.
This is a true life experience, so Dave tells it as he experienced it. He built up an extremely close working relationship with his dog and a good camarade with the men of his unit that he worked with, but they couldn't forget even for one moment how dangerous this job was, and it takes its toll in the end. Treo became so well known as being so good at his job, that he became a target too.
The stories about Treo, his personality and his adventures really live off the page. I think all working dogs are great and do a fantastic job, but Treo is one to remember. He finds devices when other equipment says there are none, he finds unexpected items and he saves countless lives.....but he's still a dog!! He dives in the river and chases chickens at unexpected moments!! And he loves food!!
This is a brilliant book, will definitely read this again. The bond between a working dog and handler is strong, forged in joint experieces, even more so when you have faced death together..more than once. An amazing story, and on a more personal note it was good to read Dave got what he most wanted at the end of the book. I would highly reccommend this book.
One can't even imagine being in their situation, Dave and his dog Treo, out every day in the blistering heat, feeling the fear as they search for IED'S and other explosives.
This is a true life experience, so Dave tells it as he experienced it. He built up an extremely close working relationship with his dog and a good camarade with the men of his unit that he worked with, but they couldn't forget even for one moment how dangerous this job was, and it takes its toll in the end. Treo became so well known as being so good at his job, that he became a target too.
The stories about Treo, his personality and his adventures really live off the page. I think all working dogs are great and do a fantastic job, but Treo is one to remember. He finds devices when other equipment says there are none, he finds unexpected items and he saves countless lives.....but he's still a dog!! He dives in the river and chases chickens at unexpected moments!! And he loves food!!
This is a brilliant book, will definitely read this again. The bond between a working dog and handler is strong, forged in joint experieces, even more so when you have faced death together..more than once. An amazing story, and on a more personal note it was good to read Dave got what he most wanted at the end of the book. I would highly reccommend this book.
July 13, 2014
Although this is a very different pace of book from my usual nerve tingling thrillers.
It is a story that touches your heart, fast paced no, thrilling no, but you learn how much work goes into looking after a "war dog", and the love between man and dog and even more so between man and war dog.
Especially Dave Heyhoe and Treo, is makes you proud of the soldiers in all the countries fighting for our countries
It warms your heart and touches you so much the sadness and death in Afghanistan, the heat, the brutal battle of war, the fear of death for you and your dog.
The pressure of going out in front of all the soldiers to find the bombs, the fear of your much praise dog being shot, because he was so good at his job.
A few tears, I have to admit came to me at the end, especially of how proud Dave was of his brave dog.
Enjoy this heart warming story of a incredible relationship between the two and the lovely happy ending.
It is a story that touches your heart, fast paced no, thrilling no, but you learn how much work goes into looking after a "war dog", and the love between man and dog and even more so between man and war dog.
Especially Dave Heyhoe and Treo, is makes you proud of the soldiers in all the countries fighting for our countries
It warms your heart and touches you so much the sadness and death in Afghanistan, the heat, the brutal battle of war, the fear of death for you and your dog.
The pressure of going out in front of all the soldiers to find the bombs, the fear of your much praise dog being shot, because he was so good at his job.
A few tears, I have to admit came to me at the end, especially of how proud Dave was of his brave dog.
Enjoy this heart warming story of a incredible relationship between the two and the lovely happy ending.
December 18, 2013
I rarely leave a review but was moved to for this book. I adored Treo and all the stories of his time in Afghanistan with his dad, Dave. I fell in love with this beautiful black dog from the first page. What a hero <3 (you too Dave:)
I laughed and cried and felt like i was there with them, searching in the dust of the alleyways and plunging into the rivers.
Thank you for writing this book, Dave, and thank you Treo, for being a wonderful 'doggy dog'.
I laughed and cried and felt like i was there with them, searching in the dust of the alleyways and plunging into the rivers.
Thank you for writing this book, Dave, and thank you Treo, for being a wonderful 'doggy dog'.
October 18, 2017
Amazing, I loved it. I've Supported our troops and military dogs since 2011 with parcels of goodies. A book about our heroes.
January 19, 2018
Excellent!
September 5, 2021
No problems giving this book 5 stars it has to be one of the best books I have ever read, it had me laughing and crying all the way through.
November 18, 2013
As one who grew up in India amidst rabies-carrying stray dogs, I have always been wary and scared of dogs, lest they bite me. Still, in high school, when I read William Wordsworth's poem 'Fidelity', it brought to me powerfully the love, loyalty and devotion of the dog to its master. Later, as I lived in Australia and the US, I gradually observed how strong and deep the bond is between man (woman) and dog. This book is one such example of the unbreakable bond between Dave Heyhoe, a seargent in the British army in Afghanistan, and his beloved dog Treo. Treo is a super dog which sniffs out IEDs, mines and bombs in the southern parts of this Taliban-infested country and protects the soldiers who come behind on patrol.
The story starts with Dave and Treo going out to Sangin in the Helmand province of southern Afghanistan for a six-month stint to provide support to the British troops there. Over the next six months, Treo sniffs out IED after IED before they explode and saves the lives of not only Dave but all the soldiers coming behind as well. Dave says, " ...having an armored skin around you might give you the impression of security ...unless you have a man and his dog out front searching the route ahead, inch by inch and on foot, there is no way of knowing what bombs or booby traps may have been set for you..". This pretty well sums up their work in Sangin.
On one occasion, even the electronic wizardry of the EBEX metal detector misses a monster IED buried well below the surface but Treo's nose doesn't miss it. Soon, the soldiers would refuse to go out on patrol without Dave and Treo in front. But Dave's stint ends in some tragedy for him as he loses three valued friends - Ken and Cupples and Ken's dog Sasha - to IEDs, though not due to Treo's fault. Treo's six-month record is spotless. Dave and Treo return to the UK with a heavy heart. The best accolade for Treo comes from Dave himself as he says, "..Treo is a miracle dog, a combat veteran, a survivor, a hero. He is my savior, my best friend, my brother warrior and the son I never had...".
The book brings out the deep loyalty and love of Dave and Treo to one another. It is strewn with 'conversations' between them with Treo always 'calling' Dave 'dad'. Even as one reads it, one is constantly anxious that no harm should come to either of them as it is impossible to comprehend how either of them would survive without the other. The narrative also shows how dangerous the daily lives of the NATO soldiers is. It brings out the immense stress under which the NATO and US soldiers function each day under the gaze of a population which hates them and wants them out of their country. The pressure on Treo and Dave each day must have been huge, particularly for Dave because he and Treo are out in front courting danger all the time. It must have been nerve-wracking and extremely hard for him to put his beloved 'son' Treo in danger all the time.
However, I must say that the book is partisan in that it is concerned mainly about the lives of the NATO and US soldiers only. The author is quite dismissive of the Afghan National Army as an incompetent and unprofessional unit and often writes about the Afghan villagers looking at them with hatred in their eyes. There is an occasion where a US Marine soldier whips off his helmet and cracks an Afghan soldier on the head because the Afghan takes a swipe at Treo with his boot. The British soldiers are wary and suspicious of the Afghan villagers because they feel that they are either collaborators of the Taliban or part of the Taliban itself. Consequently, the natives get treated quite roughly during all these unending 'search and destroy' operations. As one reads about the patrols day in and day out with Treo and Dave inching their way forward, clearing the IEDs, one cannot but rue the futility and pointlessness of the war that is being waged by them. Even the author admits as much and says that the war is a screwed up one. Some soldiers, like their interpreter , Ranger Cupples, due to his ability to interact with the Pashtuns in their own language, gradually come round to seeing the war from the Afghan perspective and become withdrawn as a result. Even though Dave and Treo do a tremendous job with the IEDs, I cannot but despair that it will all come to nothing when all the NATO forces would eventually withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014, leaving the field free again for the Taliban and other extremist groups to run their writ on the blighted country.
It is a powerful and fulfilling book to read, provided one sets aside the rights and wrongs of NATO's involvement in Afghanistan and the terrible harm done to Afghan civilians over the past twelve years due to their presence there.
The story starts with Dave and Treo going out to Sangin in the Helmand province of southern Afghanistan for a six-month stint to provide support to the British troops there. Over the next six months, Treo sniffs out IED after IED before they explode and saves the lives of not only Dave but all the soldiers coming behind as well. Dave says, " ...having an armored skin around you might give you the impression of security ...unless you have a man and his dog out front searching the route ahead, inch by inch and on foot, there is no way of knowing what bombs or booby traps may have been set for you..". This pretty well sums up their work in Sangin.
On one occasion, even the electronic wizardry of the EBEX metal detector misses a monster IED buried well below the surface but Treo's nose doesn't miss it. Soon, the soldiers would refuse to go out on patrol without Dave and Treo in front. But Dave's stint ends in some tragedy for him as he loses three valued friends - Ken and Cupples and Ken's dog Sasha - to IEDs, though not due to Treo's fault. Treo's six-month record is spotless. Dave and Treo return to the UK with a heavy heart. The best accolade for Treo comes from Dave himself as he says, "..Treo is a miracle dog, a combat veteran, a survivor, a hero. He is my savior, my best friend, my brother warrior and the son I never had...".
The book brings out the deep loyalty and love of Dave and Treo to one another. It is strewn with 'conversations' between them with Treo always 'calling' Dave 'dad'. Even as one reads it, one is constantly anxious that no harm should come to either of them as it is impossible to comprehend how either of them would survive without the other. The narrative also shows how dangerous the daily lives of the NATO soldiers is. It brings out the immense stress under which the NATO and US soldiers function each day under the gaze of a population which hates them and wants them out of their country. The pressure on Treo and Dave each day must have been huge, particularly for Dave because he and Treo are out in front courting danger all the time. It must have been nerve-wracking and extremely hard for him to put his beloved 'son' Treo in danger all the time.
However, I must say that the book is partisan in that it is concerned mainly about the lives of the NATO and US soldiers only. The author is quite dismissive of the Afghan National Army as an incompetent and unprofessional unit and often writes about the Afghan villagers looking at them with hatred in their eyes. There is an occasion where a US Marine soldier whips off his helmet and cracks an Afghan soldier on the head because the Afghan takes a swipe at Treo with his boot. The British soldiers are wary and suspicious of the Afghan villagers because they feel that they are either collaborators of the Taliban or part of the Taliban itself. Consequently, the natives get treated quite roughly during all these unending 'search and destroy' operations. As one reads about the patrols day in and day out with Treo and Dave inching their way forward, clearing the IEDs, one cannot but rue the futility and pointlessness of the war that is being waged by them. Even the author admits as much and says that the war is a screwed up one. Some soldiers, like their interpreter , Ranger Cupples, due to his ability to interact with the Pashtuns in their own language, gradually come round to seeing the war from the Afghan perspective and become withdrawn as a result. Even though Dave and Treo do a tremendous job with the IEDs, I cannot but despair that it will all come to nothing when all the NATO forces would eventually withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014, leaving the field free again for the Taliban and other extremist groups to run their writ on the blighted country.
It is a powerful and fulfilling book to read, provided one sets aside the rights and wrongs of NATO's involvement in Afghanistan and the terrible harm done to Afghan civilians over the past twelve years due to their presence there.
June 10, 2021
The book is titled “It’s all about Treo” but it isn’t because it is about the unique and special partnership between Dave and Treo. The bond between this brave soldier and his brave military dog is very very unique. Their partnership and bravery saved many lives and they also looked after each other as well.
Treo and Dave are both true heroes.
Treo and Dave are both true heroes.
December 14, 2018
A lovely touching tale about a dog and handler team tasked with rooting out IEDs, explosives and arms during a lengthy deployment to Afghanistan. The way it's written gives you a real insight into what it's really like for the men and women serving out there and other places I guess, and the hardships and gruelling routine they endure along with the continual stress.
This book will make you laugh, cry and think, but most of all it will make you realise how lucky we are to have such brave service personnel and how lucky we are to have such loyal friends as dogs.
A must read for dog lovers, people interested in the Afghan troubles and those just wanting to enjoy a heartwarming story.
This book will make you laugh, cry and think, but most of all it will make you realise how lucky we are to have such brave service personnel and how lucky we are to have such loyal friends as dogs.
A must read for dog lovers, people interested in the Afghan troubles and those just wanting to enjoy a heartwarming story.
May 9, 2018
I guess I’m rating the dog as much as the book, but what a fantastic job he and his Dad did! The story shows what a tremendous burden it is to try and keep the soldiers safe so they all get to come home again. It also shows how these wars affect the people who serve - the fear, the horror, the guilt, the moments of laughter and comradeship. The heart of the book though is the tremendous bond between the man and his dog - just beautiful.
January 25, 2020
Wonderful hero dog
Absolutely loved this book,did not want it to end. Dave and treo are both heroes, to read of their experiences in sandini was both good and bad as there was casualties. The pictures at end of book I really enjoyed to see in person,Dave with treo in their post quarters. And afterwards relaxing was really good. If I could give more than five stars I would.
Absolutely loved this book,did not want it to end. Dave and treo are both heroes, to read of their experiences in sandini was both good and bad as there was casualties. The pictures at end of book I really enjoyed to see in person,Dave with treo in their post quarters. And afterwards relaxing was really good. If I could give more than five stars I would.
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August 23, 2020
Purchase It's All About Treo here for just $10!
What a marvellous man & a marvellous dog. Even if you are not a dog lover, you can see the relationship between man & dog is amazing. It was happy & sad but most of all for real! Loved it.
Shane - The Book Grocer
What a marvellous man & a marvellous dog. Even if you are not a dog lover, you can see the relationship between man & dog is amazing. It was happy & sad but most of all for real! Loved it.
Shane - The Book Grocer
June 16, 2017
So this was never going to be a literary master piece, but that's not why I read it. This was a soldier's account of the months he spent in Afghanistan with his trained, bomb-sniffing sidekick and the impact of his time there. Their relationship is meaningful and the story will touch your heart. An easy read.
March 26, 2018
EXCELLENT BOOK!!!!! What a tear jerker Dave Heyhoe!
It is such a heart warming, eye opening book to read. I learnt more about what is going on in the world around me than i ever knew before, all because of this wonderful dog!
I put my hands down to you Dave Heyhoe, so much respect for what you and Treo went through.
THIS IS A MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is such a heart warming, eye opening book to read. I learnt more about what is going on in the world around me than i ever knew before, all because of this wonderful dog!
I put my hands down to you Dave Heyhoe, so much respect for what you and Treo went through.
THIS IS A MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 4, 2015
Stunning brave story
March 20, 2017
Anyone who had a dog will sob heartbroken at the true companionship of Dave and Treo.
October 29, 2021
Fascinating but a little dragged out.
February 25, 2018
A wonderful book the memory of Treo will stay with me forever
March 23, 2018
Very honest, well written, scary and real.
January 27, 2019
Written completely from the heart.
March 30, 2019
Absolutely loved this book! True story.
April 5, 2020
Excellent book. Incredible talent & bravery by both man & dog. Defies belief reading some of the stories these 2 have to tell. Recommend
October 22, 2020
Great story. True story
October 28, 2020
Page turner. Written from the heart
May 8, 2025
This is one of those books that sticks with you—not just because of the dog (who is, let’s be honest, an absolute legend), but because of the bond between handler and dog, and the emotional honesty in the story. It’s All About Treo is the true account of Dave Heyhoe, a British Army handler, and his bomb-sniffing dog Treo, who served together in Afghanistan. It’s moving, tense, funny, and surprisingly tender in parts.
Treo is more than just a working dog—he’s Dave’s partner, protector, and ultimately, his best mate. What I loved is how real Dave is in telling their story. He’s open about his own struggles, including PTSD and the tough job of being responsible for lives—including Treo’s. You feel the weight of what they were doing every day, but also the comfort and grounding Treo gave him in the middle of it all.
The military context brings a sharp edge to the book—this isn’t a sugar-coated tale—but there’s a lot of warmth here too. Dave’s love for Treo leaps off every page. You’ll come away with huge admiration for working dogs and the people who train and handle them.
If you’re a dog lover, or just want a powerful story about trust, courage, and the kind of friendship that can get you through the darkest of times, this one’s absolutely worth a read.
Treo is more than just a working dog—he’s Dave’s partner, protector, and ultimately, his best mate. What I loved is how real Dave is in telling their story. He’s open about his own struggles, including PTSD and the tough job of being responsible for lives—including Treo’s. You feel the weight of what they were doing every day, but also the comfort and grounding Treo gave him in the middle of it all.
The military context brings a sharp edge to the book—this isn’t a sugar-coated tale—but there’s a lot of warmth here too. Dave’s love for Treo leaps off every page. You’ll come away with huge admiration for working dogs and the people who train and handle them.
If you’re a dog lover, or just want a powerful story about trust, courage, and the kind of friendship that can get you through the darkest of times, this one’s absolutely worth a read.
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