Dog Called Hope

by Jason Morgan, Damien Lewis

When special forces soldier Jason Morgan awoke from a months-long coma, he was told he'd never walk again. Discovered face-down in a Central American swamp after a jungle mission gone wrong, he had a smashed spine, collapsed lungs and countless broken bones. It was a miracle he'd even survived.

Months of painful surgery followed, with Jason's life balanced on a knife-edge. Released from hospital in a wheelchair and plagued by memory loss, Jason's life fell apart. Left alone to raise his three infant sons, all hope seemed gone, until Jason met Napal, a handsome-as-hell black Labrador provided by a very special charity.

With this one incredible dog at their side, Jason's life and that of his family would never be the same again. With Napal's help Jason was able to conquer his paralysis, eventually completing a marathon and winning numerous medals in the Wounded Warrior Games. More than that, this amazing service dog helped heal a family and taught Jason to be the father his kids needed him to be.

A Dog Called Hope is the moving and heart-warming story of how Jason rediscovered his life's mission, his strength as a father and, through his beloved dog, his hope. It's the story of the closeness between one man and one dog like no other, and how this mesmerizing duo changed countless lives.

Inspirational, tear-jerking and laugh-out-loud uplifting, this is a story that will brighten any day and warm every heart.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs, Memoir, Biography, Inspirational, Military Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2016

Reviews

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.5 Stars] Wow I really really liked this one!

My Video Review:

https://youtu.be/SJIP8cs9JOw

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book. It is written so smoothly for what is covered. Smoothly going through the story of Napal spending his first 2 years as a puppy raiser for Napal, the canine hero of this story. Smooth telling of Jason Morgan and all he went through after being found crushed in a car crash and near drowned in a swamp. The crash and ordeal to survive and then live as a paraplegic. There is nothing smooth about what happened to him, but it felt so well written to take you through all that happened in the right level of detail and descriptions that smooth is the one that comes to mind as I write this.

Good details in the first half of the book, but what he is able to accomplish in the second half makes the book.

Napal is an extraordinary dog. I know that dogs can be trained to do amazing things, and that organizations like CCI that train dogs for service work are able to find the best dogs. I believe the average dog is amazing. Then you have an organization that takes amazing dogs to make them extraordinary (at a cost of approximately $50,000). Napal is a product of that. They are like Lassie but real. These amazing service dogs are just doing their job. In the book Napal just does his job, but when I really think of it and what they can do, I just want to say 'wow.' And the thing is, the physical activities Napal does, picking up car keys, bringing the wheelchair to him, helping with tasks, is actually not as huge as bringing happiness back to a person taking a person who could be foundering in pain and stress and despair.

The book is written with Jason Morgan's words, but it is coauthored by Damien Lewis. I know when I have had to create documents in the past, having great input makes it better and it looks like Jason deserves all the credit, but I am sure Damien Lewis is the reason the book is so exceptional. Damien Lewis's other books are among my all time favorite books with dogs.

Some of my favorite parts of the book is the italicized sentences that represent Morgan interpreting what Napal is thinking. Here is some examples but you will need to imagine them being italicized:

'I am the famous Napal. Which of you two-footed fellows is going to vote for me?'

'Here. Come on. That, what I did just there. Sometimes cuddles just aren't enough! That deserves a Cesar Softie!'

'I knew you could do it. I knew you could. Together, we've done it. We've done it all.'

I am putting this book in my list of favorites. Hope you enjoy it as much.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I give this amazing book more than 5 Stars? It deserves so many many more!!! This is a beautiful tribute to Napal, Jason, his family, Jim Siegfried and all the amazing staff at CCI, as well as all the extordinary CCI dogs & puppy raisers!!! I know because I had two beautiful CCI dogs in my life!!💞💞I loved them so much. As I read this book I kept saying " Wow, I did this too!" " Yes I remember that " " My 1st Lab did this and that as well" ",My 2nd Lab Golden Retriever Cross was mellow, like Napal , he worked on Mellow Time too!! It brought back so many wonderful, beautiful memories of them!! I loved Jason's honestly in sharing his amazing story , as well as Jim's.... I know the emotional rollercoaster of emotions...My CCI Service Dogs and I lived them!!! Thanks for sharing your lives with the world. This book touched every emotion their could possibly be ... from laughing to crying to crying tears through tears!!!! Everyone should read this book!!! 💗💗💗 Thanks to all who contributed to writing this beautiful book!!! I was so glued to it and found it hard to put down. I read it in 9/12 days loving every minute of it 🤗💞💞

[- The Polybrary - · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dog Called Hope is a powerful story of survival, of the power of family and community, and yes, of hope. Jason Morgan is at the top of his game as a member of the elite army SOAR team (one of the very few Air Force personnel to claim such a title) when he is injured in a catastrophic accident during a mission and his life as he knew it, as he had planned it, was over. From the depths of pain and despair, to hauling himself along by sheer force of will and determined to live for his three sons, if not himself, he survives. Survives, but just barely, until a chance encounter with a stranger puts him in contact with Canine Companions for Independence and finally his service dog, Napal. Napal is an angel in disguise, and with his support and the bridges he builds with the rest of Morgan's community the team go on to achieve things that doctors and even Morgan himself said would never be possible.

I put off reading this book for far too long. I'll admit it, I was scared it would hit way too close to home. As someone who has served in the military, and who has family members disabled from their own service, it both strongly appealed and made me uncomfortable. Appealed because I think we all share some kinship regardless of the branch of service we claim, and made uncomfortable because it could so easily have been someone I knew and loved.

Also because I love dogs more than I love life itself and after seeing someone's review about this being a tearjerker (which it was) I was even more worried about reading it. I cried my eyes out at the end. But it was also totally worth it.

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[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐ (book 64/25 - 2025)

Rest in peace, Napal 🖤

After finishing the book, I needed a moment with my dog. That ending, my goodness, it broke my soul. My greatest fear is losing my dog, and now that she’s 8, I feel it more and more every day.

Thank you to all our (🇬🇧) service members and allies, and a huge thank you to the service dogs; you are truly remarkable 🐾

[Janet Newport · Rating 5 out of 5]

A REAL dog story!

It's actually two stories of hope. Jim's and Jason's and how they intersected with Napal (the dog).
A wonderful read that left little black dog hairs all over my heart.

[Luanne Ollivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dog Called Hope:A Wounded Warrior and the Service Dog Who Saved Him is the story of Jason Morgan. and his service dog Napal.

Morgan was a Combat Meteorologist with a Special Forces unit when a covert mission went awry and he suffered catastrophic injuries. Morgan was declared a paraplegic. Fighting unbelievable pain both physically and mentally, Morgan seized upon a ray of hope - Canine Companions for Independence. CCI provides service dogs free of charge to those in need.

A Dog Called Hope is Morgan's life story after that horrific accident - and the dog named Napal, who changed Jason's life.

Although we know accidents happen like this all the time, it is hard to listen to someone's personal story - the pain, the anguish and the grief. But I knew that Morgan had an important and uplifting message to impart. As a dog lover, I was already invested in this story simply from looking at the warm, wonderful and somehow wise face of Napal on the cover of the book. The journey through his accident, to CCI and Napal and afterwards is fascinating, uplifting and yes tear-jerking. (You're going to need a tissue for a few chapters) Morgan has made it his life's work now to spread the word about CCI and the service dogs they train. He now spreads that word as a motivational speaker.

I chose to listen to Morgan's story - the reader was John Moraitis. His voice fit the story of this soldier. He has a matter of fact, get on with life tone that suits this soldier's story. His enunciation is crisp, clean and easy to listen to and understand. I often find that listening to a book is much more intimate than reading - the listener becomes part of the story. And what a story this was!

Damien Lewis is an author who worked with Morgan on this book - and indeed plays a part in Napal's story.

While I found the writing slightly overly dramatic in spots, how can you give anyone's life story anything but a five?

[Stacey Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure I needed to read this book, as I felt like I knew the gist of Jason’s story from having been in service dog team training with him in 2012 2014. But I was exceptionally wrong, as I learned much more than I expected.

What an excellent read!

Adding a quick note to say that Canine Companions has been such a tremendous source of Good in my life, too, as it has brought me a network of family and friends along with my canine other half. If you want to learn more about them, go to canine.org! 💕

[Tiffany Demeulenaere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has left me a wreck. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would without a doubt.

Definitely recommend for any dog lover. A beautiful example of how a life companion can help us face the darkest of days.

Be prepared to shed a lot of tears, especially if you also have this special bond with your (soul) dog.

The story hit close to home, even if it’s in a slightly different way. I’ll cherish this book forever.

Now I’m off to give my soul dog another long lasting hug.

[Carlissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a dog lover, I was very intrigued by this book. The story starts off telling about Jim Siegfried, the dog trainer who fosters dogs for CCI for the first 18 months of their life and gives them the basic training before they head off to their final training to become service dogs. To me, he is the real hero of this story and the most enjoyable part of the book. Nepal is the third dog he has fostered and trained.

The story continues on with Napal going to a paraplegic "wounded warrior". Although I enjoyed reading about what Napal could do and how he was able to help this wounded warrior, I didn't enjoy the writing style in this part of the story and almost didn't finish the book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been trying to think of words to describe my feelings about this book, but they are just not appearing. So, let me say I gave it five stars but wish I could give it ten...the author is coming to my town in April to speak and I will be first in line, book in hand, hoping to get an autograph and tell him how much his story meant to me.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing true story.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for an emotional story about a service dog and how he filled a hole and changed the life of a wounded warrior, veteran Jason Morgan.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Jason Morgan, Damien Lewis, Quercus Books and Netgalley for the copy in return for a fair and honest review.

If you have ever loved a dog and been loved back by a dog, you will enjoy this book.

A Dog Called Hope is an inspirational story about one man’s courage over adversity and the incredible bond between a man and his dog.

Jason Morgan, a member of the US Air Force and Army Special Forces, is critically injured while on a mission. This book tells the story of his recovery with the help of his assistance dog, Napal.

I knew from the prologue that I would shed tears throughout this book and I wasn’t wrong! It does not just start from Jason’s accident and injuries to him then meeting Napal, it takes you through Napal’s training to be a service dog and the man responsible for making him a fantastic canine. I really liked this element of the book and how Jason’s progress after his accident and Napal’s progress in training ran concurrently. I often found myself looking at my own (less well trained!) dogs, amazed at what Napal had been trained to do and the potential that dogs have. I really felt for Jim Seigfried, Napal’s puppy trainer, when the time came for him to hand Napal over and I admire him for the work he has done. Yes, tears flowed at this point.

Written very much through Jason‘s voice, you are with him every step of the way and feel as if he has become a friend. You can never put yourself fully in the shoes of a person who has suffered a life-changing accident but Jason and Damien express the emotions felt by Jason and those close to him so well you deeply empathise. Chapter nine was very difficult for me to read.

You really get a sense of the strong bond and friendship that develops between Jason and Napal and how important they both become to each other. Like me, you will fall in love with Napal.

A highly recommended book about two real heroes, Jason and Napal. I am a dog owner and dog lover, however I think this story will be enjoyed by those who are not. You cannot fail to be moved by this book.

[Jena · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will never complain about your life, ever again, after you read the story of this extraordinary man, and his dog.
This is not fiction. It happened.
One of America's finest was paralyzed while serving his country, and with his service dog, Nepal, he went on to do incredible things.
I have not done any justice to the book with that short summation.
Jason is human, but he is truly the best of us.
And Nepal . . . . we should all be so lucky to have a beautiful soul like Nepal in our lives.
Read this book, and know that there is light inside of darkness, there is courage inside of brokenness, and there is so much wisdom and beauty inside of dogs.

[Lesley Halliday · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 6 stars I would! Oh my god what a story I've shed more tears whilst reading this probably more than Marley n me!! In fact I've still got tears running down my face!! An absolutely amazing amazing heart warming inspirational true story - loved every page

[Maureen DeLuca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love our Military, I love the dog, I love the USA- 'nuf said!

[Nilsa Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't anticipate to fall in love with this very special dog the way I did. Readers looking for something different and inspiring to read this is a great one.

[Lisa Wallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books to make me laugh out loud and most definitely the only book to make me cry. I'm going to go and give my dog the biggest hug in the world.

[juanita williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has me in tears any one who has a dog or any pet knows how much they can influence your life and the loss of them is heartbreaking

[Ella Sullivan]

read for class. not like what I usually read but was very interesting!

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first review i’ve ever written for a book on here despite using this app for at least half a decade. that’s how much this book moved me. i had to read this book for a course im taking at my college. the class sucks if im being honest, but this book sure as hell doesn’t. for me this book has really made a reflect on much my life and all associated experiences as an able-bodied person who loves dogs. going into this book, i thought i had a pretty good understanding about service dogs; what they do, how you qualify for one, how they’re trained, but this book proved that i really knew next to nothing.

this book has completely shifted my view of service dogs, the disabled community, and even my own life. i wish i could read this again for the first time on days when i feel sad or dark to remind myself all that i have to be greatful for and to relish in the joy and happiness brought on my friends, family, and most especially all the the dogs in my life.

if you get the chance to read this book, do it. if you’re on the fence about reading this book, read it. a lazy, tired, college student like myself wouldn’t waste my time reading this for a class and then rating it 5 stars with my first ever written review attached.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the beautiful story of a Wounded Warrior and his service dog but it also tell the backstory of the man that raised the dog from a puppy. Jason Morgan reveals a great deal of himself and what the unimaginable that he went through to get his life back where he is today. It was, for him, an emotional roller coaster. Then this beautiful black lab came into his life and his world again turned upside down...but this time in a good way. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll thank God for your two good legs, and you will fall in love with Napal. I guarantee that you will absolutely never look at a person in a wheelchair the same way again.

[Lauren Tremble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written. A brilliant tribute to Morgan, his family, and Napal. Reading and learning more about Morgan’s journey, and how Napal saved him, warmed and then broke my heart into pieces. Shoutout to little Rue and her bedroom zoomies.

Truly a book I’ll never forget.

[Jon Koebrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Dog Called Hope is an uplifting true story in many ways and celebrates both abilities over disabilities and amazing dogs. I had no idea a service dog could do as much as the featured dog in this book performed. The wounded warrior and the trainer were also inspiring. The writing is neither fantastic nor bad. This book made me hug my dogs and appreciate the bond we share with them. This is a good book for dog lovers and people looking for the resilient human spirit. 3.5 stars.

[Maris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candid, inspirational and emotional, this is a book that I came across accidentally while looking for another and I cannot be more pleased to have read it. Truly amazing.

[Lanessa Lehr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very heart warming story about the meaning of service dogs and what they do. Took me awhile to get into the the story line but it is a very meaningful book.

[ayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

some people should not write books. and that’s okay. this would have been much better as a newspaper article or magazine interview or something.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book!

But you will need a LARGE box of tissues!

I love at the beginning there are alternate chapters, one about Jason’s story and how he led up to being in a wheel chair, and the other about Napal and his original trainer and how the paths of their lives went until they met.

There are MANY amazing service dogs of all kinds in the world, and they all do a fantastic job, giving freedom and confidence to their disabled owners in so many ways. But Napal stands head and shoulders above them! His story will not be easily forgotten.

I dare you to read it without needing a tissue!!

[Sahana Dadashli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book very exciting