In the Line of Fire: Daring Stories of Man’s Best Hero

by Ace Collins

Dogs have become more than mere pets, in the eyes of many these companions are friends and family. But when it comes to dogs that serve in the military, they become equal members of the team. Each day, these canines’ actions and reactions to often difficult situations impact the personal safety and care of men and women as they serve their communities and country. 

 

In The Line of Fire: More Stories of Man’s Best Hero shares moving and exciting stories of a dozen amazing canines whose lives have been constantly on the line. Dogs that set forth on life-saving missions, and even became goodwill ambassadors, empowering those with whom they work.

Their incredible missions showcase the most positive aspects of the units with whom they’ve worked, while serving as narratives that teach mankind about courage, faith, and loyalty. After hearing these often edge-of-the-seat tales you might be encouraged to emulate the very animals that serve us.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2018

About the author

Citing his Arkansas heritage, Christy Award winner Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Collins has authored more than eighty books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a television special, been featured on every network morning TV show and does college basketball play-by-play. He is married to Kathy Collins, Chair of the Education Department at Ouachita Baptist University, and the couple has two grown sons. Collins lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

Reviews

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these stories of military dogs! Each one will bring tears to your eyes. Seriously. These hounds with hearts of gold and courage to the max will touch every heart. If you're a patriot and a dog lover, like I am, these will be sure to appeal to you. And the cover is outstanding! A book to be on your keeper shelf, taken down and read often. Bravo!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley. The opinion stated above is entirely my own.

[Lindsey Gandhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's inspirational to read about war heroes. We read about them in the paper and hear about them in the news. But there's a whole group of war heroes we often times don't hear much about - the canine units. These incredible dogs are trained to sniff out the enemy, bombs, alert their unit to enemy airplanes and fire, and much more. Some of these miraculous feats the dogs are trained to do, but more times than not it becomes instinctual what the dog needs to do to protect his/her unit. These animals do more than just protect their unit, they become friends, companions with the soldiers. They offer encouragement and inspiration when there is none to be found during war time. More stories like this need to be written about military dogs and highlight the sacrifices they make. Being a dog lover, I was very excited to read this book. There are parts that will make you laugh (because at the end of the day, dogs can pull some funny tricks) and there are parts that will make you cry and there are parts that will leave you amazed. At the end, I had a new found appreciation for the service these amazing animals performed, and I learned some new facts about the various wars I never learned in school. Excellent book all around, and one I would recommend to animal enthusiast and history buffs alike.

Thank you to Abingdon Press and Ace Collins for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of In the Line of Fire by Ace Collins reminded me of a book I had read as a child. I though perhaps this was similar with more current stories. However, it is not a child book but rather an adult one. The stories of the heroic feats of dogs in service that put their lives in the path of danger are a touching heartrending tribute to these animals.

It is written with honesty but also respected for these who gave their all in the line of military service. Sergeant Gander, the Newfoundland, perhaps because my dog is part Newfoundland along with Rintintin, better known as Rin Tin Tin are two of my personal favorites. It is not always an easy read; true war stories never are but these are ones that I will never forget.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a digital ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs are known ubiquitously as man’s best friend, and “In the Line of Fire” develops this epithet further, highlighting instances in which dogs of all kinds have come to serve in the military over the years. From Sallie, the bull terrier who served in the Civil War, to Lucca, a German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix who sniffed out IEDs during the War on Terror, this illuminating work of nonfiction provides short but incisive accounts of some of the most incredible and patriotic canines involved in war efforts. These dogs served in various branches of the military—even the Navy—and encompass a variety of breeds, shattering stereotypes. Each chapter focuses on a specific dog and how he or she came to be in the military in the first place; many times, especially during the earlier wars, this happened coincidentally but paved the way for canine troops to come. The stories are fascinating, heartwarming, and yes, at times sad. Because they are true, there is not always a happily-ever-after ending, but this emphasizes the realities and vagaries of life. Working dogs hold a special place in my heart, and acknowledging their service and sacrifice allows us to properly honor them and to work toward ensuring that when their duty is done, they can live out the rest of their life in peace and well-being.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook and was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarah]

Dogs are known ubiquitously as man’s best friend, and “In the Line of Fire” develops this epithet further, highlighting instances in which dogs of all kinds have come to serve in the military over the years. From Sallie, the bull terrier who served in the Civil War, to Lucca, a German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix who sniffed out IEDs during the War on Terror, this illuminating work of nonfiction provides short but incisive accounts of some of the most incredible and patriotic canines involved in war efforts. These dogs served in various branches of the military—even the Navy—and encompass a variety of breeds, shattering stereotypes. Each chapter focuses on a specific dog and how he or she came to be in the military in the first place; many times, especially during the earlier wars, this happened coincidentally but paved the way for canine troops to come. The stories are fascinating, heartwarming, and yes, at times sad. Because they are true, there is not always a happily-ever-after ending, but this emphasizes the realities and vagaries of life. Working dogs hold a special place in my heart, and acknowledging their service and sacrifice allows us to properly honor them and to work toward ensuring that when their duty is done, they can live out the rest of their life in peace and well-being.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook and was not required to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book about dogs in service. As a dog lover, it is hard to read of the animals who lost their lives in service. However, these wonderful creatures who put their lives on the line to save their soldiers speaks volumes of the love and loyalty they possess.

There were some chapters that were hard to read but I found this to be a touching memorial to animals in service. I enjoyed learning the history of a few of these animals.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Line Of Fire Is so I'm real - I enjoyed it so very much - it talks about dogs in the line of fire - for instance there was a dog that helped the men in the Civil War - it kept their spirits up - it warned them of coming fire - it mourned the death of the men - they protected the men's tent - it made sure the men got their food - it made me cry - a lot of these stories did. I just loved these stories - I love animals and to see dogs impact was wonderful. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.

if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com - I look forward to seeing you there.

[BookWolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Line Of Fire
by Ace Collins

It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my live gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are. - Anonymous

In The Line Of Fire features Sallie, Satan, Rags, Rin Tin Tin, Gander, Judy, Antis, Sinbad, York, Nemo, Clipper, Buster and Lucca. Starting with the Civil War, all the way through to present day, Collins tells the stories of how dogs have saved people’s lives, even when they were not fully appreciated. A wonderful book about man’s best friend, and the courage, strength and determination that dogs have shown throughout history. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Abingdon Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


Note: This book is about dogs who were soldiers. The stories are sad and sometimes violent - a dog is blown up, one dog is described as having its eye hanging out of the socket, and another loses a limb.

[JoAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an animal lover and I throughly enjoyed reading this collection of stories. I had never thought of the roll that dogs might play in the military and was amazed. I recommend this book to dog lovers.