Warrior Dog (Young Readers Edition): The True Story of a Navy SEAL and His Fearless Canine Partner

by Joe Layden, Will Chesney

Two dozen Navy SEALs descended on Osama bin Laden’s compound in May 2011. After the mission, only one name was made Cairo, a Belgian Malinois and military working dog. Warrior Dog is the story of Cairo and his handler, Will Chesney, a member of SEAL Team Six whose life would be irrevocably tied to Cairo's, specially adapted for young readers from Chesney and Joe Layden's No Ordinary Dog .

Starting in 2008, when Will was introduced to the canine program, he and Cairo worked side by side, depending on each other for survival on hundreds of critical operations in the war on terrorism. But their bond went beyond their military service.

As Cairo aged and went on fewer missions, Will moved on to other assignments, forced to slowly―and painfully―distance himself from the dog. Then, in 2011, the call Pick up your dog and get back to Virginia. Now.

Cairo and Will trained for weeks for a secret mission, but it soon became clear that this was no ordinary operation. Cairo was among the first members of the U.S. military on the ground in Pakistan as part of Operation Neptune Spear, which resulted in the successful elimination of bin Laden.

As Cairo settled into a role as a reliable “spare dog,” Will went back to his job―until a grenade blast in 2013 left him severely injured. Unable to participate in further missions, he tried to recover, medicine provided only modest relief. Instead, it was up to Cairo to save Will's life once more―and then up to Will to be there when Cairo needed him the most.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Animals, War, Friendship

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 30, 2020

Reviews

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great. I have a new perspective for Navy Seals and military dog handlers.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!! I read this with my almost 12 year old son. The respect I already had for our military men was increased and the love I developed for Cairo was completely unexpected! I have a dog and cried as I read chapter 30. The decision Will had to make was out of complete love for Cairo, and I imagined how I would feel when that day eventually has to come for my own dog. I am so thankful for our men, women and MWDs who have served our country and given my boy true heroes to look up to admire.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book for young readers interested in a military career and dogs! The bravery of Will Chesney, Cairo, and all of the Navy Seals on their missions is something we all should be very grateful for. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and am so glad that I did. I learned a lot about the Navy Seals and what they do. You will develop a new appreciation for the Seals after reading this book. Written in a very straightforward manner and lots of info on the training and duties of a Navy Seal which should be of great interest to those young readers. I highly recommend this book.

[Barbara White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man's best friend.......YES! I cried as I was reading Warrior Dog: The True Story of a Navy Seal and His Fearless Canine Partner. Two heroes, on and off the official job. Thank you Cairo and Will for your service. This is an excellent read. A must-read. Don't miss it. Thanks to Goodreads First Reads for my copy.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great middle school level narrative nonfiction about a Navy SEAL and his military working dog Cairo. The book covers the training of military dogs and handlers as well as the important role these dogs play during an operation. In addition to recounting his military experiences with Cairo during the War on Terror, he also shares his experience with PTSD.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the perfect book for any young reader! The true story of a Navy Seal and his dog. Perfect for the classroom library as well. A story of love, hope, courage and bravery. It's a story for any young reader.

[Kate Waggoner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of Warrior Dog: The True Story of a Navy Seal and His Fearless Canine Partner by Will Chesney with Joe Layden in a Goodreads Giveaway. All opinions are my own.

This is a middle grades narrative nonfiction book that details Will Chesney's time as a Navy Seal. Specifically, it focuses on his time as a dog handler with Cairo, a Belgian Malinois. The two instantly became close and worked side by side for hundreds of critical operations. Chesney talks about their bond and how it went beyond military service to a true friendship. Cairo was his dog and he was Cairo's dog. It discusses the various missions the two completed together including their part in Operation Neptune's Spear, which resulted in the successful elimination of Osama bin Laden. Both Cairo and Chesney experienced injuries while serving and the book discusses their rehabilitation and troubles with PTSD and how Cairo was always there for Chesney when he needed him the most.

Warrior Dog is an amazing middle grades narrative nonfiction book. It was captivating from page one. Chesney has an easy narrative style that pulls you in and the topic itself is incredibly engaging. As the book went on, I felt that I knew Cairo and I fell in love with. I have to be honest, I teared up as I read the last few pages because I felt such a strong connection. While the main focus of the book is on Chesney and Cairo's relationship, there is also a focus on each of their careers. I learned a lot about the Navy Seals and working dogs through this book. I think middle grade readers will love this book, and I can't wait to share with my 7th graders.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued regardless both as a military biography of a service dog but also the autobiography of a SEAL who worked with him. And before I could get to reading it, my 11 year old son read it and enjoyed it.

The book is a straightforward read and probably no doubt aided by the writing of Layden but it's Chesney and Cairo's story. Everything is matter-of-fact and it's a useful approach for this audience because of the topics: war, terrorism, weapons and ammunition, injuries, and in Chesney's case, severe head trauma and substance abuse. Regardless, the book is focused on the SEAL training and then Chesney's work in the dog handling unit and the dog training and partnership that is involved. It's a tribute to all dogs who have served in these capacities over the years for sure and the heroism.

It comes full circle as the book does end with Cairo's death but Chesney's continued life in remembrance of his companion. There is compassion and friendship. Likewise, he's telling a piece of history since he was part of the teams that captured and killed Osama Bin Laden in the raids on he compound, which I was fascinated with since I was surprised he could explain enough of the mission that it felt a little confidential.

[Robert D’Amodio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book about the brave Navy Seal and his dog Cairo. The Navy Seal showed bravery and courage no matter what happened to him. His determination to complete his mission, I felt, was very impactful as a reader. When they invaded Osama Bin-Laden’s house they weren’t afraid to sacrifice themselves to assassinate Bin-Laden. The Navy seal and Cairo had gotten separated at one point on a mission and the Navy seal never gave up trying to find his dog to get him home. The bond between the navy seal and his dog was something that I enjoyed the most when reading. This book was one of the best books I have ever read and would suggest others to read it as well.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Warrior Dog: The True Story of a Navy SEAL and His Fearless Canine Partner" by Will Chesney and Joe Layden

Detailed story of Will's experience becoming an elite Navy SEAL, and dog handler to Cairo, a Belgian Malinois. The time period followed 9/11 after Will decided to enlist.

I loved the stories about the training and the relationship between Will and Cairo, both in intensive training and in deployed missions, including Operation Neptune Spear which resulted in the elimination of Osama bin Laden.

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Luis Cuesta · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. It tells the story of US Navy SEAL Operator Will Chesney and his K9 partner Cairo. It helps you to understand the world around these military working dogs. Most of us have no idea what a SEAL goes thru during their career but this is even impossible to imagine what a dog goes thru and the book gives a good account on both but overall is a reminder of the human/animal bond.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is exactly what the title claims it is: the true story of a Navy Seal and his fearless canine partner. This text is filled with info about military working dogs, the process of becoming and being a Navy Seal, American missions in Afghanistan, and the after effects of war (PTSD, TBIs).

teacher note: this would be an awesome info text pairing with "Where the Red Fern Grows."

[Alec Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great read about the canine that was on the SEAL team that took down Bin Laden. Quite the inspirational read, and really dove into the responsibilities of being a dog handler in the SEALs. We really enjoyed this as a read-a-long.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely write written reviews. However, this is one of those rare books that touched my soul. The story of Cairo and his handler Will is the story of courage, love, and goodness that we all need right now. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the amazing life of Cairo and the life of a working service dog. I had never heard of this story! Fits the prompt of my reading challenge of non-fiction recommended by a friend. Thank you!

[Mary Tharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

My grandson loved this story.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads. This was an interesting book. I learned a lot of things about the Navy Seals that I did not know.

[Edy Gies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story and the young reader's edition is perfect. Yes, it's a sad story at points but it's also a powerful story about what MWDs can do.

[Christa Cordrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography. Great for dog lovers or those interested in military. I can see a lot of readers for this in middle school.

[AB Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Navy Seal and his dog. An amazing story.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could rate this 1,000 stars I would! This is one of the best books ever read. A must read!!! Cairo's story is amazing! I can't put into words how much I loved this book!

[Estella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a good, emotional, heartfelt story.