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Wonder Dogs
After a devastating diagnosis at the age of 39, Maureen Maurer was given a second chance at life. Giving up her successful career as a CPA, she took a leap of faith to pursue her childhood teaching dogs to help people with disabilities. She founded two nonprofit organizations, Assistance Dogs of Hawaii and Assistance Dogs Northwest, and unleashed the potential dogs have to help people with special needs.
In Wonder Dogs , Maureen shares her story of discovering God's true purpose for her life and the amazing adventure that followed. She also tells the triumphant stories of her beloved dogs and their inspiring partners as they overcome incredible challenges to live life to the fullest. These heartwarming and uplifting accounts show what's possible when we focus on abilities rather than disabilities.
Dog lovers everywhere will enjoy this fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at what goes into selecting and training assistance dogs. Anyone who loves stories about second chances and overcoming challenges will find in Wonder Dogs a whole pack of kindred spirits.
"This book is a beautiful collection of tales of some of the special dogs who have changed lives with their extraordinary abilities. More than that, it's a generous glimpse into the life of a woman who demonstrates what can happen when you agree to put your whole heart into doing what God created you to do."-- Robin Jones Gunn , bestselling author of the award-winning Christy Miller series
"Maureen Maurer is every bit as extraordinary as the dogs she loves and trains."-- Michael Gartner , Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, former president of NBC News
" Wonder Dogs will win your heart over! This book gave me a fresh perspective on hardships and how even the most terrible circumstances can be redeemed and turned into joy. This book will give you hope again, in whatever you may be walking through right now."-- Alyssa Bethke , bestselling author of Satisfied and cohost of The Real Life Podcast
"Prepare to be delighted! You don't often find a book so full of hope."-- Kristin von Kreisler , animal advocate and bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace and Earnest
" Wonder Dogs shows what a difference one person can make in so many lives."-- Kim Komando , national radio host and columnist, Sirius XM, Fox News, and USA Today
In Wonder Dogs , Maureen shares her story of discovering God's true purpose for her life and the amazing adventure that followed. She also tells the triumphant stories of her beloved dogs and their inspiring partners as they overcome incredible challenges to live life to the fullest. These heartwarming and uplifting accounts show what's possible when we focus on abilities rather than disabilities.
Dog lovers everywhere will enjoy this fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at what goes into selecting and training assistance dogs. Anyone who loves stories about second chances and overcoming challenges will find in Wonder Dogs a whole pack of kindred spirits.
"This book is a beautiful collection of tales of some of the special dogs who have changed lives with their extraordinary abilities. More than that, it's a generous glimpse into the life of a woman who demonstrates what can happen when you agree to put your whole heart into doing what God created you to do."-- Robin Jones Gunn , bestselling author of the award-winning Christy Miller series
"Maureen Maurer is every bit as extraordinary as the dogs she loves and trains."-- Michael Gartner , Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, former president of NBC News
" Wonder Dogs will win your heart over! This book gave me a fresh perspective on hardships and how even the most terrible circumstances can be redeemed and turned into joy. This book will give you hope again, in whatever you may be walking through right now."-- Alyssa Bethke , bestselling author of Satisfied and cohost of The Real Life Podcast
"Prepare to be delighted! You don't often find a book so full of hope."-- Kristin von Kreisler , animal advocate and bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace and Earnest
" Wonder Dogs shows what a difference one person can make in so many lives."-- Kim Komando , national radio host and columnist, Sirius XM, Fox News, and USA Today
- GenresAnimalsNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 14, 2021
A unique book about extraordinary assistance dogs . . .
From the photo of the adorable golden retriever puppy on the cover to the last page of this book, I was enthralled with these furry packages of devotion, love, intelligence, and determination.
The book opens with an informative 'Acknowledgments' section written by both authors. Each chapter thereon features a canine companion. The dog's background, experience, strengths, weaknesses, training, and personality are spotlighted. We learn how each dog is matched up with his human counterpart based on needs, personalities, and the skills the dog will be trained to accomplish.
Not every story has a happy ending because we are talking about life, after all. Every living thing on our earth must pass on at some time, but this book is filled with joy, hope, love, and accomplishment. These wonder dogs and the Assistance Dogs of Hawaii organization have had a profound effect on the world—yes, the world—which resonates throughout the book.
I was deeply moved by the dogs and the humans featured in these stories. I shed tears of emotion, sadness, compassion, and joy as I read this book. I believe this book will have a lasting effect on me and my outlook on the life-changing ministry these dogs and the organizations who train them have upon people with disabilities and their families.
'Wonder Dogs' by Maureen Maurer with Jenna Benton is a book I will read again and again because it is inspiring and motivating to read not only about these dogs, but also about the human companions who seek and need their assistance.
Highly-recommended to readers who enjoy learning about the bonds between assistance dogs and their humans, the screening and training methods for the canine assistance programs, and dog lovers of all ages.
I received a paperback copy of this book from Revell through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my opinions and thoughts shared here are solely my own.
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From the photo of the adorable golden retriever puppy on the cover to the last page of this book, I was enthralled with these furry packages of devotion, love, intelligence, and determination.
The book opens with an informative 'Acknowledgments' section written by both authors. Each chapter thereon features a canine companion. The dog's background, experience, strengths, weaknesses, training, and personality are spotlighted. We learn how each dog is matched up with his human counterpart based on needs, personalities, and the skills the dog will be trained to accomplish.
Not every story has a happy ending because we are talking about life, after all. Every living thing on our earth must pass on at some time, but this book is filled with joy, hope, love, and accomplishment. These wonder dogs and the Assistance Dogs of Hawaii organization have had a profound effect on the world—yes, the world—which resonates throughout the book.
I was deeply moved by the dogs and the humans featured in these stories. I shed tears of emotion, sadness, compassion, and joy as I read this book. I believe this book will have a lasting effect on me and my outlook on the life-changing ministry these dogs and the organizations who train them have upon people with disabilities and their families.
'Wonder Dogs' by Maureen Maurer with Jenna Benton is a book I will read again and again because it is inspiring and motivating to read not only about these dogs, but also about the human companions who seek and need their assistance.
Highly-recommended to readers who enjoy learning about the bonds between assistance dogs and their humans, the screening and training methods for the canine assistance programs, and dog lovers of all ages.
I received a paperback copy of this book from Revell through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my opinions and thoughts shared here are solely my own.
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August 1, 2023
I would give this book a 4.5. I love to read about dogs and this is a nice book devoted to assistance dogs. Maureen Maurer decided to devote her life to training dogs to help others. She trained the dogs to do various tasks depending on the needs of each person. One thing she did was write a list of rules she intended to follow for the dogs and persons they would go to. She learned over the years that each of those rules would be broken one by one. She writes of each dog and who they ended up with to help the person. I was pleased that she showed a picture of each dog and their person they helped. She trained dogs to do many kinds of tasks from hospital dogs that calmed the patients. Dogs that learned specific tasks for physical disabilities etc. A nice quick read. add on she lived in Maui which I thought was pretty cool.
May 12, 2023
My 10YO daughter read Wonder Dogs by Maureen “Mo” Maurer and Jenna Benton months ago, and I’m so glad I finally took time to read it. Each chapter had a feel-good tale of a service dog who helped someone in need. I truly enjoyed returning to this book every night as I knew the stories would lift my spirit and leave me smiling.
In Wonder Dogs, I learned about the intelligence and skills of trained assistance dogs, as well as their loyal and caring natures. Some dogs learned to smell cancer or detect UTIs. Another helped a scared child testify about a crime. Many became personal companions to people with special needs. I wish every hospital and courthouse could have one of Mo’s trained dogs.
Quietly threaded through Wonder Dogs were snippets of Mo’s personal story. She left her career to pursue God’s calling to train service dogs. From humble beginnings to land ownership and a second location, her business grew as she sought to help people by providing trained canine companions. Her mentions of prayer and seeking God’s will places this book in the Christian nonfiction realm, but I think anyone who enjoys heartwarming animal stories would love this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
In Wonder Dogs, I learned about the intelligence and skills of trained assistance dogs, as well as their loyal and caring natures. Some dogs learned to smell cancer or detect UTIs. Another helped a scared child testify about a crime. Many became personal companions to people with special needs. I wish every hospital and courthouse could have one of Mo’s trained dogs.
Quietly threaded through Wonder Dogs were snippets of Mo’s personal story. She left her career to pursue God’s calling to train service dogs. From humble beginnings to land ownership and a second location, her business grew as she sought to help people by providing trained canine companions. Her mentions of prayer and seeking God’s will places this book in the Christian nonfiction realm, but I think anyone who enjoys heartwarming animal stories would love this book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
June 4, 2022
At the beginning of her quest to establish a training center for assistance dogs in Hawaii, author Maureen “Mo” Maurer comes up with ten rules about what kind of dogs she’ll train, how the screening process works, etc. Then the book describes how those rules went right out the kennel as each incredible dog re-writes the book on “dog assistance.”
Wonder Dogs draws you in from page one, propelling you into each life-changing story with top-notch writing that radiates warmth and winsomeness. We’re introduced to a new hero dog and his or her human in each chapter, like:
- Tucker, a puppy who visits a young girl who’s in desperate need of a Christmas miracle.
- Leader, an abandoned German shepherd mix who becomes a loyal service dog and best friend for a boy with muscular dystrophy.
- Freedom, a golden retriever who helps a disabled vet regain her independence. He also saves her when … (you’ll have to get the book for more!)
- Pono, a sweet black lab who becomes Hawaii’s first courthouse dog, helping children find the courage to testify in court.
Bathed in hope, courage, and faith, the narration moves quickly, with pitch-perfect pacing. It also includes great depth and transparency as the author interweaves her personal story with those of her clients and their amazing canines.
Each chapter is headed by an inspirational quote from a wide variety of sources. Chapters also include a black and white photo of each subject dog.
Additionally, Wonder Dogs is educational and informative, providing readers a “bird’s eye view” of what it takes to select and train these amazing animals and match them with the right client.
Inspiring, heartwarming and uplifting, Wonder Dogs is just plain PAWsome! It’ll make you want to stand and up and cheer!
Wonder Dogs draws you in from page one, propelling you into each life-changing story with top-notch writing that radiates warmth and winsomeness. We’re introduced to a new hero dog and his or her human in each chapter, like:
- Tucker, a puppy who visits a young girl who’s in desperate need of a Christmas miracle.
- Leader, an abandoned German shepherd mix who becomes a loyal service dog and best friend for a boy with muscular dystrophy.
- Freedom, a golden retriever who helps a disabled vet regain her independence. He also saves her when … (you’ll have to get the book for more!)
- Pono, a sweet black lab who becomes Hawaii’s first courthouse dog, helping children find the courage to testify in court.
Bathed in hope, courage, and faith, the narration moves quickly, with pitch-perfect pacing. It also includes great depth and transparency as the author interweaves her personal story with those of her clients and their amazing canines.
Each chapter is headed by an inspirational quote from a wide variety of sources. Chapters also include a black and white photo of each subject dog.
Additionally, Wonder Dogs is educational and informative, providing readers a “bird’s eye view” of what it takes to select and train these amazing animals and match them with the right client.
Inspiring, heartwarming and uplifting, Wonder Dogs is just plain PAWsome! It’ll make you want to stand and up and cheer!
June 30, 2021
I had the privilege of reading this early and was just so incredibly impressed by this book. From Maureen's story of founding Assistance Dogs of Hawaii and the people she met along the way, to the individual stories of the graduate teams with their assistance dogs -- I honestly could not put this book down. These were true stories of hope and perseverance. I cried so much reading this, but the good kind of cry -- the stories were just so touching. My heart sang, it ached, it sang again -- it was all so beautiful. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes feel-good books and also for anyone who loves dogs. You forget how amazing these animals are! The general format of this book, starting around ch 4, is each chapter highlights a different team, so it's easy to pick up and put down (although you won't want to stop!) and perfect for traveling or to bring places where you have short bursts of time to read. I can't wait to tell all my friends about this book I've already ordered 2 more!
August 3, 2021
3.5 stars
A heartwarming story about a woman turning her life around to help other people by training assistance dogs in Hawaii.
It was an adorable read, and I really enjoyed the stories about the different dogs and their purposes. It kept amazing me how much dogs can learn and how much of a difference they can make in someone's life.
I especially liked listening while cuddling my own little wonder dog, Joep, whose main skills are just to be cute and enthusiastic, which is perfect for me.
A heartwarming story about a woman turning her life around to help other people by training assistance dogs in Hawaii.
It was an adorable read, and I really enjoyed the stories about the different dogs and their purposes. It kept amazing me how much dogs can learn and how much of a difference they can make in someone's life.
I especially liked listening while cuddling my own little wonder dog, Joep, whose main skills are just to be cute and enthusiastic, which is perfect for me.
October 11, 2021
When you are having a rough (“ruff?”) day, these sweet stories will restore your faith in humanity and the universe.
What a sweet, heartwarming book, full of inspirational teams of assistance dogs and their trainers and working partners! I already love dogs, but this just makes me love them all the more for their kind and helpful spirit. And all the amazing things they can do!
This would be a great book for upper elementary kids as well as adult readers. It’s written in a simple, conversational style, and keeps a positive and empowering vibe, although readers likely will still experience some tears! (Happy and sad tears.)
The author is guided by her Christian faith, which feels fitting in her profession of helping others and not at all preachy or self-serving like some Christian books can come across, as if their faith is something to market and not a guiding force.
I also enjoyed learning more about Hawaiian culture. Now I have even more reasons to want visit! In the meantime, I will have to follow Assistance Dogs of Hawaii on social media!
What a sweet, heartwarming book, full of inspirational teams of assistance dogs and their trainers and working partners! I already love dogs, but this just makes me love them all the more for their kind and helpful spirit. And all the amazing things they can do!
This would be a great book for upper elementary kids as well as adult readers. It’s written in a simple, conversational style, and keeps a positive and empowering vibe, although readers likely will still experience some tears! (Happy and sad tears.)
The author is guided by her Christian faith, which feels fitting in her profession of helping others and not at all preachy or self-serving like some Christian books can come across, as if their faith is something to market and not a guiding force.
I also enjoyed learning more about Hawaiian culture. Now I have even more reasons to want visit! In the meantime, I will have to follow Assistance Dogs of Hawaii on social media!
July 2, 2021
This book and all the pups and people included in it are simply amazing.
A word of caution- make sure you have some tissues nearby. Not because it’s sad, but because we simply don’t deserve dogs.
At age 39, Mo decides to make a significant change in her life. She decides to leave her well paying job in finance to start living her passion of working with dogs and training them to work with people with disabilities. What happens after that is nothing short of amazing. While she’s getting started, Mimi makes a list of 10 rules for her service dog program, and over the years she manages to break each one of them, for all the best possible reasons.
Each chapter of this book introduces us to a dog and the human(s) they are partnered with, the human whose life they will ultimately change for the better.
I can’t say enough about this book and the program, do yourself a favor and get this book and donate to the program.
A word of caution- make sure you have some tissues nearby. Not because it’s sad, but because we simply don’t deserve dogs.
At age 39, Mo decides to make a significant change in her life. She decides to leave her well paying job in finance to start living her passion of working with dogs and training them to work with people with disabilities. What happens after that is nothing short of amazing. While she’s getting started, Mimi makes a list of 10 rules for her service dog program, and over the years she manages to break each one of them, for all the best possible reasons.
Each chapter of this book introduces us to a dog and the human(s) they are partnered with, the human whose life they will ultimately change for the better.
I can’t say enough about this book and the program, do yourself a favor and get this book and donate to the program.
April 15, 2022
Service animals are unsung heroes in the world. Their ability to help their people through so much. Whether it's physical or emotional, they’re seriously incredible. What I loved about this book is how it shines a light on not only the dogs but the processes. I had no idea the kind of training it really takes for them in various ways that helps them to assist their people. Not only that but the fact the author the goals, guidelines, and rules she set for herself for her organization. Obviously, a lot changed for her as she went forward. But, her dedication to her clients never did. I really enjoyed all of their stories. Well done!
October 25, 2022
To borrow from Jerry McGuire, you had me at dogs. This is a wonderful book that will at times have you almost in tears. There's a lot of humor in it, too. I was intrigued by what all went into finding puppies to train, reviewing applications for assistance dogs, and pairing dogs and handlers.
One of the things I found amusing was she listed her 10 ABSOLUTE rules that she would not stray from, and before long she had broken every single one. Just goes to show that God sometimes has other plans.
The only questions I have are, what if the dog passes away? Do they help them find a new dog? What if the owner/handler passes away? What happens to the dog? I assume if the handler was a child, then dog stays and becomes a family pet, but what about if the handler was an adult living alone with no family?
A very enjoyable story. If you ever had any curiosity about assistance dogs, or just love dogs in general, you will love this book.
One of the things I found amusing was she listed her 10 ABSOLUTE rules that she would not stray from, and before long she had broken every single one. Just goes to show that God sometimes has other plans.
The only questions I have are, what if the dog passes away? Do they help them find a new dog? What if the owner/handler passes away? What happens to the dog? I assume if the handler was a child, then dog stays and becomes a family pet, but what about if the handler was an adult living alone with no family?
A very enjoyable story. If you ever had any curiosity about assistance dogs, or just love dogs in general, you will love this book.
July 5, 2021
Best Feel Good Book!!!
I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak at this book and what a privilege. I laughed, I cried, again and again! An inspiring collection of true stories about the love, hope and courage of these incredible families and their assistance dogs. Maureen is not only an amazing writer, but a real life hero herself. Taking a chance and living out the dream of helping others with her gift and love for these amazing dogs. A truly inspirational book that I could not put down!
I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peak at this book and what a privilege. I laughed, I cried, again and again! An inspiring collection of true stories about the love, hope and courage of these incredible families and their assistance dogs. Maureen is not only an amazing writer, but a real life hero herself. Taking a chance and living out the dream of helping others with her gift and love for these amazing dogs. A truly inspirational book that I could not put down!
September 12, 2021
This book made me cry so many times, but in a good way. My grandfather bought this book for me because I have an (almost) one year old golden retriever and he thought I would enjoy the read. He was right. I finished the book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Reading of all of the success stories and of the happiness/healing that the dogs brought truly warmed my soul. I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a read that shows you the power of a dogs’ love and the power of the bond between people and dogs.
July 3, 2023
I loved this book and I like how it was based off of a true story I cried at some of the last chapters but overall it was amazing and heart warming, I would say I don’t recommend this for beginner readers because I did get into a reading slump near the end but then I picked up so overall I think this is a great book.
July 12, 2021
Wonder Dogs is one of those books that you wish never ended. It's an inspiring read, that will make you laugh, cry, and desire to help others the way the author and the incredible service dogs have helped so many. A beautiful book that will lift your heart. Highly recommend!!
July 27, 2021
This was a goodreads win. I entered to win this book because I’m seeing more and more service dogs in every day life. How could you spend so much time with these dogs and not become attached as you train them.
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August 14, 2022Such a feel good book. I love how Maureen changed her life to do what she loved. In some compilations not every story is great. Not true of these stories, each one was as good as the last. Highly recommend if you like dogs.
May 10, 2025
Feel good dog nonfiction is on a diff star rating scale than my usual fiction. I LOVE DOGS - such an easy & simple read with short stories illustrating the incredible nature and hard work of our companions, suitable for all ages
September 10, 2021
Very inspiring! Will make you smile and cry. Such sweet stories. Definitely read if you are a dog lover!
May 7, 2022
This book is fantastic! Makes me appreciate the hard work and complete dedication to making others lives better!!! Dogs are really angels!!!! 🦮
July 5, 2023
Heartwarming and adorable. Must read for any dog lover.
May 20, 2024
If you love dogs, it a must read. It was great to be walked through the journey and learn about all the obstacles one can face. Great heartfelt read.
September 28, 2024
Truly amazing dogs! That old saying that we don't deserve dogs is spot on.
March 8, 2025
I'm more of a cat person but I love stories like this
December 22, 2025
I loved the amazing stories in this book about how dogs helped people with disabilities and sometimes helped them before they got sick by sniffing out early stages of cancer and diseases.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews