Secret Service Dogs: The Heroes Who Protect the President of the United States

(Paperback)

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In an age fraught with terrorism, United States Secret Service canine teams risk their lives to safeguard the president, vice president, their families, visiting heads of state, and a host of others. Unprecedented access to these heroic dog teams has allowed a fascinating first-time-ever look at a very special breed of heroes. In an age fraught with terrorism, United States Secret Service canine teams risk their lives to safeguard the president, vice president, their families, visiting heads of state, and a host of others. Unprecedented access to these heroic dog teams has allowed a fascinating first-time-ever look at a very special breed of heroes. Wherever the president goes, there will be dogs. They'll be there no matter what the country or state. They'll be there regardless of the political climate, the danger level, the weather, or the hour. "If you let down your guard on the job," says Special Agent Bill G., canine program manager, "it can change the history of the world." It's a burden Secret Service dog handlers take extremely seriously, regardless of their specialty. Tactical dog handlers on the White House lawn, handlers whose dogs sniff for explosives around the world, and those who walk their amiable floppy-eared dogs up and down Pennsylvania Avenue all live one common mantra- Not on my watch. Or my dog's. Secret Service Dogs immerses readers into the heart of this elite world of canine teams who protect first families, popes, and presidential candidates- the selection of dogs and handlers, their year-round training, their missions around the world, and, most important, the bond-the glue that holds the teams together and can mean the difference between finding bombs and terrorists or letting them slip by. "These animals will gladly run into a hail of gunfire," says "Stew," a Secret Service ERT tactical canine unit supervisor. "All they ask in return is for their handlers to throw the ball with them, pet them, and talk to them in an embarrassingly high voice." Secret Service Dogs celebrates the Secret Service's most unforgettable canine heroes. It is a must-read for fans of Maria Goodavage, anyone who wants a rare inside view of the United States Secret Service, or just loves dogs.

Reviews

"A pawesome book on the lives of Secret Service dogs."
Time

Secret Service Dogs offers an inside look at these animals; how they're selected, trained, and save the president from bad guys. . . . A collection of funny, dramatic, and heartfelt anecdotes.
MensJournal.com

Even non-dog lovers will be fascinated by Maria Goodavages in-depth examination of the highly trained canines and their equally impressive human handlers inSecret Service Dogs.
The Associated Press

A wonderful account and history of these unsung heroes at work every day to make the world safer. . . . An important addition to the works that shows how dogs really are mans best friend."
Library Journal

Goodavage compels readers with stories of the bonds between Secret Service dogs and their handlers. A must-read for the dog lover.
Booklist

"The latest treat for dog lovers by Goodavage.
Kirkus Reviews

Packed with colorful vignettes, this rich tapestry serves up a combination of history, cases, and appetizing personal recollections of handlers with their special working partners.
American Kennel Club

A fascinating read. . . . A celebration of how training, heart, friendship, and duty can bring out the best in all of us. And it just goes to show you . . . everythings better when dogs are involved.
San Francisco Book Review

Secret Service Dogstells the incredible story of the fearless animals who put their lives on the line every day to protect the First Family and the men and women of the Secret Service who love them. It is a heartwarming and compelling read that offers an inside look at the incredible bond between these dogs and their handlersa uniquely American story of bravery, loyalty, and love.
Kate Andersen Brower, #1New York Timesbestselling author ofFirst WomenandThe Residence

It has been said that the best nonfiction books are thosethat reveal a hidden world to the reader: a placethey wouldn't otherwise beable to experience. Maria Goodavage'sSecretService Dogsis that kind ofbooka well-researched and compelling readnot only for dog lovers, but anyone interested in seeinghigh-level White Housesecurity operations from an insider's perspective.
Gerald Petievich, formerUS Secret Service special agent, author ofToLive and Die in LA, The Sentinel,and other Secret Service novels

As a guide dog user and survivor of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, I appreciate and understand the value of the teamwork and trust that bind a canine unit such as those portrayed in Secret Service Dogs. This book is a must-read not only for anyone who wishes to better understand dogs, but also because it is just a really good story.Maria Goodavage captured me right from page one. As Larry King said about my own book, Thunder Dog, This is a page-turner. After readingSecret Service Dogsyou will have a new and stronger appreciation for how to build a relationship with your own animal colleagues and friends. Enjoy. The read is well worth your time.
Michael Hingson,#1 New York Times bestselling author of Thunder Dog

Maria Goodavage takes us into a world that few know about and shows us just how special these dogs are. Although their work is serious, none of it could happen without the special relationships between the dogs and their handlers that come shining through.
Gregory Berns, author of How Dogs Love Us

Author Bio

Maria Goodavage is aveteran journalist and the New York Times bestselling author of Secret Service Dogs,Top Dog, andSoldier Dogs. Shelives in San Francisco with her family and yellow Lab, Gus Kilroy.