Dogs with Jobs [Hardcover]

Kim Kachanoff (Author), Merrily Weisbord (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

From the creators of the upcoming thirteen-part television series "Dogs with Jobs," this beautifully illustrated volume offers a delightful portrayal of the world's amazing working dogs, who accomplish incredible tasks in ways humans never could. Award-winning author Merrily Weisbord and veterinarian Kim Kachanoff (a mother-daughter team) profile the vital, heartwarming lives of these remarkable creatures in this ultimate treasure trove for dog lovers everywhere.

Brimming with color and black-and-white photos, "Dogs With Jobs" tells the true stories of those who rescue, detect, entertain, herd, protect, and serve for a living -- including
Star -- the Black Lab arson dog who sniffs out fire-starting chemicals better than any known detection equipment
Yanka and King -- a German Shepherd team that clears Bosnian land mines 100 times faster than any human
Honey Hurricane -- a Cocker Spaniel who coaxes nursing-home patients to smile and laugh again
Elmer -- an Alaskan Husky who leads the team in Alaska's famous sled dog race, the Iditarod
Snooper -- the eco-Beagle who locates infestations of wood-destroying termites
...and many more. From exotic locales around the globe to our everyday homes and workplaces, get to know the wonder dogs who track and capture fugitives * sense the warning signs of epileptic seizures in their owners * rescue earthquake victims * dive from water-rescue helicopters * assist the physically disabled * compete internationally *locate missing pets *safeguard forests and endangered species and more. You will be amazed by the brave, dedicated, and loving acts of these astounding "Dogs With Jobs."

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671047353
• ISBN-13: 978-0671047351
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,827,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Vet's Opinion of Dogs with Jobs, April 15, 2000

By 

Craig W Miller DVM, MVsc (Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dogs with Jobs (Hardcover)

Dogs with Jobs is fascinating reading. It is a well crafted accumulation of stories of the astounding abilities of working dogs and their owners. It also offers insights into behavioural origins of those abilities that any dog owner or admirer will find valuable. As I completed each story, I found myself simultaneously amazed at what I had just read and eagerly anticipating the next chapter.

The book as a whole reminded me of the essence and breadth of human-animal interactions. Veterinarians and animal behaviourists currently extol the human-animal bond. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent in researching the interactions between dogs and humans. Yet the focus of that effort centers mainly on the dog's role as companion and relationship surrogate in modern society. This role is important, as people become more isolated from one another and from the natural world in the fast-paced technological environment that we inhabit.

However, the bond Ms. Weisbord and Dr. Kachanoff describe is based on mutual respect and reliance that in many ways is a more authentic and complete depiction of the anicent link between people and dogs.

I look at my nine-month-old Labrador, Molly, and see the ability to find avalanche victims of rescue drowning swimmers. As I rise and head toward my running shoes, she senses my intent and eagerly goes for her leash. In a way it's a shame we are both relegated to modern suburbia. But it is somehow comforting to be reminded that she and perhaps by association, I am capable of much more. What I appreciate about Dogs with Jobs is that it helped not just to entertain me but to remind me of her capabilities and my own.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will enjoy this book even though you don't own a dog., June 10, 2000

By 

Robert G Yokoyama (Mililani, Hawaii) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dogs with Jobs (Hardcover)

I was amazed by every exploit from every dog in this book. I was impressed by Bruno the German Shepherd who has assisted and protected his partner who is a police officer on 800 arrests half involving dangerous felons. This same dog has found 9 lost children 3 of whom no one else could track. I loved the story of Willie the golden retriever who predicts epileptic seizures and protects his owner from harm. This dog was trained to operate a footpad telephone in case of an emergency This incredible dog will even bark to remind his owner to take her medicine. I liked the story of AJ the bloodhound and Rachel the pet detectives. AJ is a former police dog who found a missing Alzheimer's patient, rescued a lost hiker and earned an award for saving the life of suicidal man. AJ is now teamed up with Rachel a Weimaraner a dog who searched for cadaver and body parts. She uses her sniffing skills to help AJ locate missing pets. I enjoyed the story of Mas the Newfoundland who can swim a mile to a drowning person and tow them to safety. This dog is strong enough to pull a sailboat filled with people to safety. There are other dogs in this book like Endal a Labrador retriever who assists a man in a wheelchair by doing everything from reminding him to look both ways when crossing the street to retrieving socks, groceries and even money. You will enjoy the stories in this book even if you don't own a dog.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dogs With Jobs, April 10, 2000

By 

Robert P. McMartin (North Bend, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dogs with Jobs (Hardcover)

"Dogs With Jobs" is an entertaing and educational study in praise of man's best friend. It pays tribute to man's best friend and allows the reader to fully understand the complex abilities of our four legged friends. Although very detailed, it is written in easy to understand language and format. I recommend this to anyone who has a furry companion friend. On a personal note, I have a Newfoundland puppy, my third. Reading of the Newfoundland "Mas" jumping from a helicopter to save drowning swimmers brings special meanings to me while reading of the highly trained senses and abilities of these fine dogs. The work will interest all dog breed owners. A very good book.