Working Like a Dog: The Story of Working Dogs through History (Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)) [Paperback]

Gena K. Gorrell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 9, 2003 | Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)

Winner of The 2003 ASPCA Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award

Included on VOYA’s ninth annual Nonfiction Honor List


Since the first hungry wolf bravely approached an ancient cooking fire and was rewarded with a scrap of meat, our lives and the lives of dogs have been interwoven. Dogs have worked for us as warriors with ammunition strapped to their bodies. Dogs have gone through snow, icy seas, and into the dangerous rubble of collapsed buildings to rescue us. Dogs, with their spectacular ability to detect odors, keep us safe by finding drugs and explosives. They lead us if we cannot see and react for us when we cannot hear. Most of all, they love us – and we love them.

This fascinating book by Norma Fleck Award-winner, Gena K. Gorrell, describes the dogs of history, the evolution of breeds for different purposes, and the training involved in preparing the modern-day heroes who find lost children, nab criminals, and point out contraband – heroes who just happen to be dogs.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-9-A thoroughly researched and captivating offering. Gorrell begins by tracing the evolution of "household canids" from the wild into the civilized world. Other chapters delve into the many ways in which these animals have been viewed throughout history, what makes particular breeds right for certain jobs, dogs at war, famous pooches, etc. Youngsters learn that canines have been used for food, sport, sacrifice, protection, slave control, maritime work, bear deterrence, and, of course, companionship. The author introduces many real-life workers, such as Opal, a yellow Lab in training to guide the blind; Dart, a German shepherd that sniffs out illegal catches of seafood; and Servus, a Belgian Malinois that nearly died at the ruins of the World Trade Center. The well-captioned, black-and-white photographs and reproductions add greatly to a narrative that's packed with intriguing details. Extensive source notes and a selected bibliography complete the package. Report writers will find a wealth of information here, and all readers will gain a strong appreciation for these four-legged wonders.
Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-8. As entertaining as it is informative, this comprehensive volume traces the evolution and remarkable service history of man's best friend. Kids will certainly enjoy reading about daring real-life rescues and celebrity dogs such as Air Bud; equally fascinating is the information about the dog's evolution, from wolves and then into the assortment of breeds that we know today. Children will also be amazed to learn how specially trained dogs can sniff out bombs, drugs, and missing people, and even sense ahead of time when their owners are going to have an epileptic seizure. Other chapters have information on the instincts of hunting dogs and the role dogs have played in war throughout history. Numerous archival photographs and reproductions of artwork break up the lengthy text and provide visual interest. Researchers will find links to other sources through the bibliography, which includes Web sites, and the source notes. Lauren Peterson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Tundra Books (September 9, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887765890
• ISBN-13: 978-0887765896
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 0.4 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #556,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pleased, September 10, 2010

By 

Safira Frederick - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Working Like a Dog: The Story of Working Dogs through History (Aspca Henry Bergh Children's Book Awards (Awards)) (Paperback)

Received book in great condition, and on time. My students are enjoying them so far in the classroom library.