Eco Dogs

Students may be familiar with the drug dogs that help police or the rescue dogs that search for survivors in natural disasters. This NSTA/CBC Outstanding Trade Book will expand their understanding of the amazing ability of canines to use their enhanced senses in partnership with humans to save the environment. From a search for exotic pythons in Everglades National Park to research on how diminishing sea ice affects ringed seals, dogs have important roles to play. Drawn by the obvious emotional attraction of these amazing members of research teams, readers will be fascinated by the breadth of roles that dogs can fill. A Border Collie helps save endangered cheetahs in Namibia; a German Shepherd sniffs luggage in Frankfurt to find poachers. Dog noses are often more effective than satellites or human trackers to find the few remaining members of an endangered species like fishers (weasels) who are identified by their scat. The book includes descriptions of diverse species of dogs (from Beagles to Retrievers) and their roles all over the world. Large, clear photos will stretch the readability from elementary through secondary with an adult–level interest. End notes include breeds, a glossary, index, and links as well as two additional books for those who (predictably) will want to learn more. It’s not only magnetic reading, but it can lead to behavioral observations of local pets.

Students may be familiar with the drug dogs that help police or the rescue dogs that search for survivors in natural disasters. This NSTA/CBC Outstanding Trade Book will expand their understanding of the amazing ability of canines to use their enhanced senses in partnership with humans to save the environment. From a search for exotic pythons in Everglades National Park to research on how diminishing sea ice affects ringed seals, dogs have important roles to play. Drawn by the obvious emotional attraction of these amazing members of research teams, readers will be fascinated by the breadth of roles that dogs can fill. A Border Collie helps save endangered cheetahs in Namibia; a German Shepherd sniffs luggage in Frankfurt to find poachers. Dog noses are often more effective than satellites or human trackers to find the few remaining members of an endangered species like fishers (weasels) who are identified by their scat. The book includes descriptions of diverse species of dogs (from Beagles to Retrievers) and their roles all over the world. Large, clear photos will stretch the readability from elementary through secondary with an adult–level interest. End notes include breeds, a glossary, index, and links as well as two additional books for those who (predictably) will want to learn more. It’s not only magnetic reading, but it can lead to behavioral observations of local pets.

Baghdad Pups explores how a special division of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International (SPCAI) has been rescuing dogs who have befriended service people in Iraq, despite the clear disapproval of the United States military, which has strict laws about removing property, including animals, from war zones. In Prison Puppies, readers learn about the “Puppies Behind Bars” program, where inmates train dogs for careers as service animals. While the future work duties of the dogs are evident, the real story here is how they give the inmates an opportunity to contribute to society in a positive way. Eco dogs help scientists by sniffing out scat, which is analyzed for signs of pollutants or changes in the food chain that might have harmful effects on the environment and on indigenous species. These books are engaging not just because the content is so compelling, but also because the authors have highlighted specific dogs currently working in their fields. The use of real names and full-color photographs on every page, many contributed by the individuals who work with these dogs, makes reading these books a personal experience. A “Just the Facts” page at the end of each volume provides additional details. Excellent introductions to these new developments in service-dog training.

Bearport’s very appealing Dog Heroes series continues with three more engaging titles. Of course, the dogs are cute, but the text, photos, and striking book design all convey the businesslike attitude of these canines and the people who work with them. Each title introduces four or five dogs by name, such as Tucker the Lab, whose job is to lean over the side of a boat sniffing for orca scat. As you might expect with such a deep series (20 titles in all), the information is surprising and fresh and explores dog jobs far beyond the usual seeing-eye variety. Baghdad Pups focuses less on the work of dogs, covering instead the relationships built with soldiers as well as the work done by organizations to help soldiers bring the dogs back to the U.S. Eco Dogs explores the varied tasks done by dogs in the field with scientists, from sniffing out pythons in a swamp to discovering seals’ breathing holes in the Arctic. Prison Puppies looks at the Puppies behind Bars program, where inmates train puppies for jobs such as service animals or bomb sniffers. With solid back matter, these will entice dog-loving reluctant readers and bring up interesting career options for kids, too.