This fascinating book puts the spotlight on working dogs — those heroic canines who have found ways to give back more than sloppy kisses and happy snuggles. The courageous dogs you will meet include: Keno, a yellow Lab, who rescued a lift operator buried in an avalanche. Kobi, a beloved and intelligent family pet with an exceptional sense of smell, who became one of the most famous cancer-sniffing dogs in the world. Tuffy, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who served as a grief counselor with Dr. Karla Rose during the horrible days following the Virginia Tech shootings. Abdul, the first service dog for people with mobility impairments, who was trained by Bonnie Bergin and Kerrill Knaus-Hardy and paved the way for people with disabilities to be independent. Anna, a German shepherd, who damaged her lungs searching through the wreckage at Ground Zero after 9/11 and inspired Sarah Atlas to found an assistance program for volunteer search-and-rescue dog handlers. Skidboot, the world-famous Texas blue heeler, who performed for Jay Leno, Oprah Winfrey, and David Letterman and on Animal Planet (with cowboy and entertainer David Hartwig) but started life as an abandoned puppy.

You already know dogs are healers and loving companions, but did you know they also serve as matchmakers, lifesavers, prisoner rehabilitation specialists, parent trainers, hospital welcoming committees, advice columnists, and afterlife ambassadors? The true stories in Angel Dogs celebrate the deep and ancient connection between people and dogs and will inspire you to live up to the divine example of our canine companions.

In this extraordinary book, the Andersons offer true stories about animals who all but prove the existence of miracles--and whose unconditional love has healed their human companions during their darkest hours.

When cameras roll and directors call, “Action,” some of the most dependable, funniest, and most enthusiastic actors stand poised on four legs, with ears alert. From Joey in War Horse to the wolves in Game of Thrones, what we see on screen is the result of meticulous preparation and professional teamwork. The eye-popping, heartwarming stories in these pages reveal the trainers, actors, directors, and, of course, dogs, cats, horses, penguins, deer, and other animals in all their behind-the-scenes glory. You’ll discover that some animal actors have diva tendencies and others have rags-to-riches backstories. American Humane Association certified animal safety representatives work carefully to ensure that no animals are harmed, as they have been doing for decades. Animal stars have done it all — convinced us to eat more tacos, broken our hearts in war dramas, inspired us with enduring love and loyalty, kept us at the edge of our seats as they snarled in the shadows, mirrored human antics to make us roar with laughter, and, like Uggie (from The Artist), stolen the show on the red carpet. Who besides a monkey named Crystal could impress a brilliant comedian like Robin Williams in Night at the Museum? And animal stars will work for food, including only KFC original recipe for Casey the bear — no other fried chicken will do! These charming and sometimes hilarious stories will give you a new appreciation for the skill and patience it takes to teach nonhuman actors to perform on camera. Training tips from the pros and personal recollections of celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Hailee Steinfeld, and Steven Spielberg make this insider’s look at the lives and work of these incomparable stars as irresistible as the animals themselves. A portion of the publisher’s proceeds from this book will aid American Humane Association.

When the nurturing nature of women meets the loyalty and unguarded affection of dogs, remarkable connections ensue. This book showcases stories about these connections that result in courageous and compassionate acts of love and healing — for the dogs, the women, and all the people whose lives they touch. Readers will laugh, smile, and be moved by shelter dogs, police canine handlers, dogs rescued from hurricanes and dog fighting, returning veterans in need of service dogs, prison inmates who train service dogs, and everyday mutts who transform lives just by providing an exuberant welcome at the end of the day. They'll even meet a dog that dazzled David Letterman on his Late Show. This heartwarming collection of stories is ideal for anyone who loves a dog, or simply loves to be inspired.

Presents short, biographical stories about how animals have been beneficial to children in need.

A New York Times bestselling book! Allen and Linda Anderson adopted a traumatized one-year-old cocker spaniel who had been abandoned. Soon, the troubled dog they named “Leaf” turned their home into a war zone. Although Leaf and Allen were forging a friendship with visits to dog parks and bonding time, Leaf’s emotional issues overwhelmed the couple. Shortly after Leaf’s arrival, Allen, who had spent eight years as a big city police officer and survived so many close calls that Linda called him “Miracle Man,” received a diagnosis from his doctor that made him think his luck had finally run out. Allen had an unruptured brain aneurysm that could be fatal, and the surgery to repair it might leave him debilitated. Having seen his father live for years with the effects of a massive stroke, he dreaded that the worst fate might not be death. What Allen didn’t know is that he and Leaf, like comrades facing the ultimate battle, would be there for each other with the miracle of this man and this dog coming together at exactly the right time.

A celebration of the amazing canines who perform feats of bravery every day Dogs don't just make lovable pets. They also work at an incredible number of jobs, helping humans in countless ways. From working with search-and-rescue teams to find missing persons to helping patients recover from injuries, Lisa Rogak covers the many ways in which dogs are an essential part of our world. And she tells the surprising stories of regular dogs who have gone above and beyond to help their owners—and even each other. Dogs of Courage reveals the heartwarming and awe-inspiring stories of these hard-working dogs, from the training they receive to the ways we honor their sacrifices and reward their years of service. Affirming what every dog lover knows, this book shows how deep a dog's loyalty and friendship can go.

Medical studies have consistently shown that patients benefit from therapy dog visits. One recent study of 59 adults showed that following a therapy dog visit their energy levels increased, respiratory rated calmed significantly and pain scores decreased by over 20 percent. Mood scores improved by over 60 percent with the patients feeling less tense, anxious, angry, tied depressed and dejected. Now in "The Power of Wagging Tails," Dr. Dawn Marcus showcases the wide range of research that shows the therapeutic and healing power of people of all ages and with a wide range of health conditions. These research findings are brought to life through the personal stories of healing from dog owners across the United States and Canada. She shows you how to unleash the healing power of your own dog, describes how to effectively add a dog to the home of someone with a chronic condition, explains how the family dog can help with chronic health conditions, and teaches how to train a companion dog to be a certified therapy dog to help others. "The Power of Wagging Tails" is of interest to dog owners, people wondering how to help family and friends coping with chronic illnesses, and individuals considering training their dogs

A book with more than 500 photos and images of memorabilia celebrates Uga, the beloved English bulldog mascot of the University of Georgia, and includes engaging anecdotes about all versions of the animal--Uga VI, Uga VII, Uga VIII and Russ, the super sub.