Library Notes
Lynn Denison
December 17, 2010

Several events occurred recently that gave me the inspiration for today’s library column. First I read a quote from Groucho Marx which I thoroughly enjoyed, “Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.”

Next I learned about the tragic accident involving a hero war-dog named Target. Target, who saved the lives of several US soldiers by fighting off a suicide bomber, was euthanized by mistake after being brought back from Afghanistan to the States by his handler. This event touched me deeply and brought to my attention the important part these animals and their handlers play in the service of our country. Often they are unsung heroes.
Shortly after that a patron called to ask for a new non-fiction book—The Scent of the Missing written by Susannah Charleston. When the book came across my desk the subtitle captured my attention: Love and Partnership with a Search-and-Rescue Dog. The detailed descriptions of the life of a search and rescue team were fascinating. The entire book is a great read, even the sad parts, but happily the book doesn’t end sadly as so many other animal books do!

Checking to see what other books we might have on dog heroes, I came across the book titled Dog Heroes of September 11th: A Tribute to America’s Search and Rescue Dogs by Nona Kilgore Bauer. In this book dogs brought to work from all across the country are profiled, along with their handlers/trainers. These dogs worked at Ground Zero, Fresh Kills Landfill, and the Pentagon. The reader receives an in-depth look at the workers, both human and canine, who helped bring closure to so many families that would not have gotten it otherwise.

A friend in the children’s services division told me I must include the book Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis. Although this book is found in the children’s area it is a heartwarming book to be shared with the whole family. Of course, we have many, many more books, as well as DVD’s and CD’s, for animal lovers. Why not stop by today to take advantage of the wealth of materials we have available for you at Rowan Public Library?