Becoming K-9: A bomb dog's memoir (K-9 Heroes)

A feel good dog story

"Until you, hoomans, learn to sniff each other's butts so you can read each other's thoughts, you'll need us, dogs, to guide you, love you, and make you better people." Corporal K-9 Guinness Van Jones.

If you thought being a K-9 is easy, think again. What's the hardest, you ask? Sniffing bombs? No sir. That's easy once you know what to look for. Apprehending perpetrators? Nope. That's fun. The hardest part of being a K-9 is training people. Humans don't know how to communicate. It's not their fault that they have blunt teeth, fixed ears, and no tail. As for their nose, they can't tell goose guano from duck poop and can't even read each other's thoughts. That's why they need dogs. To guide them, take care of them, and set them right.

Becoming K-9 is the story of how I grew from a feisty pup into a fierce K-9. How I looked after my humans, helped them focus on the half-full bowl of kibble, and taught them unconditional love. Because, whether you're young or old, rich or poor, dog or human, there's nothing more potent than love. Not even death. Love is the only thing we get to take with us when we die.

"Excitement, tears, and many chuckles in a winning story about a courageous K-9." Kirkus Reviews.

Excitement, tears, and many chuckles in a winning story about a courageous K-9 
"Guinness is an irresistible lead character—smart and steadfast but also soulful and delightfully snarky. While the narrative offers adventure and some tragedy throughout, it also delivers humor and great tenderness. The scenes in Afghanistan, where Guinness is eventually deployed, are portrayed with a visceral grittiness. Readers can practically taste the ever present dust permeating the barren landscape. This is Jones' first volume in her K-9 Heroes series, and it is a lovely tribute to the brave canine officers in the military."
Kirkus Review