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More Stories of Man's Best Hero 

By:  Ace Collins

ISBN: 9781501820076

Publisher:  Abingdon Press

Publication Date: 08/16/2016 

Format: Paperback 

My Rating: 4 Stars

A special thank you to Abingdon and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

From the author of Color of Justice (2014), Hollywood Lost (2015) and The Fruitcake Murders comes:

A beautifully written collection of stories, from talented storyteller, Ace Collins—SERVICE TAILS More Stories of Man's Best Hero: a tribute to all service dogs and their remarkable intelligence, courage, love, and loyalty.

In doing their specific jobs and individual roles, each dog stretches the way we see both canine and human potential, leading the way to independence for people whose disabilities were supposed to limit their lives.

More than heroes, servants from a Swiss German shepherd who came to the US in the late 1920s to initiate a movement that would touch and impact millions of lives and change the perception of a nation’s view on disabilities.

A collie that began life as a mobility animal and grew into a woman’s guide, Alzheimer’s disease. A Lab who led a blind woman through college and guided her into marriage. A golden retriever mix that opened the door to life for a child locked in a world of solitude and misunderstanding.

From devotion to duty, unconditional love and acceptance. All the stories are contemporary, except for the initial chapter (very interesting history). From middle school to a woman in her nineties. Unforgettable emotional and moving stories. Miracles and faith. Inspiring!

The author tells of stories of canine’s special abilities, to free these people from disabilities as well as society’s misconceptions. People trusting dogs. How these people relied on a dog to help them gain their independence.

“A spark of greatness exists in all people, but only by touching that spark to adversity’s flame does it blaze into the force that fuels our lives and the world.”

I particularly enjoyed the story of Trevor, of Charlotte, NC (my hometown) blind and a guide dog for his hiking companion, Tennille. A dog teaches a man. She became a better partner than most humans. They became a team. Completing one of the most dangerous treks in the nation. The marriage of a dog and man. Incredible adventures. They protect, lead, and love.

Collins once again delivers an outstanding account of many ways and history of service dogs and how they have been an integral part of helping millions of disabled – saving lives.

Not only will dog lovers adore these stories, the book is insightful and thought-provoking. As an owner of the best golden retriever (love Goldens) in the world for 15 glorious years, (miss my Golden Duke), daily. There is nothing quite like the special love of a dog. These remarkable service dogs should be honored for their years of service and their selfless actions.

As the author mentions, “it takes a village.” It takes a dog.” “Once you read these unique "tails" you will likely agree that a dog can literally take us anywhere.”

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