In their third collaboration, Animal adoption activist Lufkin (Not Bartlett's) and Time magazine photographer Walker profile the adoptive owners of working dogs, 53 in all, who serve the public and law enforcement officials as certified therapy animals, guides for the disabled, bomb detectors, drug sniffers, and other roles: Rusty is a Golden Retriever mix who visits second graders in an English-as-a-second-language class; Roxy helps her wheelchair-bound owner by opening containers and doors; Micah is a white German shepherd who aids emergency officials in search and rescue situations. Long-shot stories abound, such as the tale of Sophia, a Mexico City street dog who wound up in the U.S., bringing comfort to hospice patients; tissues required. Beginning with a foreword by actor and talk show host Bonnie Hunt, each warm, heart-felt story builds on the last, and includes fitting photos (though readers may wish they were bigger and more numerous). This feel-good book should please animal- and dog-lovers, especially those who live with a working dog.
