Vets and pets : wounded warriors and the animals that help them heal

Guerin, Dava. (Author). Ferris, Kevin, 1958- (author.).

Summary: "Vets and Pets tells fifteen emotional and entertaining stories of the incredible bonds between wounded warriors, veterans, and other service members and their service and companion animals. Whether these special relationships are with dogs, cats, horses, pigs, or even birds of prey, readers will discover how these remarkable animals help veterans return to civilian life and live independently while simultaneously bringing joy and confidence into their lives.Tyler struggled to adjust to civilian life after losing both of his legs in Afghanistan, until he met his intelligent and willfully disobedient red European Doberman pinscher, Apollo. Vietnam veteran Patrick regained a sense of well-being and hope through the study of birds of prey. Max the horse has helped numerous veterans learn to trust, improve their communication, and increase their self-confidence and self-esteem. Mandi discovered that the intelligence and unconditional love of pigs were exactly what she needed to heal from an abusive past and a disappointing army-training injury. These are just a few of the uplifting stories that are featured in this striking collection.In addition to exploring the unique, lifelong bonds that can develop between veterans and their animal companions, Vets and Pets spotlights extraordinary nonprofits that unite wounded warriors with service and companion animals, including Pets for Patriots, Hooves Marching for Mercy, Horses Helping Heroes, and Avian Veteran Alliance, among others."--Publisher's description.

Record details

ISBN: 9781510721937
ISBN: 1510721932
Physical Description: print
xvi, 195 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 24 cm
Publisher: New York : Skyhorse Publishing, [2018]

Content descriptions

Formatted Contents Note:

Acknowledgments -- Foreword / by Former First Lady Barbara Bush -- Foreword / by Animal Planet Host Andrea Arden -- Introduction -- Animals and veterans in America: their enduring bonds and healing powers -- At your service -- The army specialist : "A reason to get out of bed in the morning" -- The marine tank commander : "That's what that dog is for" -- The army nurse : "Some kind of a guardian angel" -- The army captain : "Issac has been waiting for his special person" -- The marine corporal : "Gnome somehow can read me" -- The navy Vietnam veteran : "The dog becomes a family member" -- The navy dog handler : "this was love at first bite" -- More creatures, great and small -- The Vietnam infantryman : "grab a bird, put on a glove, and go for a walk" -- The army reservist : "My God, no one is going to adopt her" -- The cowboy marine : "Here's how you saddle a horse" -- The Air Force vet and veterinarian : "Our house is a pet menagerie" -- The navy Boatswain's mate : "I just had to have him" -- Max, the horse that helps heroes : "We have all fallen in love with him" -- The army veteran : "Together, they heal and grow" -- Secrets for an enduring bond : "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened" -- Epilogue -- About the authors.