Sniffer Dogs

Gr 4–8—This winsome book describes the many jobs sniffer dogs do, including detecting drugs and explosives, searching for survivors after disasters, and tracking animals. The author discusses some amazing and moving stories: Sunny, a Doberman, searched for survivors after September 11; Tucker, a black lab, looks for orcas through the scent of their scat; and Alan, a Labrador, can detect his 14-year-old owner's blood sugar levels and warn him if they slip dangerously low. Castaldo also sheds light on dogs who assist the armed forces, pointing out that the military hasn't always rewarded these animals for their service. This appealing volume provides important information about the dedication and determination of these dogs and the intense training they undergo in order to carry out these difficult tasks and even devotes a chapter to explaining why dogs' noses work so well. The attractive color photos that capture many of these canines in action and the accessible tone of the text make this an appealing read. A well-organized, thoughtfully written title that celebrates the achievements of these great dogs.—Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA