Reviewed by S.M. Stevens
Posted on: June 5, 2023
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The 19 stories of service dogs and their people in Better Together will hearten you. The human partners in these dynamic duos are rising above difficult circumstances such as diabetes, PTSD, emphysema, hearing and vision impairments, and MS. Their dedication to the health, happiness, and ongoing training of their service dogs is inspirational. The organizations like Can Do Canines which train service dogs and their handlers, and make matches that change people’s lives, will touch you with their commitment. And, of course, the dogs themselves are simply amazing, from the black Lab who broke protocol to protect his handler from an unexpected threat to the golden retriever who opens the fridge and delivers a can of soda to his diabetic person—and then, once his owner is safe, goes back and closes the fridge, which makes him better trained than many kids! These animals seem to love their jobs, and they find new ways to go above and beyond that are incredible to read about. I found the brief explanations of how service dogs are trained fascinating.
Better Together has several important educational messages. For those with disabilities and health issues, the message is clear: Look into getting a service dog as it can vastly improve your quality of life. For the rest of us, the main message is a strong caution to leave service dogs alone when they are working. This is for the safety of all. It is sad to read about how often people will ignore requests for restraint and approach working dogs regardless.
The book is simply written in a manner that can be read and understood by children of, I’m guessing, fourth- or fifth-grade reading level. I’m not sure if that was the intent, but I think this book would make a great educational tool for students.
Better Together lists many useful resources for those interested in learning more about these fascinating animals and the inspiring, life-changing work they do.
