SOLDIER'S BEST FRIEND: The Canine Heroes of Afghanistan

Military dogs work tirelessly and relentlessly against the world's deadliest insurgents. Many have been rescue animals, neglected or mistreated by their owners before being trained and loved and given a new lease of life on the front line. In the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq and in the war against terror on home soil, they work day and night to keep our soldiers and civilians safe. Until recently their courage and sacrifice has not been fully appreciated or understood and the book is dedicated to all serving and former dog handlers in the British and coalition forces who have been killed or wounded in action or training. We meet Benji, an ace arms and explosive search dog wearing a soaked rag around his neck to help keep him cool and Benji with the Black Watch enjoying parcels packed with goodies from well-wishers. A soldier carries his four-legged buddy in the desert heat. Regarded as 'unclean' animals by some people in Afghanistan, dogs are often used in organised dog fights. Dogs can get into every nook and cranny to search for bombs and arms caches in crumbling buildings, and when injured they are given life-saving intravenous drips and the best veterinary care. 202pp, colour photos. Paperback.