Top Dogs: True Stories of Canines That Made History by Elizabeth Macleod is a very interesting book that gives you a new perspective on "Man's Best Friend". It is hard to believe all the things dogs do for humans, besides being our companions. Each chapter highlights one or two dogs, but goes on to give a lot of information surrounding the role they played. The book starts with some history, and then on to Lewis and Clark with their faithful dog Seaman. The book tells about the times he saved the men as well as his exploits. We learn about the history of the Pekingese or Lion Dogs in China and how they were prized for their appearance. Only royalty were allowed to own them. There are many dogs highlighted such as Balto and Togo who delivered diphtheria medication to Nome Alaska, Military Guard dogs, search and rescue dogs, dogs who help humans with disabilities such as guide dogs for the blind and therapy dogs. They talk about search and rescue dogs as well as sniffer dogs that sniff for drugs, bombs as well as diseases and illness. While sharing all this information about the dogs, there is also a lot of history shared as well. There are so many asides called Dog Data or Woof as well as separate vignettes. The illustrations are a combination of photographs and created pictures. I learned a lot about dogs from this book and know that this would be a great read for anyone who loves dogs. This is a good non-fiction book for reluctant readers as well as those who do not want to read fiction stories. The stories are written so they can be read easily and flow nicely. This is a wonderful book for any local or school library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Top Dogs: True Stories of Canines That Made History by Elizabeth Macleod is a very informative and interesting book that makes a reader pause and think. It is amazing all the things dogs do for us, not just a companion and friend. This book starts with some history, and it isn't boring history but fun history of our canine friends. Then on to Lewis and Clark with the faithful dog Seaman and the many exploits he had. Then to China and the history of the dogs from there and what they were originally used for. Then dogs in battle, Balto and Togo, Military Guard dogs, search and rescue dogs, dogs that help the blind and others that are in need of assistance. This book also covers therapy dogs and dogs that sniff for things. I never knew they sniffed for SO many things! It is amazing! There is so much more too in here. This is such a wonderful book with delightful pictures on each page, with the real dog when possible, great stories of dogs, fun facts about dogs scattered through out, and it flows so well. This is a book for any one that loves animals. Thanks NetGalley for allowing me to read this great book. ( )