More Stories of Man's Best Hero 

By:  Ace Collins

ISBN: 9781501820076

Publisher:  Abingdon Press

Publication Date: 08/16/2016 

Format: Paperback 

My Rating: 4 Stars

A special thank you to Abingdon and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

From the author of Color of Justice (2014), Hollywood Lost (2015) and The Fruitcake Murders comes:

A beautifully written collection of stories, from talented storyteller, Ace Collins—SERVICE TAILS More Stories of Man's Best Hero: a tribute to all service dogs and their remarkable intelligence, courage, love, and loyalty.

In doing their specific jobs and individual roles, each dog stretches the way we see both canine and human potential, leading the way to independence for people whose disabilities were supposed to limit their lives.

More than heroes, servants from a Swiss German shepherd who came to the US in the late 1920s to initiate a movement that would touch and impact millions of lives and change the perception of a nation’s view on disabilities.

A collie that began life as a mobility animal and grew into a woman’s guide, Alzheimer’s disease. A Lab who led a blind woman through college and guided her into marriage. A golden retriever mix that opened the door to life for a child locked in a world of solitude and misunderstanding.

From devotion to duty, unconditional love and acceptance. All the stories are contemporary, except for the initial chapter (very interesting history). From middle school to a woman in her nineties. Unforgettable emotional and moving stories. Miracles and faith. Inspiring!

The author tells of stories of canine’s special abilities, to free these people from disabilities as well as society’s misconceptions. People trusting dogs. How these people relied on a dog to help them gain their independence.

“A spark of greatness exists in all people, but only by touching that spark to adversity’s flame does it blaze into the force that fuels our lives and the world.”

I particularly enjoyed the story of Trevor, of Charlotte, NC (my hometown) blind and a guide dog for his hiking companion, Tennille. A dog teaches a man. She became a better partner than most humans. They became a team. Completing one of the most dangerous treks in the nation. The marriage of a dog and man. Incredible adventures. They protect, lead, and love.

Collins once again delivers an outstanding account of many ways and history of service dogs and how they have been an integral part of helping millions of disabled – saving lives.

Not only will dog lovers adore these stories, the book is insightful and thought-provoking. As an owner of the best golden retriever (love Goldens) in the world for 15 glorious years, (miss my Golden Duke), daily. There is nothing quite like the special love of a dog. These remarkable service dogs should be honored for their years of service and their selfless actions.

As the author mentions, “it takes a village.” It takes a dog.” “Once you read these unique "tails" you will likely agree that a dog can literally take us anywhere.”

JDCMustReadBooks

I'll admit the only reason I managed to finish this book was because it's loosely based in my place of residence (Brisbane) and I was intrigued. It was interesting to see how the author views the place we both live so differently to me, clearly a city girl who spends a lot of time at Kangaroo Point (which does have a beautiful view).

Anywho even though I did at times struggle with finishing Vigil I can't say it was a bad book as I did enjoy it. I think the reason why it was so easy to put down is more due to the pacing, there were times when there was a clear pause in the story, like a mini-finish where I could easily put the book down or would be bored enough to go off and do other things, plus the descriptions were a bit long for my taste, I prefer the minimalist amount. I have a good imagination my brain will do the rest.

The creatures where great, loved how they were dark and deadly. Characters were alright, I didn't really care for any of them or click with them. The main character had the maturity of someone in their late teens/early twenties even though it was obvious her character was meant to be older, this I find is a pet-peeve of mine. Really bugs me.
The book being based in brissy was trippy, some places were easily identified others not (though I did wonder if I'd be able to look up some places or people and see a real life version). The idea of so many people disappearing here is a bit ludicrous. It's not a very big city and we have a fairly good homeless community service programs here, even if they can't find a spot in a home they have access to food for free a few times a week by different groups, so the regulars are well known. Still not a bad idea if the city was bigger or if I hadn't lived here for a few years I'd be totally behind the idea.

I really enjoyed how everything came together nice and neatly in the end. I had no clue as to whom the bad guy was masquerading as so that was a nifty little surprises.
Anyways based on everything I decided to rate this book 2.5/3 stars.