Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 06/01/2014 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 - Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 08/01/2014 The premise of Castaldo’s chipper devotional to dogs’ spectacular noses is that the relationship that has developed between humans and canines over the centuries is unique and deserving of recognition. After a chapter each on the history of dogs and humans and the science of dogs’ incredible sense of smell, Castaldo devotes a chapter to the major areas of service that dogs can provide and explains the subtle differences and similarities between the training methods commonly used. Most people are familiar with seeing-eye dogs and canine airport security, but readers may be surprised at the number of arenas in which sniffer dogs can make vital detections: explosives, narcotics, survivor rescue and victim recovery, diabetes and peanut allergies. A bright, two-color background; sidebars; and interesting graphics complement the enthusiastic writing. Splashy photos of service dogs in action are offset by adorable dossier shots of some of the animals profiled in each chapter. Extensive resources for further reading round out this highly readable and well-done resource. - Copyright 2014 Booklist.

Bulletin for the Center... - 09/01/2014 Lots of people know about search and rescue dogs and bomb-sniffing dogs, but what about forensics dogs that find old human burial sites? Dogs that detect peanut products and warn allergic owners? Castaldo covers canines’ amazing olfactory contributions from better-known workers to more unusual specialists, focusing at length on the animals’ training, personality, and bond with their handlers. The author’s extensive personal interviewing adds liveliness to the accounts, and many of the dogs are vivid characters in their own right (the book is rich with sprightly color snapshots). The text is a little disjointed and it wanders off subject at times, but it’s got an engaging combination of substance and browsability. The adventurous element of search and rescue and military duty adds an edge to draw readers unenticed by (or unwilling to be caught with) mere cute puppies, and there’s also enough science here to give it heft, so there’s plenty of utility. End matter includes an extensive bibliography, a list of suggested reading, some dog-related geographic sites and websites, a glossary, and an index. DS - Copyright 2014 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.

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