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 Heart-tugging true stories of the courage, faith, and loyalty of remarkable service dogs. Not all heroic dogs wildly toss themselves into lifesaving situations. Some save lives simply by their incredible commitment to duty and service. Some lead the way to independence for people whose disabilities were supposed to limit their lives. In Service Tails: More Stories of Man’s Best Hero, prolific author Ace Collins introduces us to leaders whose entire lives are wrapped in the banner of service. Their stories are remarkable snapshots of the value of vision and teamwork, as well as devotion to duty and unconditional love and acceptance–stretching the way we see both canine and human potential. Their training was intense, their loyalty unquestioned and each step of the way they constantly adapt to better serve those they lead. These unforgettable dogs are more than heroes; they are models from which we can learn how to love and serve unconditionally.
My Review
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 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. 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.”
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About the Author
Citing his Arkansas heritage, Christy Award winning author Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Ace has authored more than seventy books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a network television special and does college basketball play-by-play.
In 2015, Ace released two new novels, Hollywood Lost, a mystery from Abingdon Fiction set against the backdrop of the motion picture business in 1936. and The Fruitcake Murders, a comedy/whodunit set in Chicago in the days just after World War II. Beyond these Abingdon offerings, Elk Lake continues to release new episodes of In The President’s Service, a groundbreaking series that first hit the market in 2014. There are ten scheduled for this year.
One of Ace’s most talked about books was released in late 2015. The Color of Justice earned the Christy Award winner for Best Suspense Book. This novel is a courtroom drama examining racial prejudice in 1964. Also in 2014, Abingdon released Ace’s Man’s Best Hero at the Book Explo of America. This nonfiction book earned the IndieFab Book of the Year Winner and Christian Retailing’s Gift Book of the Year, as well as generating interest well beyond the dog community. Read More
