Secret Service Dogs: The Heroes who Protect the President of the United States by Maria Goodavage, Dutton, 2016
To guard the President and the First Family is an honor for the assigned Secret Service. This group, which was created in 1865, has protected the President since 1901 when Congress assigned it the duty after the death of William McKinley. Specially trained dogs were added to the force in 1975. Because the ring of human protection around the President has increased, the number of Secret Service canines has also increased.
This title by Maria Goodavage introduces readers into the world of the highly-trained, elite dogs and handlers who guard the President and his family 24/7 and all around the world. Many citizens are not aware that dogs and their handlers also guard the Vice President.
The job takes a special type of dog and man. Many of the handlers have a military background. The dogs are specifically chosen for the Secret Service Uniform Division Canine Unit, as are their handlers. Ms Goodavage includes the history of the dog unit. To me the interactions between the dogs and handlers were a highlight. One thing I will always remember from this book is the Secret Service dogs will give up their lives to protect the President