While in a war zone, a military working dog (MWD) and its handler live together, eat together, play together, sleep together, and risk their lives for each other every day. The dogs work with handlers in every branch of the US military. They guard military bases, sniff out concealed explosives and other weapons, and alert their handlers to hidden enemies. Learn how the military selects these special dogs and trains them for the many tasks they perform while on duty. Meet Rex, Clipper, Maci, Iva, Ikar, and other MWDs who have served the US military in conflicts around the world.

Mr. Sims needed someone to give him a second chance. This young Shih Tzu was headed for the pound and possible euthanizing when our paths crossed. I had just started my personal dog training business when we met. He was brought to me for obedience instruction, but after just a few lessons, he was abandoned on my doorstep. My book, Rescuing an Angel: Heel, Mr. Sims, Heal, is the story of our twelve-year relationship in which the roles of teacher and student constantly shifted. It shows the strong partnership we built with relationship-based dog training methods, competitive obedience, therapy dog work, and my education into canine physical issues, both obvious ones and very elusive ones. This story is a blend of dog training instruction, human–dog camaraderie, mystery, and humor and ends with the ultimate act of selfless love. Each chapter has information that is helpful to a dog owner, and it continues the thread of Mr. Sims's story. "Everyone has a story to tell about their pet, but Peg Lovelock's Rescuing an Angel: Heel, Mr. Sims, Heal is extraordinary. Peg brought me into the world of a handsome Shih Tzu, Mr. Sims. Mr. Sims brought me into the world of a compassionate dog trainer, Peg Lovelock. This is a beautiful story about the relationship between Peg and Mr. Sims, who she rescued and gave unconditional love and respect. As Peg trained Mr. Sims to become an outstanding competitor, and he won all kinds of titles and awards, Mr. Sims gave his love right back to Peg in appreciation for how much he was loved and how well he was cared for. I loved the way Peg started each chapter with a message and the way that she caught my attention with the phrase, peeling the onion. I loved the uncanny wit of this author. Rescuing an Angel: Heel, Mr. Sims, Heal will warm your heart as you feel the mutual bond between Peg and her dog, Mr. Sims, and the love and respect they had for each other. I loved reading Peg's book, Rescuing an Angel: Heel, Mr. Sims, Heal." Linda Caputo

A biologist presents a “consistently delightful” look at the mysteries of insect behavior (The New York Times Book Review). Insects have inspired fear, fascination, and enlightenment for centuries. They are capable of incredibly complex behavior, even with brains often the size of a poppy seed. How do they accomplish feats that look like human activity—personality, language, childcare—with completely different pathways from our own? What is going on inside the mind of those ants that march like boot-camp graduates across your kitchen floor? How does the lead ant know exactly where to take her colony, to that one bread crumb that your nightly sweep missed? Can insects be taught new skills as easily as your new puppy? Sex on Six Legs is a startling and exciting book that provides answers to these questions and many more, examining not only the bedroom lives of creepy crawlies but also some of our own long-held assumptions about learning, the nature of personality, and what our own large brains might be for. “Smart, engaging . . . Zuk approaches her subject with such humor and enthusiasm for the intricacies of insect life, even bug-phobes will relish her account.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Following a lightning strike that causes his nervous system to go haywire, Frank is left unable to touch another living thing. Though resigned to being a lonely freak, he ever hopes that someone, somewhere, might love him. But his life goes from bad to worse when someone does ...

Examines how insects have been used as weapons in wartime conflicts throughout history, presenting as examples how scorpions were used in Roman times and hornets nests were used during the MIddle Ages in siege warfare and how insects have been used in Vietnam, China, and Korea.

"Homeless queer kids – and they are legion – too often find themselves ostracized and silenced. In Zane Thimmesch-Gill they have finally found a strong, clear voice.” --Riki Wilchins, author of Read My Lips, GenderQueer and Queer Theory, Gender Theory In the memoir, Hiding in Plain Sight, this transgendered author describes in graphic and harrowing detail a homeless teen life on the streets that was marked with constant violence. Amidst the daily struggle to survive, she slowly came to the realization that she hated her body just as much as everyone did. When she was honest with herself she’d always known that she was meant to be a boy. Despite the intense pressure of street life and having to come to terms with the fact that she was a transsexual, Kali never used drugs or alcohol, never committed a single crime, and never gave up on her dreams to make something out of her life. While the rest of the street kids were escaping into addiction, she figured out how to put herself through college and finance a sex change. Life slowly improved as Kali became Zane and started settling into his body. He eventually found work at a shelter for homeless youth and started to make friends. But his euphoria was short lived. A resident at the shelter knew that he was a transsexual and became obsessed with making sure everyone found out. A few gang members who were living in the program confronted Zane, and when he was too scared to admit the truth, they decided to get their boys together late one night and prove him wrong. Hiding in Plain Sight is a transformative and ultimately inspiring story of survival against all odds, of pursing and accomplishing your dreams in spite of enormous and often seemingly insurmountable obstacles.