THE INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER No Ordinary Dog is the powerful true story of a SEAL Team Operator and military dog handler, and the dog that saved his life. Two dozen Navy SEALs descended on Osama bin Laden’s compound in May 2011. After the mission, only one name was made public: Cairo, a Belgian Malinois and military working dog. This is Cairo’s story, and that of his handler, Will Chesney, a … and that of his handler, Will Chesney, a SEAL Team Operator whose life would be irrevocably tied to Cairo’s.
Starting in 2008, when Will was introduced to the SEAL canine program, he and Cairo worked side by side, depending on each other for survival on hundreds of critical operations in the war on terrorism. But their bond transcended their service. Then, in 2011, the call came: Pick up your dog and get back to Virginia. Now.
What followed were several weeks of training for a secret mission. It soon became clear that this was no ordinary operation. Cairo was among the first members of the U.S. military on the ground in Pakistan as part of Operation Neptune Spear, which resulted in the successful elimination of bin Laden.
As Cairo settled into a role as a reliable “spare dog,” Will went back to his job as a DEVGRU operator, until a grenade blast in 2013 left him with a brain injury and PTSD. Unable to participate in further missions, he suffered from crippling migraines, chronic pain, memory issues, and depression. Modern medicine provided only modest relief. Instead, it was up to Cairo to save Will’s life once more–and then up to Will to be there when Cairo needed him the most.
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This book is outstanding!
No Ordinary Dog by Will Chesney and Joe Layden is a fantastic story told (and read; I listened to the Audible book) by Will Chesney himself. The book is a tribute to his K9 partner, Cairo. It details the story of Chesney’s service with the US Navy SEALs, his decision to become a K9 handler, and the incredible bond and partnership that developed between these two SEAL warriors.
I am a dog lover, are you?
If you are a dog lover, this book is a MUST READ! It is simply an incredible story of loyalty, courage, sacrifice, commitment, and love. It is a moving tribute to a fantastic dog, a loyal partner, and a best friend. I am so grateful that Will Chesney chose to share Cairo’s story with us! It is a book I guarantee you will not want to put down!
The introduction is one of the best I have ever read and brought a tear to my eye. The book just gets better from there. The descriptions of training, missions, and the time Chesney and Cairo spent together have you right there living in the moment. At the same time, the stories of missions are well-done and informative, but not graphic or in danger of giving away any military secrets.
No spoilers, but the part of the story where the author is recovering from a severe injury, and Cairo comes to his rescue, was incredibly moving. Later, when Cairo is in real need, Chesney returns the favor. You will be on the verge of tears several times during this story, or you are not human.
Worth a read. Great message about the relationship between the military working dogs and the men as well as the role dogs can play in helping service members after getting out of the military.
No Ordinary Dog by Will Chesney; Joe Layden is a wonderful story told through Will himself about his upbringing, training, time during active duty with the SEALs, and his time afterwards. Two areas that I was drawn to the most ( although I loved the entire book) is his story and partnership with Cairo, a stunning Belgian Malinois whom Will was Dad and partner throughout several deployments and time here in the States, and Will’s struggles and perseverance through his physical injuries and also his psychiatric obstacles after experiencing a TBI while on a mission.
As someone who has always had a dog as part of my family, and someone that comes from an extensive family history of serving in the Marines and Army in combat, as well as a full time profession, and someone that passionately supports our military and veterans, I was obviously drawn to this book immediately.
To be able to glimpse inside the dynamics, training, and utter trust, love, and loyalty in Will and Cairo’s relationship was amazing. Will was not just a handler and Cairo is not just a service dog. They were so much more to each other. It almost seemed as if each half made the other a better being. I was just in awe of all the preparation, training, physical obstacles, and the utter devotion that they had for one another on and off the field, and also “post-game”.
I also truly appreciated Will sharing his story of injury, sadness, TBI, PTSD, and his ongoing road to recovery. He is beyond impressive, and I am in awe of his honesty and determination to find the life he deserves. I am very happy for him and his family.
There were times that I laughed, and definitely two times I cried, like really, really hard. Anyone that has a dog as part of their family know what I mean.
This is an amazing book for anyone that is passionate about dogs, training, military, our veterans, and helping find the road to recovery for once they return home.
5/5 stars enthusiastically
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.