From the Publisher
Greene has a remarkable way of taking a complex topic, dissecting it down to its basic components and holding up layers to the light where it’s seen anew. She applies that skill to the world of service dogs in her new book THE UNDERDOGS.” — Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“The PRAYING FOR SHEETROCK author deftly relates the stirring stories of disabled children and the heroic dogs who serve them, illuminating the intricate inner lives of our canine friends.” — O, the Oprah Magazine
“Brimming with the sweet, soulful journeys of courageous children and the dogs who become more than their best friends...beautifully written, scientifically rigorous, and filled with heartbreak and joy. It will make you think and feel differently about the kindness, compassion, and love between us and our dogs.” — Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods, THE GENIUS OF DOGS
“At last a real writer turns to children, love, and dogs, surely the three most important topics in life. Greene understands the extraordinary and still mysterious bond between dogs and children. THE UNDERDOGS is written with wit, with charm, and, above all, with genuine warmth. It is a miracle, truly.” — Dr. Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, DOGS NEVER LIE ABOUT LOVE
“Melissa Fay Greene lends her trademark empathetic voice to this engrossing inside look at the work of 4 Paws for Ability, a service-dog academy...Greene, a master at telling the most human of stories, will still leave readers smiling. And dog lovers will adore this book.” — Booklist
“Greene gives us a selection of deftly reported and illuminatingly researched stories that go much deeper than sentimental click bait...These are riveting...not just because Greene, a master of narrative, picked good ones, but because she explains just how these relationships work at both ends of the leash.” — Washington Post
“Heartwarming stories of assistance dogs for kids with disabilities are woven amidst thoughtful discussions of how the human understanding of dogs has evolved over the years.” — Good Housekeeping
“Dogs are pretty much the best living beings on the planet. For more proof, look no further than The UNDERDOGS...Melissa Fay Greene’s latest elegantly rendered and undeniably moving effort.” — Cincinnati City Beat
Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods
Brimming with the sweet, soulful journeys of courageous children and the dogs who become more than their best friends...beautifully written, scientifically rigorous, and filled with heartbreak and joy. It will make you think and feel differently about the kindness, compassion, and love between us and our dogs.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Greene has a remarkable way of taking a complex topic, dissecting it down to its basic components and holding up layers to the light where it’s seen anew. She applies that skill to the world of service dogs in her new book THE UNDERDOGS.
Washington Post
Greene gives us a selection of deftly reported and illuminatingly researched stories that go much deeper than sentimental click bait...These are riveting...not just because Greene, a master of narrative, picked good ones, but because she explains just how these relationships work at both ends of the leash.
Booklist
Melissa Fay Greene lends her trademark empathetic voice to this engrossing inside look at the work of 4 Paws for Ability, a service-dog academy...Greene, a master at telling the most human of stories, will still leave readers smiling. And dog lovers will adore this book.
Good Housekeeping
Heartwarming stories of assistance dogs for kids with disabilities are woven amidst thoughtful discussions of how the human understanding of dogs has evolved over the years.
Cincinnati City Beat
Dogs are pretty much the best living beings on the planet. For more proof, look no further than The UNDERDOGS...Melissa Fay Greene’s latest elegantly rendered and undeniably moving effort.
Dr. Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson
At last a real writer turns to children, love, and dogs, surely the three most important topics in life. Greene understands the extraordinary and still mysterious bond between dogs and children. THE UNDERDOGS is written with wit, with charm, and, above all, with genuine warmth. It is a miracle, truly.
the Oprah Magazine O
The PRAYING FOR SHEETROCK author deftly relates the stirring stories of disabled children and the heroic dogs who serve them, illuminating the intricate inner lives of our canine friends.
Washington Post
Greene gives us a selection of deftly reported and illuminatingly researched stories that go much deeper than sentimental click bait...These are riveting...not just because Greene, a master of narrative, picked good ones, but because she explains just how these relationships work at both ends of the leash.
Booklist
Melissa Fay Greene lends her trademark empathetic voice to this engrossing inside look at the work of 4 Paws for Ability, a service-dog academy...Greene, a master at telling the most human of stories, will still leave readers smiling. And dog lovers will adore this book.
O: the Oprah Magazine
The PRAYING FOR SHEETROCK author deftly relates the stirring stories of disabled children and the heroic dogs who serve them, illuminating the intricate inner lives of our canine friends.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Greene has a remarkable way of taking a complex topic, dissecting it down to its basic components and holding up layers to the light where it’s seen anew. She applies that skill to the world of service dogs in her new book THE UNDERDOGS.
Kirkus Reviews
2016-03-17
Personal stories of service dogs in action. Through personal interviews and behind-the-scenes tales, Greene (No Biking in the House without a Helmet, 2011, etc.) tells multiple narratives of service dogs that have changed lives. Most of the people these dogs help are children who are considered too disabled by many groups to be partnered with a dog. They may have severe autism, been born premature with multiple ailments, or been raised in a foreign orphanage where they were severely neglected. All of them have had considerable luck in adapting to their circumstances with specially trained dogs at their sides. These dogs are available to the children thanks to Karen Shirk, who, in her 20s, was struck down by a debilitating neuromuscular disease that left her in a wheelchair and dependent on a service dog. After connecting deeply with her own dog, she began 4 Paws for Ability. Considering the case and each child's specific needs, Shirk and her trainers match a dog to the special needs child, often with amazing results. At 4 Paws, the training is focused on the partnership between the child and the dog. As one trainer told Greene, "it's not just what does the client need. It's about how a dog can meet those needs in ways that are really fun and rewarding for the dog. Dogs love having important work to do, and being needed and involved every minute of the day. They flourish in their families." The author compassionately interweaves these personal successes with scientific facts about dogs, the bonding that occurs between a human and a dog, and the loss or grief a dog may feel if a child should die. Dog lovers, parents of special needs kids, and those who love feel-good stories will delight in these heartwarming portraits of dogs and their families.
