September is National Guide Dog Month, which raises awareness of the service that guide dogs provide and all the training they go through to become highly skilled helpers. I have had several friends who had guide dogs and have always been impressed with the loyalty and assistance their dogs provided. Other dogs can be trained to alert people to imminent medical conditions like blood sugar spikes for diabetics or seizures. Dogs can be used to assist those with mobility issues and depression. When I worked at a summer program for children with autism it was touching to see kids who had difficulty connecting with people cuddling with a huge but sweet Great Pyrenees. The Hoboken Public Library has a variety of fiction and nonfiction works for children and adults that will allow you learn more.
Service Dogs by Sara Green
Children 8-12 can learn about what it takes for dogs to become service dogs in this nonfiction book available from the Hoboken Public Library. It discusses how dogs can assist with the hearing impaired and mobility issues and more.
Tuesday Tucks Me In: The Loyal Bond Between a Soldier and His Service Dog by Luis Carlos Montalván and Bret Witter with photographs by Dan Dion
Tuesday Tucks Me In is told from the perspective of Tuesday, the service dog that helps military veteran Montalván get though his day. This touching tale will not only have children appreciating the role of service dogs, but also gain insight into some of what family members or other loved ones with PTSD are going through. An author note explains more about Montalván’s condition and Tuesday’s training.
Elle & Coach: Diabetes, the Fight for My Daughter’s Life, and the Dog Who Changed Everything by Stefany Shaheen
As a parent I know how rough it can be when your child has a common cold, but for parents learning of a child’s serious illness is life shaking. Shaheen learned her daughter, Elle, had diabetes when she was eight. This led her to found a company to aid people in managing their conditions. Her research also brought her to Coach, a very special dog who helps monitor Elle’s health.
The Underdogs: Children, Dogs, and the Power of Unconditional Love by Melissa Fay Greene
The Underdogs is another inspiring nonfiction work for an adult audience. Karen Shirk is dependent on ventilator, and her own experience with her dog Ben led her to form a group which helps train dogs to help children with autism, seizures, mobility, and mental health issues. You can borrow The Underdogs in large print from the Hoboken Public Library as well as in standard editions from other BCCLS libraries.
To the Rescue: Found Dogs with a Mission by Elise Lufkin with photographs by Diana Walker and a foreword by Bonnie Hunt
Following Found Dogs and Second Chances, Lufkin details in To the Rescue how abandoned and/or abused dogs can work in search and rescue operations, help those with disabilities, and provide cheer to those in hospitals and nursing homes. Each dog receives an individual profile. If you are a cat lover like me you will be pleased with the inclusion of one very special feline hero as well.
Emma & I by Sheila Hocken
Image via Amazon
Sheila Hocken’s autobiography, Emma & I, recounts her story of growing up and how her guide dog, Emma positively impacted her life.
Quill: The Life of a Guide Dog
For those looking for a film to enjoy this month, Japanese director Yoichi Sai has created a moving story about a dog named Quill who becomes a devoted guide dog.
September is also Library Card Sign Up Month, and this year’s honorary chair is none other than the world famous cartoon beagle Snoopy! So if you don’t have a library card yet, now is the perfect time to come in and get your card and check out these or other books, movies, music and more at your library!
-Written by Aimee Harris, Head of Reference
Hoboken Library Staff Picks 
One Response to “When Dogs are More Than Best Friends: Heartwarming and Informative Looks at Service Dogs”