A reassuring note for dog lovers: Keb—the heroic search-and-rescue dog at the heart of this book—is alive and well at the end!

I found A Dog’s Devotion to be an informative and eye-opening read. I hadn’t realized there are distinct types of training for dogs that search for the living versus those who locate human remains. The book offered valuable insight into the world of search-and-rescue (SAR), law enforcement collaboration, and the emotional impact on families. Above all, it left me with deep admiration for the volunteers who give their time, energy, and often their personal vacation days to undertake difficult, sometimes dangerous missions in rugged terrain.

That said, I did feel the book lacked a cohesive narrative. While it includes compelling SAR episodes, information on dog training, reflections on the bond between handler and dog, and technical aspects of search planning, these pieces felt fragmented. The result is more like a series of thematic essays than a continuous story. I would have loved more detailed accounts of Keb actively working in the field—and was surprised by how few successful outcomes were included.

This nonfiction work pairs well with the novel Heartwood by Amity Gaige, which also centers on a search for a missing woman on the Appalachian Trail.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.