This is a collection of true stories of animals making a difference in the lives of veterans. Some of these stories are wonderful , interesting, and inspiring , other were okay and a couple a bit boring, but animals are wonderful in how they can help people to heal and live more normal lives. If you are an animal lover, this is the book for you.

Princess Fuzzypants here:
Even though this book is heavily weighted towards dogs, as a cat I was still moved by the stories told herein. We all know how wonderful we animals are for making humans happier and healthier but our talents are never so important as when we make huge difference in the quality of life of someone. In some of these stories, the pets saved their lives, not just by doing things the human could not or protecting the human, but in giving that human a reason to get up each morning and live.
Service animals are predominantly big dogs as they require strength and stamina as well as smarts. The humans in these stories have suffered life changing wounds sometimes in battle and sometimes not. Some of the wounds are highly visible. Others are not obvious to the naked eye but without the help of an animal, they could have been debilitating.
All of the humans are remarkable people- strong, determined and grateful for the gifts the pets bring. They understand when off-duty, the pet is just like any other furry family member. You will be moved by each story of love, dedication and connection.
I only had one small reservation with the book that had nothing to do with content but more with editing. I think the stories could have been condensed so that there was less repetition in each individual story. It detracted when I read almost the same sentence several times within one story. But it is a minor complaint.
I can recommend the book to any animal lover or anyone who has either served or loved some who has served.
I give this four purrs and two paws up.

This book full of touching and inspirational stories will educate you on the difficulties faced by veterans, the amazing work being done by charitable organisations and how dogs, horses and other animals are a large part of that work.
Returned soldiers are used to being on high alert for danger and in situations where they don’t know who is dead or alive. This is a huge responsibility for anyone and particularly ones so young. It isn’t hard to understand how they would psychologically continue to live that sort of life for a long time after they return home. This book also highlights the damaging effect attitudes of the time had on Vietnam vets and added to the physical and mental issues they returned with.
Some organisations provide specially selected and trained dogs to help soldiers adjust to civilian life and regain physical and emotional independence. Some programs involve rescuing dogs from shelters and retraining them for a life as an assistance dog. This also draws attention to the importance of adoption and giving abandoned animals a second chance at life.
As a horse lover I was particularly interested in the Horses Helping Heroes Project and have since discovered there is a similar group in Australia. I have personally experienced the healing power of horses when I was working to overcome a very traumatic experience and credit them with putting the joy back into my life.
My favourite excerpt from the book was when the general’s little dog was sighted on the battlefield. Fighting was suspended until he was caught and returned to safety.
Volunteers play vital roles in the assistance process and without their time and expertise many veterans would miss out on help. Even volunteering to look after pets while their owners are deployed can provide peace of mind to someone posted overseas.
This book will open your eyes and touch you. Even if you aren’t an animal lover you may know a veteran who needs help and assistance animals may be an option not previously considered. Also recommend this book to friends and family as part of the proceeds will be donated to a charity working with veterans and pets.

What a beautiful gut wrenching book. If you have ever owned a pet, you'll understand the bond. If you don't own a pet, this book will make you want to.

Once upon a time, I wanted to be a service animal trainer. Then I got pregnant, and my baby ended up having issue upon issue. I got sidetracked from my dream to take care of my little one. But service, therapy, and companion animals are still close to my heart. So when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it.

Vets and Pets brought tears to my eyes quite frequently. The stories of needing help, of finding that help in sometimes unexpected places, and of overcoming would touch even the hardest of hearts. Especially when you realize that every person featured in this book had problems that at least in part directly related to their time in the service.

Each story in the book is touching in it's own way. The feelings are definitely well communicated. The respect between the men and women and the animals they work and/or live with is obvious.

I wasn't a fan of the layout of the book, though. The first few few stories are all about dogs. Then there's this sudden, unexpected break where you're shown lots of pictures of the animals. It had me looking at the page count and thinking "Uhm, okay, was there a mistake? Is the rest of this just going to be pictures?" (Not that I *mind* tons of animal pictures, mind you.) And then suddenly the stories pick up again, but this time its non-dog stories.

I feel like it would have been a smoother, more effective read to mix the various animal stories in together. Or at the very least, put the pictures of the animals with their associated stories. Basically, I love the content but the format isn't fantastic.

Still, I love books like Pets and Vets. I'm very happy I ran across this one on Netgalley. If you need to be reminded of the fact that good does exist in this world, and you're an animal lover, it's pretty much the perfect book for you.

This is a heartwarming book that shows the power of love between humans and animals. Over 20 stories about combat veterans and their companion/service animals that help with physical and emotional issues. Not only dogs but horses, birds , cats and others help these men and women cope with life after serving our country. The stories are inspiring and there is information for where to donate time and money to help these programs continue.

Having a husband with PTSD, I watched as he found some form of peace through his work with horses. This book really shows that humans and animals can heal each other - I just love this book and am thrilled that there has been some comfort and healing - happy stories from tragedies - there are some good endings in life.
There have been some work done with prisoners and also troubled teenagers in safe envi0r0ments with great results

This is a great book filled with inspiring stories about how veterans are helped through their connections with various animals. We have all heard of service dogs, and there are some great stories about the contributions that these animals make to helping their handlers through every day life. I am a "dog person," so I really enjoyed the stories about the veterans and their dogs. I was pleasantly surprised to read about some of the non-traditional programs that are being created to help veterans deal with their injuries - such as a program where they interact with Birds of Prey.

The book was well-written and cohesive - sometimes book that are a collection of stories about different people can seem "choppy." It also left me looking into several different organizations, and inspired to do my part to help make a difference in a veteran's life!