Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him

[RamboLiberal]

From Amazon.com

"Luis and Tuesday were one of the original sources of inspiration for my very first piece of legislation. Luis' story of military service, his struggles with visible and invisible wounds of war, and the dog who helped save his life is as compelling on the page as when you hear it in person."

-- Senator Al Franken

A heartwarming true dog story like no other: Tuesday, a lovable golden retriever, transforms a former soldier's life forever

Excerpt:
"Tuesday combines a golden retriever's innate playfulness and bouncy exuberance with a noble bearing and seriousness of purpose. But it is not his beautiful coat, or even his regal attitude, that attract the stares. Tuesday has an extraordinarily expressive face. He has sensitive, almost sad eyes, but they are more than offset by his big goofy smile. He can't pass anyone without flashing them a sly look with those eyes, as if to say, sorry, I'd love to play, but I'm working. He just makes a connection; he has a personality that shines. I am not kidding when I say it is common for people to pull out their cell phones and take pictures of and with him. Tuesday is that kind of dog.


And then, in passing, they notice me, the big man with the tight haircut. There is nothing about me--even the straight, stiff way I carry myself--that signals disabled. Until people notice the cane in my left hand, that is, and the way I lean on it every few steps. Then they realize my stiff walk and straight posture aren't just pride, and that Tuesday isn't just an ordinary dog. He walks directly beside me, for instance, so that my right leg always bisects his body. He nuzzles me when my breathing changes, and he moves immediately between me and the object--a cat, an overeager child, a suspiciously closed door--any time I feel apprehensive. Because beautiful, happy-go-lucky, favorite-of-the-neighborhood Tuesday isn't my pet; he's my service dog."

From the Back Cover
"Wow, what a book! I think I was crying on page 3. The collision of man and dog, and the unbreakable bond they form, made my heart leap. Everyone should read this book to better understand not only the ravages of war, but the amazing capacity of the human spirit to rebound. I dare anyone to read this book and not believe in the power of love to heal."

-- Lee Woodruff, author of In an Instant (with Bob Woodruff) and Perfectly Imperfect


"A deeply moving story of service, sacrifice, and restoration. Years from now when critics assemble the canon of Iraq War literature, look for Until Tuesday to make everyone's short list.

-- Andrew J. Bacevich, author of Washington Rules: America's Path to Permanent War

"This story of an incredible service dog is both touching and warm. Some of the struggles are painful to read, because they are so real, but that only makes the triumphs more uplifting. In the course of these pages, Tuesday truly becomes a hero, as does Luis Montalván. This book feels like more than a joy; it feels necessary."

-- Vicki Myron, #1 NYT bestselling author of Dewey

"Until Tuesday explores the unique bond that can occur between dogs and people that ennobles both. This book is a moving tribute to the courage and perseverance of a man as well as the love and the devotion of a remarkable and unforgettable dog."

-- Larry Levin, New York Times bestselling author of Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love

"This is a profoundly honest book filled with vital lessons about loss, friendship, war -- and the loving bonds that can save us in our lowest moments. We are all lucky that Capt. Montalván and his dog Tuesday found each other, for in their story we see the possibilities in our own lives."

-- Jeffrey Zaslow, coauthor of The New York Times bestseller, The Last Lecture

"Luis and Tuesday are two true American heroes. This powerful story is a testament to the courage of veterans both on and off the battlefield. The incredible relationship Luis and Tuesday share is a testament to the power of friendship and service. Far too many veterans face challenges when the invisible wounds of war follow us from the frontlines to our lives back home. Luis is a critical voice for our community, reminding every single veteran that they are not alone. Luis and Tuesday have been instrumental in helping to erase the stigma of invisible wounds, and luckily this book is just the beginning of their incredible story."

-- Paul Rieckhoff, Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Author of Chasing Ghosts

http://www.amazon.com/Until-Tuesday-Wounded-Warrior-Retriever/dp/1401324290/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304718143&sr=8-1

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Uvwja7JzL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg

[leveymg]

1. Between Tuesday and the Abbottabad SEAL dog stories, are we seeing a cute & furry military meme?

Dogs only do what we train them to do. They're better than we are in some ways. Halo effect.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. Dogs do MORE than just "what we train them to do".

Anyone who has lived with dogs for long is aware of that.
Dogs have saved countless lives by alerting the owners to fires, for example. ( so have cats, for that matter).

[leveymg]

3. Of course. You don't have to be a dog to know the inner-life of dogs

is a wonderful place. If I had to come back, I'd probably want to be one - but, I doubt I could measure up to the ones I've known.

They do the bad stuff people train them to do out of the best of intentions. Not every person can lay claim to that.

[jul61252]

5. +1

[xchrom]

4. kick