Most Popular Books by Maria Goodavage

A leading reporter offers a tour of military working dogs'' extraordinary training, heroic accomplishments, and the lasting impacts they have on those who work with them. People all over the world have been riveted by the story of Cairo, the Belgian Malinois who was a part of the Navy SEAL team that led the raid on Osama bin Laden''s compound. A dog''s natural intelligence, physical abilities, and pure loyalty contribute more to our military efforts than ever before. You don''t have to be a dog lover to be fascinated by the idea that a dog-the cousin of that furry guy begging for scraps under your table-could be one of the heroes who helped execute the most vital and high-tech military mission of the new millennium. Now Maria Goodavage, editor and featured writer for one of the world''s most widely read dog blogs, tells heartwarming stories of modern soldier dogs and the amazing bonds that develop between them and their handlers. Beyond tales of training, operations, retirement, and adoption into the families of fallen soldiers, Goodavage talks to leading dog-cognition experts about why dogs like nothing more than to be on a mission with a handler they trust, no matter how deadly the IEDs they are sniffing, nor how far they must parachute or rappel from aircraft into enemy territory. "Military working dogs live for love and praise from their handlers," says Ron Aiello, president of the United States War Dogs Association and a former marine scout dog handler. "The work is all a big game, and then they get that pet, that praise. They would do anything for their handler." This is an unprecedented window into the world of these adventurous, loving warriors.

New York Times bestselling author Maria Goodavage takes us on a thrilling, delightful, globe-trotting journey to discover the heartwarming and fascinating new world of doctor dogs. In this groundbreaking book, Goodavage brings us behind the scenes of cutting-edge science at top research centers, and into the lives of people whose well-being depends on their devoted, highly skilled personal MDs (medical dogs). With her signature wit and passion, Goodavage explores how doctor dogs are becoming our happy allies in the fight against dozens of physical and mental conditions. We meet dogs who detect cancer and Parkinson’s disease, and dogs who alert people to seizures and diabetic lows or highs and other life-threatening physical ailments. Goodavage reveals the revolutionary ways dogs are helping those with autism, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. And she introduces us to intrepid canines who are protecting us from antibiotic-resistant bugs, and to dogs who may one day help keep us safe from epidemic catastrophe. Their paycheck for their lifesaving work? Heartfelt praise and a tasty treat or favorite toy. The emotional element in Doctor Dogs delivers as powerfully as the science. You don’t have to be a dog lover to care deeply about what these dogs are doing and what we are learning from them—although if you’re not a dog lover, you probably will be by the end of the book.

In an age fraught with terrorism, United States Secret Service canine teams risk their lives to safeguard the president, vice president, their families, visiting heads of state, and a host of others. Unprecedented access to these heroic dog teams has allowed a fascinating first-time-ever look at a very special breed of heroes. Wherever the president goes, there will be dogs. They’ll be there no matter what the country or state. They’ll be there regardless of the political climate, the danger level, the weather, or the hour. “If you let down your guard on the job,” says Special Agent Bill G., canine program manager, “it can change the history of the world.” It’s a burden Secret Service dog handlers take extremely seriously, regardless of their specialty. Tactical dog handlers on the White House lawn, handlers whose dogs sniff for explosives around the world, and those who walk their amiable floppy-eared dogs up and down Pennsylvania Avenue all live one common mantra: Not on my watch. Or my dog’s. Secret Service Dogs immerses readers into the heart of this elite world of canine teams who protect first families, popes, and presidential candidates: the selection of dogs and handlers, their year-round training, their missions around the world, and, most important, the bond—the glue that holds the teams together and can mean the difference between finding bombs and terrorists or letting them slip by. “These animals will gladly run into a hail of gunfire,” says "Stew," a Secret Service ERT tactical canine unit supervisor. “All they ask in return is for their handlers to throw the ball with them, pet them, and talk to them in an embarrassingly high voice.” Secret Service Dogs celebrates the Secret Service’s most unforgettable canine heroes. It is a must-read for fans of Maria Goodavage, anyone who wants a rare inside view of the United States Secret Service, or just loves dogs.

Your baby sleeps in your bed, and you love it. Except for those nagging worries about safety. ("She''s so small, I''m so big!") And what your relatives are saying. ("She''ll never leave your bed!") And that little foot that always ends up on your face. Worry no more! Good Nights puts your concerns about the family bed to rest, with fun and easy-to-use guidance on safety, coping with criticism, and even keeping the spark in your marriage (albeit outside the bedroom). With warmth and humor, Dr. Jay Gordon, a nationally recognized pediatrician who has endorsed the family bed for decades, and Maria Goodavage, a former USA Today staff writer with training in sleep research, give you everything you''ll need in order to thrive - and at times, simply survive - with the family bed. Good Nights provides a comprehensive look at: - SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH - Science is uncovering a wealth of advantages, including possible protection from SIDS, for babies who share their parents'' bed. - SURPRISING BENEFITS - Parents of young babies get much more sleep with the family bed! And little ones who spend time sleeping next to parents end up more independent (you read that right!) and closer to their parents than their cribbed peers. - SAFETY - The authors give simple-to-follow advice on how to make your family bed at least as safe as a crib. - SOUND SLEEP - Yes, it can be had. Good Nights lets you know how to overcome the obstacles. - SEX - Ditto. - SAYING GOOD-BYE - Your child really will leave your bed! Good Nights helps you help your child move on when the time is right. If you''re among the record number of parents turning to the family bed, turn to Good Nights. It''s a bedside companion you won''t want to be without.

The New York Times bestselling author of Secret Service Dogs and Soldier Dogs delivers the incredible, true story of K-9 Marine hero Lucca, and the handlers who fought alongside her through two bloody wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Maria Goodavage knocks it out of the park in this fast paced, spell binding page turner" --John W. Pilley, co-author of Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words Maria Goodavage takes readers into the life of Lucca K458, a decorated and highly skilled military working dog. An extraordinary bond develops between Lucca and Marine Corps dog handlers Chris Willingham and Juan Rodriguez, in what would become a legendary 400-mission career. A specialized search dog, Lucca belongs to an elite group trained to work off-leash at long distances from her handler to sniff out deadly explosives. She served alongside both Special Forces and regular infantry, and became so sought-after that platoons frequently requested her by name. Here, in gritty detail, is the gripping account of Lucca''s adventures on and off the battlefields, including tense, lifesaving explosives finds and rooftop firefights, as well as the bravery of fellow handlers and dogs they served with. Ultimately we see how the bond between Lucca and her handlers overcame the endless brutalities of war and the traumas such violence can inflict. Top Dog is a portrait of modern warfare with a heartwarming and inspiring conclusion that will touch dog lovers and the toughest military readers.

The Dog Lover''s Companion to California has the inside scoop on the best dog runs, parks, beaches, hiking trails, camping areas, pet-friendly businesses, and much more. Local author Maria Goodavage and her trusty companion Jake have dug up many surprising resources available to dogs in the Golden State, such as baseball games, summer camps, and pet parades. For the less outdoorsy dog, there are doggy spas, art openings, and even winery visits! Packed with helpful maps, up-to-date leash laws, and a useful "paw" ranking system for all locations in the book, The Dog Lover''s Companion to California is a dog''s best friend.

Lucca K458 is a decorated and highly skilled military working dog who belonged to an elite group trained to work off-leash to sniff out deadly explosives. Her extraordinary skill and bond with dog handlers Chris Willingham and Juan Rodriguez resulted in a legendary 400-mission career. During this time, she served alongside both Special Forces and regular infantry, and became so sought-after that platoons frequently requested her by name. Lucca the War Dog is the gritty and gripping account of Lucca''s adventures on and off the battlefields, including tense, lifesaving explosives finds and rooftop firefights, as well as the bravery of fellow handlers and dogs she served with. But it''s also the tale of a bond between Lucca and her handlers and how together they overcame the endless brutalities of war, including her own loss of a limb, and the traumas such violence can inflict. Heartwarming and inspiring, Lucca the War Dog is a compelling portrait of modern warfare.

The Dog Lover''s Companion to the San Francisco Bay Area has the inside scoop on the best dog runs, parks, beaches, hiking trails, camping areas, pet-friendly businesses, and much more. Local author Maria Goodavage and her trusty companion Jake have dug up many surprising resources available to dogs in the Bay Area, such as baseball games, cable-car adventures, and ferry trips. For the less outdoorsy dog, there are bookstores, cafés, and even winery visits! Packed with helpful maps, up-to-date leash laws, and a useful "paw" ranking system for all locations in the book, The Dog Lover''s Companion to the San Francisco Bay Area is a dog''s best friend.

This updated edition "digs up" up many surprising resources available to dogs in the Bay Area, such as baseball games, cable-car adventures, ferry trips, and wineries. For the less outdoorsy dog, there are bookstores, cafes, and even drive-ins. Includes illustrations, maps, and a ranking system for all locations in the book.

Updated listings of dog-friendliest parks, beaches, hiking trails, and camping areas, and the most hound-hospitable restaurants, hotels, and shops in Southern California, including Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

Autorka bestsellerů Maria Goodavageová nás bere na napínavou a úchvatnou cestu po celém světě, na níž objevíme nový, dojemný a fascinující svět psích lékařů. Ve své průkopnické knize nám dá nahlédnout do zákulisí špičkové vědy v moderních výzkumných centrech a do života lidí, jejichž blaho závisí na jejich oddaných, vysoce kvalifikovaných osobních doktorech (lékařských psech). Se svým typickým vtipem a nadšením zkoumá, jak se z lékařských psů stávají naši šťastní spojenci v boji proti desítkám tělesných a duševních onemocnění. Seznámíme se se psy, kteří odhalují rakovinu a Parkinsonovu chorobu, se psy, kteří upozorňují lidi na záchvaty, na výkyvy v hladině cukru, i na další život ohrožující stavy. Goodavageová popisuje revoluční způsoby, jak psi pomáhají lidem s autismem, úzkostí, depresí, schizofrenií a posttraumatickou stresovou poruchou. Seznamuje nás s neohroženými psy, kteří nás chrání před bacily odolnými vůči antibiotikům, i se psy, kteří nás možná jednoho dne pomohou ochránit před epidemickou katastrofou. Emocionální složka je v Psích lékařích stejně silná jako ta vědecká. Nemusíte být milovníky psů, abyste se hluboce zajímali o to, co tito psi dělají a co se od nich učíme - i když pokud milovníky psů nejste, na konci knihy jimi pravděpodobně budete.