Review: Scent of the Missing

Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search and Rescue Dog by Susannah Charleson

Summary (from Goodreads): Susannah Charleson had always lived in a houseful of dogs, having rescued many from shelters. But in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, she became intrigued by a newspaper photograph of a diligent search and rescue dog alongside her exhausted handler. Susannah clipped the photo, realizing she knew little of the work dogs did to rescue humans but recognizing how very important that work was. So she began to volunteer.

After a time assisting certified canine teams, Susannah qualified to train a dog of her own. Puzzle was no ordinary dog, however. This bright and willful golden retriever puppy exhibited unique aptitudes for search and rescue work, but she was less inclined toward the role of compliant house pet. Further, Susannah wondered if she would ever be able to win Puzzle’s respect and love.

SCENT OF THE MISSING is the story of their adventures together and the complex bond they form, as they help pursue the rescue and recovery of human victims fallen prey to crime, misadventure, or catastrophe. A teen gone missing. An Alzheimer’s patient wandering in the cold. The debris of the space shuttle Columbia disaster. From the earliest air-scent lessons to her final mastery of whole body dialog, Puzzle emerges as a fully collaborative partner in a noble enterprise that unfolds from case to case across the southwest. Along the way Susannah and Puzzle learn to read the clues in the field, and in each other, to unravel the greatest mystery of all – that of the human/canine bond.

My Thoughts: I agreed to review this book because it really sounded interesting. It appealed strongly to my love of all things animal (at least all things CFM, or Cute Furry Animal). This book did not disappoint. It provided an intimate view of a SAR (search-and-rescue) dog and his/her handler – usually the person with whom the dog lives and bonds as pet dogs and owners generally do. This is the kind of book that made me wish I was more of a dog person, because it made me wish I could have that kind of bond with my dog. (We do have a dog, but I have a strong preference for our cats.) It almost made me want to look into SAR. The more details Ms. Charleson shared, the more I knew it’s not for me – I’m too much of a girly-girl, too squeamish.

Anyway, this story was heart-warming and amazing. The capabilities of these dogs is just fascinating, and makes me want to learn more about these animals and handlers and what all they can do. I would love to be able to witness one of these searches – well, maybe not one of the actual searches (given the circumstances usually requiring such searches), but perhaps a training search. It would be so neat to see these dogs in action first-hand.

Unfortunately, it isn’t a story full of warm fuzzies and smiles. There are some down points, too. Information about some of the search subjects – very sobering to realize what people go through that can result in a search. There are plenty of happy endings shared, but not all such stories end happily. I did find it frustrating when a couple of the searches were left open-ended. The reader never learns the outcome (after the dogs are finished with their work), but then Ms. Charleson says they often don’t get told the outcome to cases on which they searched. If they don’t know, she can’t possibly tell her readers!

I loved reading about Puzzle as a puppy and her antics. She sounds like a lovable dog with quite the personality! I found myself cracking up quite a bit. Toward the end, however, the book made me sad. I teared up a little reading.

Overall, this was absolutely fabulous! It is very well-written and full of emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and can see myself cracking it open again someday.

My Rating: 5 stars

Source: Received for review through FSB Media.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is an Amazon link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission. Your support is appreciated!)

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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