Starred Review The Dog Heroes series is up to a surprising two dozen titles now. The bigger surprise? They keep getting better. Ground Zero Dogs is the best entry yet, introducing readers to a select few of the roughly 300 search-and-rescue dogs that used their agile feet and powerful senses of smell (dogs can detect a human up to 30 feet beneath the earth) to locate both survivors and bodies among the World Trade Center rubble. Pictures from 9/11 and the aftermath are fairly intense, but the stories are no less than inspiring. Salty helped his blind owner escape alive from the seventy-first floor, and Trakr uncovered a woman who had been buried for 24 hours. The human support is just as poignant. Vets were on hand to bandage, massage, and treat canines, while some owners buoyed exhausted dogs on 12-hour shifts by hiding in the wreckage so the animals could "find" a live person. Photos are wonderful, text is clear, and closing fact and "Common Breeds" pages conclude.

The work of "dog heroes" includes assisting military personnel (Soldiers) and first responders (Ground Zero). Talented dogs can also overcome physical challenges (Disabled) and compete in surfing competitions (Surf), both of which inspire humans to face obstacles. The volumes are accessible, with numerous photographs and personal anecdotes rounding out the texts. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.