Next Door's Dog Is a Veteran's Dog

Book excerpt: Veteran Joe and his family have moved in next door to Lucas. Dad and Joe are good mates who served in the military together. They both look well and healthy, but Joe is troubled by memories that make him anxious, angry or sad. That's why he has Poppy, an Assistance Dog, who goes with him everywhere. When Lucas sees Joe getting off the bus with Poppy by his side, he wants to know more. He listens to Dad but doesn't really understand how Poppy helps Joe until he sees it for himself. At a cafe Lucas looks on while Poppy keeps watch, stays close to Joe, and allows him to relax and enjoy the celebration without worrying about what is happening behind him. That's when Lucas begins to understand the wonderful work that Poppy does to help Joe to live a full life. He also learns that the way people look does not always tell the whole story.