WAR DOG

War Dog is a heartfelt novel chronicling the extraordinary life and bond between a German Shepherd named Bullet and his handler, Sergeant Conrad Harland, in the U.S. Military Working Dog program.
The story begins with Bullet’s origins as a bold pup on a Pennsylvania farm, selected for his exceptional drive and nerve by evaluator Sergeant Alvarez for the Department of Defense program. Meanwhile, Conrad, a battle-weary Ranger haunted by the loss of his previous dog, Luna, during an IED explosion in Afghanistan, reluctantly returns to handling at Lackland Air Force Base. Assigned to the young Bullet, Conrad finds tentative healing in their growing partnership.
Through rigorous training at Lackland, Bullet excels in obedience, pack integration, explosive detection imprinting, and human bond assessments, proving himself a natural leader with an unparalleled nose and unbreakable focus. Their connection deepens, restoring purpose to Conrad’s fractured spirit.
Deployed to Afghanistan’s dangerous Arghandab Valley with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Bullet and Conrad face relentless threats: IEDs, ambushes, sieges, and assaults. Bullet’s alerts save countless lives, including during a devastating convoy blast, a prolonged base siege, and the final push against a Taliban stronghold. Conrad confronts his PTSD amid the chaos, leaning on Bullet as his anchor.
The turning point comes during a rescue mission where Bullet heroically intercepts an RPG meant for pinned allies, taking a critical bullet wound. Stabilized but permanently impaired, Bullet retires with honors, sparking a fierce adoption battle that Conrad wins through overwhelming support.
Returning home to a quiet life in Fayetteville, North Carolina, they navigate civilian struggles—PTSD triggers, financial strain, and adjustment—while finding new purpose in therapy work. Bullet becomes a beacon for children in hospitals, veterans, and schools, healing others as he healed Conrad.
Years later, as Bullet ages gracefully, their eternal loyalty culminates in a peaceful passing by the fireside. Conrad honors his legacy through memorials, reunions, and a nonprofit aiding retired working dogs.
Ultimately, War Dog is a tribute to the profound bonds between handlers and military dogs, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, healing, and unbreakable loyalty amid war’s horrors and peace’s challenges.