War Hawk: A Tucker Wayne Novel

The first recorded use of war dogs go back to 4000 BC, to the Egyptians who used them in battle. But the modern use of dogs in the US military really started in WW I. Since then, dogs have become an integral part of the U.S. military. Including the dog, Cairo, who was involved with the takedown of Osama Bin Laden.

My fascination with this unique bond of dog and military handler was ignited during “Operation Thriller,” a USO tour of authors to Iraq and Kuwait in which I participated back in the winter of 2010. Out in that sandbox, I got a chance to observe a few of these fighting teams in action. Not only did I get the opportunity to meet with these four-legged soldiers and their two-legged partners, but I was allowed firsthand access to their daily life. I heard one phrase over and over again that captured this relationship: it runs down the lead. I learned that as these handlers trained where around their dogs 24/7—training together, eating alongside one another, sleeping in the same trenches—that over time the pair learned to read each other’s body language and understood each other beyond mere gesture or spoken command, that their emotions ran up and down the leash, binding the two intimately together.

After learning of this unique bond, I wanted to try to capture that intimate psychological connection on the page, giving birth to Captain Tucker Wayne and his war dog, Kane. To do this pair justice, I visited Lackland Air Force Base where war dogs are raised and trained. While in Baghdad, I also met a fellow veterinary school classmate who was with the U.S. Veterinary Corp. He was able to give me great insight into the technology, the psychology, and even the aftermath of such a unique fighting team: from the Kevlar-reinforced K9 Storm tactical vest worn by the dogs to their amazing communication gear that allows handlers to see through their dogs’ eyes. I also learned about how PTSD afflicts not only the soldier but also the dog, and how efforts are being done to combat and treat both sufferers.

Lastly, after three decades of working with dogs as a veterinarian, I knew I wanted to portray these stalwart war heroes as they really are—not just as soldiers with four legs, but as real dogs. Through scenes written from the war dog’s point of view, I wanted readers to experience what it’s like to be such a warrior—to be in their paws—to paint an accurate portrayal on how such dogs perceive the world, how they function in combat, how they cope with loss and grief. I hope I did them justice.