This story invites readers to meet Judy. She’s a dog, but she’s not an ordinary one. Judy the Service Dog by Sallie Dawkins is a picture book told through her eyes as she becomes a service animal. It was written with young readers in mind and based on actual training experiences. It shows how one special pup went from having a regular, playful life to becoming a life-changing helper. It uses clear, kid-friendly language, including definitions for medical conditions like PTSD, autism, and epilepsy, and explanations of how service animals are trained to help people diagnosed with them. The photo-style illustrations have a gentle look that makes the story feel extra comforting and real for children of all ages. This heartwarming book helps kids understand that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and sometimes with four paws and a wagging tail.

As an animal lover, I’ve always wondered about service dogs and wanted to learn more about them. Judy the Service Dog by Sallie Dawkins isn’t just a sweet story; it’s also a valuable tool for learning (even for an animal lover like myself), and as an educator, I really appreciate that. It’s “paw-fect” for units on animals, disabilities, or community helpers, and fits right into any early childhood or elementary classroom. This book also opens the door to great conversations about being kind, understanding others, and helping others feel included. The follow-up questions and prompts at the end of the book are a great way to keep kids thinking and talking. The warm pictures almost look like real photos, but with a magical filter applied to them. With its mix of fur, facts, and feelings, Judy the Service Dog is an excellent addition to classrooms and home libraries.

Judy the Service Dog by Sallie Dawkins highlights the transformational bond between handlers and their service dogs. It celebrates the incredible roles these dogs fulfill in the lives of their handlers. These unique dogs are born to help people with disabilities navigate the many challenges that may arise during day-to-day life. Throughout the story, Judy, a hybrid Labrador-Golden Retriever service dog, helps her handler, Sallie, a resilient military veteran, with daily crucial tasks. Service dogs, like Judy, have been trained to independently perform important tasks, such as helping their handlers with balance, providing assistance during emergencies (like dialing 911), guiding their handlers around dangerous obstacles, and retrieving items for them. Read Judy and Sallie's remarkable story today.

Judy the Service Dog by Sallie Dawkins is a heartwarming, educational, and child-friendly book designed to teach young readers about the importance of respect and awareness toward service animals. Judy, the service dog, is depicted with warmth and personality, making her character inspiring and relatable. Her heartfelt bond with Sallie, her handler, is used to explore profound themes such as trust, teamwork, and mutual care in a way that is both genuine and easy to visualize. The writing is straightforward, making it the perfect book for children, parents, educators, and school libraries. The author does a great job of integrating facts about service dogs, their training, and the laws that protect them while keeping the story engaging. She also clarifies the difference between service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals, which adds valuable insight to the book. Judy the Service Dog offers much more than an adorable animal story—it highlights the priceless services these incredible animals provide.