This book was informative and I enjoyed revisiting Craig and Fred and seeing what they are doing now. I loved learning about the writing program they started in the prison in Maine, and that that same prison has a veteran's pod and Maine itself has veterans court. Quite frankly I think more states need a vertans' department of the criminal justice system. Because some of the problems they face stem from their time in the service.

Craig Grossi is a wonderful writer! His words have a way of immersing you into his personal experiences so well that you feel as if you are right there beside him and Fred.

I really enjoyed his first book, “Craig & Fred”, and have been dying to hear more of their story, but this book is so much more than just a man and his dog. Through Craig’s interactions with veterans/inmates at Maine State Prison, we learn just how difficult it is to return to a civilian life after serving your country. We are introduced to men who have made mistakes and refuse to be defined by their crimes, and America’s Vet Dogs provides them with the opportunity to regain their confidence and self-worth through training service dogs.

I also loved that Craig offered up his time to start a writing class for them. It’s not easy to open up to strangers, but Craig had a way with these men and earned their trust because he didn’t treat them as criminals but as human beings. I couldn’t help but cry reading their stories because they were so heart-wrenching and relatable.

This was truly an eye- (and heart-) opening read, and I am so glad Craig was able to share it with us. Highly recommend!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3915046332

I picked this book because I'm a believer in second chances; training willing people in a new trade/skill that also promotes an ability to be of service plus boost self-worth and a skilled job; and in the power of service animals to positively change lives. This author has a worthy story that combines all these positives but I just couldn't wade through the text despite multiple attempts to get past the first hundred pages. I'm not exactly sure why, but I kept getting the feeling from the writing that this story would have come across much, much better if a professional writer had been involved. Worthy story, not great writing (IMO).