Many dog owners know how attune their furry companions are to their feelings. But are they aware of the true powers of communication dogs use to inform their owners of pending medical problems or danger?

Paws & Effect describes individual accounts of dogs doing such things.

In one such account, a woman with seizures was notified prior to the episode by her Akita mix. The woman subsequently had two other Akitas who would warn her prior to the seizure and get her to lie down on the floor so she did not injure herself.

Research studies have shown that dogs also have a high accuracy rate in smelling ovarian cancer. Although an idea scoffed at by the scientific medical community, the researchers were eventually awarded a grant by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program to continue their investigation.

In perhaps the most emotional story, Army Sgt. 1st Class Russell Joyce and his Special Forces in Iraq acquired a German Shepherd named Fluffy. The dog was able to warn the forces about dangerous bombs and sniper attacks, saving many lives in the process. Fluffy also helped secure the city of Mosul from looters.

Sakson also describes many programs that use dogs for medical situations, for example those that train guide dogs and warning dogs, and X-CPR, which uses Xolos, or Mexican Hairless dogs to alleviate the pain associated with fibromyalgia and arthritis.

Paws & Effect is a fascinating book about how dogs can guide their humans their physical and psychological problems. Albeit a bit dry at times, the anecdotes are interesting enough to compensate. Paws & Effect is a must for those interested in the human-dog bond and the heroic ways dogs have been helping humans for many years.

- Ashley