By Jay Kopelman and Melinda Roth
THIS story is a true one, about a puppy called Lava and Marine Lt Colonel Jay Kopelman who was simply unable to leave him as a stray on the streets of Iraq.
I have heard this book described as one 'about humanity in times of war' and I have to agree. It is one that any reader will find hard to put down.
There are several strings to the story - Kopelman is at war and his daily work is avoiding suicide bombers, fighting terrorists, training the Iraqui troopers, and trying to calm out of hand situations.
Behind the scenes and on a more emotional level he is interacting with the rest of his men and keeping their spirits up, as well as looking after Lava and trying to keep the puppy's innocent playfulness away from the firing lines where he could be killed.
The third part of the story is Kopelman's desperate and frustrating fight with the authorities on both sides to break through the red tape that was trying to prevent Lava from leaving the country. It is a fight that Kopelman did not give up and eventually he was able to take the puppy home to a new life in USA.
The story can be rather disjointed in some areas but on the whole does not concentrate on the horrors and disappointments that they experience on a daily basis. They are recounted as fact and then he moves on to the things that are not beyond his control!
Over-all I enjoyed the book immensely. I do feel very sorry for all dogs in places like Iraq, but the treatment they receive is only to be expected - where there is no respect animal life there is also no respect for human life ... and vice versa. A good and happy-ending story that tells it like it is! RRP $15.61. - EP
