No Ordinary Dog

My Partner from the SEAL Teams to the Bin Laden Raid

No Ordinary Dog is the powerful true story of a SEAL Team Operator and military dog handler, and the dog that saved his life.

This program is read by the author.

Two dozen Navy SEALs descended on Osama bin Laden’s compound in May 2011. After the mission, only one name was made public: Cairo, a Belgian Malinois and military working dog. This is Cairo's story, and that of his handler, Will Chesney, a SEAL Team Operator whose life would be irrevocably tied to Cairo's.

Starting in 2008, when Will was introduced to the DEVGRU canine program, he and Cairo worked side by side, depending on each other for survival on hundreds of critical operations in the war on terrorism. But their bond transcended their service. Then, in 2011, the call came: Pick up your dog and get back to Virginia. Now.

What followed were several weeks of training for a secret mission. It soon became clear that this was no ordinary operation. Cairo was among the first members of the US military on the ground in Pakistan as part of Operation Neptune Spear, which resulted in the successful elimination of bin Laden.

As Cairo settled into a role as a reliable "spare dog", Will went back to his job as a DEVGRU operator, until a grenade blast in 2013 left him with a brain injury and PTSD. Unable to participate in further missions, he suffered from crippling migraines, chronic pain, memory issues, and depression. Modern medicine provided only modest relief. Instead, it was up to Cairo to save Will's life once more - and then up to Will to be there when Cairo needed him the most.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

©2019 Will Chesney (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

At Last!

4.5
I've wondered about the dog, Cairo, ever since I heard that he had assisted in the Ben Laden Raid in 2011. I had just begun to foster Belgian Malinois puppies for the Military Working Dog (MWD) program at Lackland in San Antonio. They are like no other dogs, even as babies. I also understood the secrecy surrounding them in the military, especially the special forces dogs, and I had met several of the handlers who had served with these dogs. Our puppies are sent to the four service branches and would be trained at Lackland. Special forces and secret service have their own programs. When their dogs appear at the Holland Veterinary Hospital on base for treatment, great secrecy surrounds them; no one even admits their presence. That's how unique and treasured they are.

I watched with rapt attention as President Obama met with the fabled Cairo who was muzzled for civilian safety. We raised the babies, from 8 weeks to 7 months, and often had minor bites and scratches from their teeth and claws. I could only imagine the damage an adult, fully combat trained MWD could impose on someone who made the wrong move. It made perfect sense that Cairo wore a muzzle when he met the Commander in Chief. Even now, MWDs are muzzled in public, always, even the breeding females who are often fostered with experienced civilians when not whelping or actively nursing their litters. The puppies are removed from the mother at the tender age of 4 weeks and now go out to foster at 6 weeks because of the damage their rough, aggressive play inflicts on mom and litter mates. They are a force of nature. Really!

And the Special Forces MWDs are elite among these. I was delighted to see nearly 10 years after his service on that historic raid, Cairo's story was to be told, by the handler who had worked with him and served with him. I was especially happy to know that in the end, when Cairo retired with honor, he was allowed to go home with that handler because I knew something of the bond that forms between these dogs and the people they work so closely with. Will Chesney tells his personal story and that of Cairo in this book; it rings true to everything I have seen and observed with Belgian Malinois. I live now with 6 of these adult dogs, most of whom we raised as puppies but who failed for various legitimate reasons to make the cut as working dogs. They literally are the center of our lives, requiring continual training, supervision, and attention. They are never outside or free in the house without one or both of us present.

Will Chesney "got the dog right" in his book, and he did not fail to respect Cairo's power and potential to cause serious harm while giving him the love and companionship these brilliant, sensitive creatures require. He had his own demons which helped him relate to those of this complex canine. He loved the dog beyond all reason (as I do mine), but he also understood and accepted that he was not a "normal dog." Malinois are not for most families or most normal people. They are difficult and always challenging, a dog like Cairo so much more so than my crazy, "washouts."

If these dogs interest you, this is an excellent book. It is honest and blunt. It is not always happy, but it is realistic and inspiring as well. I wish Will Chesney all the best, a life of purpose and fulfillment . He, like Cairo, has earned it. And please, do not get a Malinois until you have fostered several so you know what that will mean to your life...it will change completely.

Must Read (or Listen)

Wonderful book. I appreciate the candid discussion of mental health and TBI. I just can’t rave enough.

Great book

I really enjoyed hearing the author read his own book. It's a great story and I couldn't stop listening!

Outstanding

Touched my heart on so many levels. Well told personal account of one man’s relentless pursuit to become a Navy SEAL followed by his journeys in combat that eventually lead to him being one of the elite few to eliminate Bin Laden alongside his partner, companion and best friend, his combat dog. Moving story that left me full of pride and appreciation for all those who dedicate or have ever dedicated their lives to serving and protecting this great nation we have the privilege of calling HOME! Including the canine soldiers! Once you start reading, you will be hooked and not want to stop!

Inspiring

The love between a man and his dog is a bond that can't be broken.