A polar bear races across the sea ice, heading straight for the dogs. The terrified team barks furiously as the bear clamps down on Hank's neck! Hank freeze and then ..... Are dogs capable of courage or even good judgement? The eleven stories in  Ordinary Dogs Extraordinary Friendships  prove that they do. Explorer Pam Flowers shares stories showing these positive character traits that she has observed in her thirty-two years of working with dogs. One of the dogs that appears in Ordinary Dogs  is named Sojo. That dog is the subject of Pam Flowers' newest book that was just published and is titled  MEMOIRS OF A RELUCTANT SLED DOG. It tells the jaunty story of Sojo as told from Sojo's perspective and is sure to delight readers of all ages. " Ordinary Dogs, Extraordinary Friendships demonstrates how people and animals can work together and cooperate as a team."" --Temple Grandin, author of Animals in Translation "These dog stories are so clearly based on love and respect and include many details about long, arduous and thrilling journeys across the Arctic landscape, that they are sure to entertain and perhaps even inspire readers. . . . A must-read--and reread--for all animal lovers." (Nonfiction. 10-15)-- Kirkus Reviews "This book is a unique look at how the dogs she has raised share the character traits of loyalty, courage and compassion. . . . For classes doing Iditarod units or Arctic units these dog stories will resonate with young readers. This is a book that can be used for counseling discussions or class discussion on character traits. These animals will warm your heart and demonstrate great character for us all." RECOMMENDED --Marjie Podzielinski, Library Media Connection "Nothing speaks loyalty more clearly than when you take a stand for someone against a bully! We see this in the story "The Bully," in which Flowers's dog Amy stood her ground and overcame a bully dog just by standing up (without violence) and refusing to be intimidated. Readers can be inspired by Amy's example, and we too can take our stand for others against bullying. "There are other heart-stopping, cliff-hanging, adventurous stories in the book which will truly have your kids turning the pages to see what happens next! "Ordinary Dogs, Extraordinary Friendships is informative, insightful, and refreshing; captivating readers into a world of fierce loyalty, heartfelt sharing and compassion, extraordinary friendships, and an exciting new understanding of our canine friends!" --DBR Books "Suspense-filled true stories demonstrating the ability of dogs to show compassion, courage, and loyalty as well as think for themselves and problem solve. Telling illustrations capture the emotion of the canine characters in this heartwarming read for all ages. An excellent resource for character education." --Terrie Hanke, 2006 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail(TM) "Here is a wonderful collection of stories for all dog lovers. Pam's voice rings true as she describes her Iditarod and Arctic dog travels. Each dog has been an important chapter in her life. You will really connect with her heartfelt writing." -- Marjie Podzielinski, Media Specialist at Coulson Tough Elementary, The Woodlands, Texas Pam Flowers has participated in nine arctic expeditions, a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, and shares her adventures with dogs in her other books, including Alone Across the Arctic and Sojo: Memoirs of a Reluctant Sled Dog . She lives in Talkeetna, Alaska.