No Ordinary Dog

My Partner from the SEAL Teams to the Bin Laden Raid

By: Will Chesney, Joe Layden

Narrated by: Will Chesney

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

Beautiful, tragic and heroic journey of two tough two soldiers

I loved this story that was mostly Cairo’s life filled with likely the most accomplished working dog ever, a true hero. But the book also goes into the relationship with the handler as both went from young buck tough guys slaying enemies in Seal teams....through endless hardships....to the descent into slower lives, retirement and the pains physical and mental that inevitably come with that lifestyle.

I loved it. Thinking of those two on a chopper flying out of Neptune Spear successful mission listening to “it’s a great day to be alive” brings me to tears.

great story

loved this story, was able to get in the shoes of the man and feel an understanding of what him and the dog went through. I hope he's loving a peaceful life after going through all of this.

Joins my Top 10 All Time.

Along with Atlas Shrugged, 1984, etc. Really just outstanding. As I get older, I care more for dogs than people.

great detailed book on both warriors

great detailed story, will listen again and again, if I had to put it is on the same level if not better then most military books

Beautiful story about two FEROCIOUS Warriors

An amazing true life story. A dog owners love coupled with the brotherhood of two warriors.
This book made me realize how small and minuscule my life’s problems are. It also makes my heart feel full of pride, appreciation, and patriotism to know how someone can give so much of themselves to secure my very freedom to complain. Thank you for your sacrifice, and thank you for telling the story of Cairo who quite literally gave his all for his brothers and his Dad!