Thunder Dog a Review

this post contains affiliate links


Thunder DogThe True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog & the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero


A blind man and his guide dog show the power of trust and courage in the midst of devastating terror.

It was 12:30 a.m. on 9/11 and Roselle whimpered at Michael’s bedside. A thunderstorm was headed east, and she could sense the distant rumbles while her owners slept. As a trained guide dog, when she was “on the clock” nothing could faze her. But that morning, without her harness, she was free to be scared, and she nudged Michael’s hand with her wet nose as it draped over the bedside toward the floor. She needed him to wake up.

With a busy day of meetings and an important presentation ahead, Michael slumped out of bed, headed to his home office, and started chipping away at his daunting workload. Roselle, shivering, took her normal spot at his feet and rode out the storm while he typed. By all indications it was going to be a normal day. A busy day, but normal nonetheless. Until they went into the office.

In Thunder Dog, follow Michael and his guide dog, Roselle, as their lives are changed forever by two explosions and 1,463 stairs. When the first plane struck Tower One, an enormous boom, frightening sounds, and muffled voices swept through Michael’s office while shards of glass and burning scraps of paper fell outside the windows.

But in this harrowing story of trust and courage, discover how blindness and a bond between dog and man saved lives and brought hope during one of America’s darkest days.


My Thoughts: 

Thunder Dog is a really neat book. Honestly, it is not what I was expecting, but still a good book.  Being introduced to one of the many survivors of the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001, and hearing their story is heartening.

Michael Hingson's story is not only about the day that brought our country to tears. He tells his life story of being a blind person in a seeing society. Michael's parents never saw him as different. In fact, they fought for him to be accepted in society instead of giving in to the advice of having him placed in a home when he was young. He was not treated any differently than his brother. Michael worked to be successful in life, he did not give up. He was determined to accomplish many goals that he set for himself; like riding a bicycle (which he did around his neighborhood), driving a car (on the college campus), earning a college degree and even flying a plane.

Along with his story, Michael tells a little about the Guide Dogs that are trained to help those in need. He also tells a little about the technology that has been created to help those with blindness to function more with computers and cell phones.

Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero By Michael Hingson with Susy Flory / Thomas Nelson September 11, 2001 began as a normal day for Michael Hingson and his seeing-eye dog Roselle. With the help of his trusted companion, he navigated the bustling streets of New York City and began the workday at his office in Tower One of the World Trade Center. However, time would prove September 11, 2001 to be anything but a normal day. In Thunder Dog, Michael shares his harrowing escape from the World Trade Center attacks from the unique perspective of a legally blind man. Trusting in Roselle's instincts and guidance, both dog and master survived that day. Michael also offers his outlook on living blind in a sighted society and how perseverance and hope can help us overcome obstacles and disability. Thunder Dog is an inspiring read for dog lovers or anyone facing a challenge, in need of faith, or a boost of courage.