‘Heartwarming’ war dog story goes to H&S

Hodder & Stoughton has acquired world rights to the story of Barrie, the puppy who was rescued from the rubble of a school in Raqqa in Syria by former British Army Royal Engineer and bomb disposal expert, Sean Laidlaw.

Fiona Rose, editor for Coronet, acquired world rights to Barrie: How a rescue dog and her owner saved each other directly from Laidlaw. The book will be published in hardback in July. 

“Whilst out on an exercise, Sean heard whimpering in the remains of the building, before digging out the tiny Asian Shepherd cross. She was surrounded by four dead puppies and initially rejected Sean's advances, but he refused to give up. Sean gradually gained her trust and in the three months they had together they soon became inseparable,” the blurb reads. “When Sean’s contract to Syria was not renewed and he could not return to her, he raised the funds to bring her home with him with the help of the charity War Paws. The two were reunited in emotional scenes in early November that made headlines all over the international media.” 

Laidlaw credits Barrie with helping him with his PTSD and H&S said "their story is a powerful reminder of the incredible bond that dogs and humans have, and how both can save the other." 

Rose said: “As soon as I saw Sean and Barrie’s story I knew that it would make a fantastic, heartwarming book for dog lovers everywhere. Their journey has been incredibly special so far, and I’m so excited to help them share their story, from finding each other in Syria to Barrie’s new life in the UK.”

Laidlaw added: “We are really excited to tell our story, from certain death to living a happy life in the UK, for us both!”