Did Assyria Really Use War Dogs?

My Zekey boy.

Are you an animal lover? I am. Especially dogs. And I love researching their historical significance and including it in my books. I first learned about Assyria and Babylon’s use of war dogs from reading Tessa Afshar’s book, Harvest of Rubies. I knew from that moment on, if I ever wrote a book that took my characters to Assyria, I’d include the beautiful Anatolian Shepherds.

Now, let me say . . . there’s a scene in Isaiah’s Legacy (IL) that is true to the culture of Assyria’s ruthless King Sennacherib and the way he used these beautiful animals as weapons in war.

But don’t worry! It’s not graphic! It only implies an animal’s death and quickly moves on. And again don’t worry—because I don’t make these gorgeous animals out to be monsters. When Nasseh raises his puppy in Judah, it remains true to its guardian nature but shows this breed’s lovable and playful temperament.

What Is a War Dog?

Sparing you the gory ancient details, you can read a very brief summary HERE. Three important concepts stood out as I researched these majestic creatures.

1. They were used as a weapon by recognizing the different armor of the enemy army.
2. In whatever way they were trained as puppies, set their lifelong behavior.
3. Their innate bravery and sense of protection makes them especially loyal guardians of both humans and livestock.

After having done extensive research on this breed, I fell in love with them. You’ll find them throughout Isaiah’s Legacy (IL) as well as a few cats roaming the story. I keep them separated—since Assyrian war dogs don’t particularly like other animals unless they’re introduced carefully at the puppy stage.

Though dogs in general were considered feral creatures in Judah, seeking garbage in the streets, both Manasseh and Shulle warm up to the puppy they meet after their visit to Nineveh, Assyria’s capital.

Up Close and Personal

Meet Jetlag, a real, live Anatolian Shepherd!

After having completed the final edit on IL in October, I decided to fly out to WA State for a visit with some dear friends in early December. Imagine my surprise when they introduced me to the new member of their family–Jetlag, an Anatolian Shepherd! (Phil is a Delta pilot—thus the name.)

They had no idea I’d just written a book about the very breed they’d gone to great lengths to find! You see, they live on a mountain, six miles off grid. Phil is often flying for long stretches of time, leaving Pam alone when she hikes—in an area where black bears are prevalent.

Speed vs. Brawn

Remember Beardog? From MIRIAM (Waterbrook, 2015)

I introduced you to their first dog—Beardog, a Karelian Bear Dog that looked identical to the Canaan Dog. I wrote about him in Miriam back in 2015. (Also discovered after I’d already written a Canaan Dog into the plot!)

This handsome guy saved Pam from more than one bear with his quickness and agility.

But with more bears moving into the neighborhood, Pam needed a dog who could actually attack a bear—and win.

That’s when the Assyrian war dog (Anatolian Shepherd) came into the picture. I must admit, when I met JetLag, I wasn’t convinced he could attack anything. Though his head was the size of a watermelon and his back stood as high as my hip (I’m 5’5”), he was the biggest sweetheart I’d ever met!

I was snuggling his big, sweet face when a squirrel had the nerve to cross our path. Oh my! He turned into 150 pounds of snarling muscle, flying over uneven ground with those long legs. The squirrel escaped—barely. (Thank You, Jesus!)

Research & Development

Having witnessed the near death of a furry, little woodland creature–as well as JetLag’s tender lovability–I was satisfied that my IL war-dog descriptions were as accurate as possible for a 21^st-century author. I’m sure glad I don’t have to experience EVERYTHING I write about! But this was a fun fact-checking field trip!

Thanks, Pam & Phil! I’ll let you know if I ever decide to write about an elephant or a tiger—or maybe you could let me know—since it seems we’re somehow on the same wave-length without ever actually communicating!

Tweet-Able:

• Do authors experience EVERYTHING we write about? No, but on a fact-checking trip to WA, Mesu met a lovable Assyrian war dog.