Explore the World of Service Dogs—Teaching How They Support Invisible Disabilities with Courage and Care!
Book Hover Effect
I’m On Duty!
Meet Alphie:
A Hero on Four Paws
"I'm On Duty!" by Graham Bloem introduces readers to Alphie, a lovable service dog with a heart full of dedication and an important job to do. Every day, Alphie helps his human mom feel safe and supported, whether it’s guiding her through busy crowds, calming her anxiety, or helping her find something she’s misplaced. With his special vest on, Alphie knows it’s time to get to work—but he never forgets that his most important job is being there for the person he loves most.
Through charming illustrations and heartfelt moments, this story gives young readers a glimpse into the incredible bond between service dogs and their humans. It also gently teaches the important role these furry heroes play in helping people feel safe and secure. With Alphie leading the way, kids will see how love, loyalty, and a little help from a four-legged friend can make all the difference for someone living with a disability.
Order now and don’t forget to grab copies for friends, family and your kids teachers!
Brian is a Retired LtCol USMC & Author of Best Selling Book “Nubs, The True Story of a Mutt, A Marine & A Miracle”
I was first put in touch with Graham when I was deployed to Iraq in 2007-2008. I’m normally an F/A-18 Hornet pilot with the U.S. Marines, but found myself doing a ground tour in Iraq this time around. My job was to lead an 11-man team working border security and counter-insurgency operations along the Syrian border. During my deployment I befriended a small earless dog that I named Nubs. Over a period of a couple months, our team became very fond of him; he made us laugh and got us through some pretty tough times. He had suffered much abuse during his short life in the desert. Someone had cut his ears off as a puppy; he was stabbed him with a screwdriver or knife during our deployment.
My team nursed him back to health and became quite fond of him. Our forward operating base (FOB) was over 70 miles away from where we met Nubs and his pack. After spending a few days with him when he was injured and executing our mission in the area we had to get back to our FOB.
Two days later Nubs showed up on our doorstep. He had somehow tracked us and walked over 70 miles while injured to find us. The team decided this little warrior had earned a trip to the U.S. We started raising funds and made plans to get him home.
Nubs made it back to the U.S. almost three months before I did. Graham had heard about the story on the news and volunteered to help work with him to ease his transition to his new world. Obviously this would be quite a change for Nubs. Graham had already established a reputation as someone who had worked with some very troubled dogs, specifically from Iraq. Graham spent countless hours every week with Nubs for the better part of three months. What he was able to do was nothing short of miraculous. He took an abused, confused, terrified dog and eased him into the busy world of Southern California. Graham got him to the point where he could be around anyone and any dog. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without him. He did this all out of the goodness of his heart because he has a soft spot for these abused dogs of war.
After I came home the story of Nubs grew. I ended up writing a children’s book about his story called Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, and a Miracle. The book required some publicity and appearances with Nubs. Graham once again volunteered to help. Again, he worked tirelessly to help Nubs. He knew that Nubs would be put in some potentially stressful situations and didn’t want him to have a bad episode. He even volunteered his time to come on the road with Nubs and me to New York. The trip went off without a hitch as Nubs made appearances on Ellen, the Today Show, and the Tonight Show to name a few. Graham’s involvement was crucial in helping with Nubs and also acting as a partner in dealing with the media. He took interviews and answered questions on the spot flawlessly. We both share a common goal, to do more good for the animals. We both share a love and passion for dogs that need homes, especially those who were victims of abuse.
I can say with candid sincerity that Graham is the purest, kindest, and most talented soul I’ve met in the industry. His greatest asset is that he truly loves the animals and his motives are pure. Make no mistake; he is also a talented businessman as well. But when you watch Graham working with a dog, only then will you really understand. He has a rare gift and it is a joy to watch. Personally, it is hard to believe that he doesn’t already have a show or even a movie about him yet. I think this is mainly because he is not a shameless self-promoter as are many people who end up in the spotlight. His mindset is to do the right thing, walk the right path, and the good things will come in time. I am proud to call Graham my partner and even prouder to call him my friend. I am available at anytime to answer questions about what he has done for Nubs and me. He has my highest possible recommendation for any endeavor involving dog training, the pet industry in general, and anything involved with media or television.
Book Hover Effect
LtCol JAY KOPELMAN
La Jolla, CA – Retired LtCol USMC & Author of NY Times Best Sellers “From Baghdad with Love” & “From Baghdad to America”
There are dog trainers, and there are dog trainers…then there’s Graham Bloem. Graham is the founder and training director of Specialty Dog Training in San Diego CA. I brought my dog, Lava, to the United States from Iraq April of 2005 when he was six months old, and needless to say, he had issues. Lava had lived through the battle of Fallujah; spent time on a Marine base outside the city, and ultimately ended up in the Red Zone in Baghdad before he made the exhaustive 20-hour flight to Chicago. That would be enough to put anyone on edge, much less a frightened puppy. Through Graham’s intuitive approach to understanding and training dogs, he’s coaxed from Lava that inner canine and turned him from a nervous, at times aggressive dog, with a lack of confidence into an obedient, focused, fun-loving, confident and loving companion. Lava’s temperament, thanks to Graham’s combination of nurturing and goal-oriented training, has gone from nervous aggression to a healthy playfulness mixed with a sense of loyalty to me and my family. Where Lava was once ready and willing to snarl and bite at anyone he felt was a threat –real or imagined – he now displays a calm confidence evident in dogs trained in protection. He is a fun, playful and obedient dog, all as a result of Graham’s patience, love of animals and ability to bring forth from any dog – even one who’s endured what Lava has – the qualities we all desire in man’s best friend. Thanks, Graham, for making Lava the best friend our family could hope to have.
From Baghdad to America
From Baghdad With Love
"To all the dogs who have walked beside me, taught me patience, and shown me the true meaning of unconditional love—you are my greatest teachers."
“I’m on Duty" is one of those rare gems that you want to read over and over with your kids. Graham Bloem has created a beautiful, heartwarming story that introduces children to the powerful bond between a service dog and his handler. My 6-year-old was completely captivated by Alphie, the loyal service dog, and the way he helped his handler navigate life. Beyond the touching narrative, this book also opened up an important discussion in our home about invisible disabilities and the vital role that service dogs play. It’s both educational and engaging, with a positive message that is so important for children to understand. Highly recommend to any parent looking to add a meaningful and fun story to their child’s library!"
— Steve “the dog man” in NYC
As a dog lover, I absolutely fell in love with "I’m on Duty." Graham Bloem’s experience as a dog trainer shines through as he brings Alphie, the service dog, to life on every page. The bond between Alphie and his handler is so beautifully portrayed, making it clear how much these amazing animals can do for their humans. What’s even more special is how the author (Bloem) managed to convey the seriousness of invisible disabilities in a way that is digestible for children. The story is not just entertaining; it’s also a lesson in empathy and understanding. Whether you’re a dog lover or not, this is a must-read that will warm your heart."
— Laura from CA
“I’m on Duty" is an exceptional children’s book that goes beyond simply telling a cute story about a dog. It shines a light on the often overlooked topic of invisible disabilities and the critical support that service animals provide. Graham Bloem has created a heartfelt narrative that helps children grasp the concept of mental health struggles in an age-appropriate way. Alphie, the service dog, is a hero not because he does extraordinary things, but because he offers the unconditional support that his handler needs every day. This book is both heartwarming and educational, with the power to foster empathy in young readers. I urge parents, teachers, and caregivers to not miss this inspiring read."
— Della (“Mrs. Knight”) in Nevada
“I’m on Duty” by Graham Bloem is an absolute treasure for the classroom. As an educator, I am always searching for books that both entertain and teach important life lessons, and this one does it all. The story of Alphie, the service dog, and his handler provides children with an insightful look into the lives of individuals who depend on service animals, particularly those with invisible disabilities. The writing is clear and accessible, making it perfect for children ages 4 to 10, and the illustrations are warm and engaging. I’ve already used it in several of my lessons, and it sparks fantastic conversations among students. Every classroom needs a copy of this inspiring book. Bonus mention, Graham was the dog trainer for Nubs, a dog rescued by a Marine from a war zone in Iraq. I’ve had that book (“Nubs, The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle”) in my classroom for many years and was excited to learn that Graham has released this book, I’m On Duty”
— Jan from CA
“I’m on Duty" is one of those rare gems that you want to read over and over with your kids. Graham Bloem has created a beautiful, heartwarming story that introduces children to the powerful bond between a service dog and his handler. My 6-year-old was completely captivated by Alphie, the loyal service dog, and the way he helped his handler navigate life. Beyond the touching narrative, this book also opened up an important discussion in our home about invisible disabilities and the vital role that service dogs play. It’s both educational and engaging, with a positive message that is so important for children to understand. Highly recommend to any parent looking to add a meaningful and fun story to their child’s library!"
— Steve “the dog man” in NYC
As a dog lover, I absolutely fell in love with "I’m on Duty." Graham Bloem’s experience as a dog trainer shines through as he brings Alphie, the service dog, to life on every page. The bond between Alphie and his handler is so beautifully portrayed, making it clear how much these amazing animals can do for their humans. What’s even more special is how the author (Bloem) managed to convey the seriousness of invisible disabilities in a way that is digestible for children. The story is not just entertaining; it’s also a lesson in empathy and understanding. Whether you’re a dog lover or not, this is a must-read that will warm your heart."
— Laura from CA
“I’m on Duty" is an exceptional children’s book that goes beyond simply telling a cute story about a dog. It shines a light on the often overlooked topic of invisible disabilities and the critical support that service animals provide. Graham Bloem has created a heartfelt narrative that helps children grasp the concept of mental health struggles in an age-appropriate way. Alphie, the service dog, is a hero not because he does extraordinary things, but because he offers the unconditional support that his handler needs every day. This book is both heartwarming and educational, with the power to foster empathy in young readers. I urge parents, teachers, and caregivers to not miss this inspiring read."
— Della (“Mrs. Knight”) in Nevada
“I’m on Duty” by Graham Bloem is an absolute treasure for the classroom. As an educator, I am always searching for books that both entertain and teach important life lessons, and this one does it all. The story of Alphie, the service dog, and his handler provides children with an insightful look into the lives of individuals who depend on service animals, particularly those with invisible disabilities. The writing is clear and accessible, making it perfect for children ages 4 to 10, and the illustrations are warm and engaging. I’ve already used it in several of my lessons, and it sparks fantastic conversations among students. Every classroom needs a copy of this inspiring book. Bonus mention, Graham was the dog trainer for Nubs, a dog rescued by a Marine from a war zone in Iraq. I’ve had that book (“Nubs, The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle”) in my classroom for many years and was excited to learn that Graham has released this book, I’m On Duty”
— Jan from CA
“I’m on Duty" is one of those rare gems that you want to read over and over with your kids. Graham Bloem has created a beautiful, heartwarming story that introduces children to the powerful bond between a service dog and his handler. My 6-year-old was completely captivated by Alphie, the loyal service dog, and the way he helped his handler navigate life. Beyond the touching narrative, this book also opened up an important discussion in our home about invisible disabilities and the vital role that service dogs play. It’s both educational and engaging, with a positive message that is so important for children to understand. Highly recommend to any parent looking to add a meaningful and fun story to their child’s library!"
— Steve “the dog man” in NYC
As a dog lover, I absolutely fell in love with "I’m on Duty." Graham Bloem’s experience as a dog trainer shines through as he brings Alphie, the service dog, to life on every page. The bond between Alphie and his handler is so beautifully portrayed, making it clear how much these amazing animals can do for their humans. What’s even more special is how the author (Bloem) managed to convey the seriousness of invisible disabilities in a way that is digestible for children. The story is not just entertaining; it’s also a lesson in empathy and understanding. Whether you’re a dog lover or not, this is a must-read that will warm your heart."
Contact Us
Get In Touch
We would love to connect with you! Please use the contact form to discuss book signings, readings, speaking requests, place larger orders, or learn more about available consulting services.
I’m On Duty!
From Baghdad to America
From Baghdad With Love
