Local Hero Dog Tyson Gets His Own Book

​Rhode Island's own hero dog Tyson has added "published subject" to his resume. Sandra Sanford, Tyson's owner, recently sat down with the Rhode Island Wave to discuss "Tyson a Hero Dog," a new book chronicling the beloved pup's most famous rescue.
Longtime readers may remember Tyson from a previous feature after he earned recognition for finding a missing dog in the woods within just one minute — a feat that took searchers nearly two days to accomplish on their own. That real-life story of courage now forms the heart of Sanford's new book, available on Amazon and select bookstores.
"It was a dream of mine to write a book about Tyson," Sanford said. She partnered with retired Captain Joseph Broadmeadow, an award-winning author and publisher, to bring the project to life. "It was my story, but he was able to help us publish the book," she explained. "He created the whole book" — including gathering many of the photographs, some of which Sanford took herself, such as the emotional shot of Tyson right after he found the missing dog, Olive, in the woods.
The rescue that inspired the book took place when Olive, belonging to attorney Ronald Resmini's son's girlfriend, went missing in the woods for two days. "No one could find her for two days," Sanford recalled. "Me and Tyson went right in the woods and within a minute he found her. I was so proud of this boy." Tyson later received an award for bravery and skill, along with a monetary gift from Resmini that Sanford used to treat Tyson for Lyme disease, which he'd contracted during his time searching the woods.
Tyson has since retired from search work. He now lives with a collapsing trachea and a recently diagnosed heart murmur, but Sanford says he remains as sweet and gentle as ever — even serving previously as a comfort dog for Brown University students.
"Tyson a Hero Dog" is more than a heartwarming tale, though — it's also a fundraising effort. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local animal shelters and rescues throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. "We might not be rich, but we're rich in love," Sanford said. "We're rich in the heart." The book is dedicated to the late Judge Frank Caprio, with permission from his family, in recognition of his kindness and compassion.
Sanford said the book is intended for children ages 4 to 10 and is already gaining traction. East Providence Councilwoman Anna Souza, who reads to children during story time events, plans to feature the book at local schools. A bookstore in Newburyport, Massachusetts, has also picked up copies for its shelves.
The back cover includes a photo of Sanford and Tyson taken by photographer Tina Haddad, along with a sketch created by artist Stanley Silver.
Sanford and Tyson plan to attend several upcoming community events to promote the book, including the New England Witches Guild vendor fair and Halloween parade in Riverside on October 17, and Mount Hope-alooza in Bristol on October 11. Sanford said Tyson will even be on hand to "autograph" copies with a paw-print stamp made especially for him.
"Tyson a Hero Dog" is available now on Amazon under author Sandy Sanford, with copies also available at select bookstores including Barnes & Noble.
"We really appreciate everyone purchasing the book," Sanford said, noting it could make a meaningful holiday gift for kids, grandkids, or animal-loving friends. "It's a fun, fun-loving book... a book with a purpose."
For Sanford and Tyson, the book represents more than just a story — it's a way to give back to the rescue community that means so much to them, one copy, and one wagging tail, at a time.