“Stubby: The War Dog” by Ann Basum.
National Geographic for Kids, Washington D.C., 72 pages, 2014, Grades 4-6.
It is often said that a dog is man’s best friend. Dogs have played an important part in my life, and I know that a pet dog will give you many happy memories.
In the military, dogs often play essential roles. They help detect bombs, find wounded soldiers and alert troops about unusual movements. In World War I, dogs participated in all major battles and often helped to save lives.
When the American Expeditionary Force prepared to leave the Untied States for France, the 102 Infantry Division adopted a pet for a mascot. The name of this dog was Stubby. He would become the most famous American dog in the Great War. Ann Basum writes an enthralling account of how the 2-foot-tall Boston Terrier mix became so renowned. The name of this outstanding book is “Stubby: The War Dog.”
When the United States declares war on Germany, Austria/Hungary and Turkey in 1917, thousands of soldiers enter the armed forces. The 102 Infantry Division begins training on the athletic fields of Yale University. The division is made up primarily of men from Connecticut.
One soldier, J. Robert Conroy, becomes attached to a little terrier running through the camp. The dog is extremely intelligent and quickly learns tricks. One of the most endearing is his ability to sit down and raise his right paw in a salute. This makes the soldiers like the little fellow. Conroy takes particular care of the dog and soon calls him Stubby because of his short tail.
When training ends in Connecticut, Conroy smuggles Stubby onto the troop ship and they head to Europe. They arrive in the spring of 1918 and are immediately posted to the front. There, they will fight in 17 major battles and endure brutal hardships and battle wounds. Through it all, Stubby shows his immense courage in the face of artillery barrages and machine gun encounters. He helps save a number of lives and becomes so famous that a group of French women sew him a coat that he can wear during the war. The love between Conroy and Stubby is quite evident and they help each other survive the conflict. How do they do it?
Why is this little dog so important to the American soldiers of World War I? How does he help J. Robert Conroy survive the conflict? When the war ends, why do so many people want to give Stubby awards? To find the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out this exceptional book, “Stubby: The War Dog” by Ann Basum.
You will just want to keep reading this book. Stubby is such an attractive personality that you will wish that you had known him. The relationship between J. Robert Conroy and Stubby is absolutely endearing.
Stubby becomes famous throughout the United States after the war. His infectious personality attracts generals, presidents, soldiers and ordinary citizens. The pictures and writing in this book are first rate. If you are looking for a captivating story, this is it. I hope you get to read this book and then to share with the younger members of your family. It is excellent.
