Stubby the War Dog

April 21, 2014
American soldier J. Robert Conroy befriended a stray dog with a stumpy tail while training to fight overseas in WWI. They bonded so closely that Conroy smuggled him to Europe, where Stubby accompanied Conroy’s regiment on the Western Front, lending both his superior olfactory senses and amiable temperament to the war effort. Archival photographs show Stubby in candid moments with Conroy during the war and after returning to the U.S., where he received commendations and public attention. Through the story of this scrappy canine soldier, Bausum supplies an appealing entry point into the study of WWI. Conroy’s granddaughter provides an introductory note, and a timeline and research notes are included. Ages 10–up.

October 1, 2014

Gr 5 Up-Stubby was a military hero and media phenomenon in the years during and after World War I. Robert Conroy adopted the stray dog in Connecticut and then smuggled him onboard the ship carrying soldiers across the Atlantic to fight in the Great War. The two were inseparable in the trenches, with Stubby demonstrating extreme courage and prescience. Germans used poison gas, which Stubby could detect before his human companions, barking out warnings and saving lives. Canines weren't welcomed in military settings like they are today, but Stubby won over privates as well as generals, sitting on his haunches and raising his right paw in a salute. Loyalty, bravery, and energy characterized this canine soldier, who was outfitted in uniforms and medals, and garnered public affection. Stubby met two American presidents, appeared on the front pages of major newspapers, and retained his popularity even after his death in 1926. This audiobook, ably narrated by Andrea Gallo, is a sure winner for dog lovers and youthful historians.-Robin Levin, Ft. Washakie School/Community Library, WY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.