From the top trainer and veterinarian for the dogs of WWII comes a stirring account of the devoted, courageous dogs of the Pacific War - and the brave young men whose lives they protected.
Twenty-three-year-old Bill Putney enlisted in the Marines dreaming of military glory. But instead, Putney, a licensed veterinarian, was relegated to the Dog Corps. As Commanding Officer of the 3rd Marine War Dog Platoon, he trained Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers to scout, attack, carry messages, detect mines, and serve as sentries.
Putney's "Devil Dogs" could sniff out mines buried for weeks deep beneath the ground, and locate enemy tripwires by listening to them "sing" in the breeze. The dogs' record was remarkable: they led over 550 patrols safely through the dense jungle. But for this incredible success, the dogs, always out in front, paid a terrible price. Putney worked feverishly in his capacity as veterinarian and CO to keep the dogs alive. Nevertheless, many died so that the men they led could live.
This book is dedicated to the dogs - Kurt, Lady, Peppy, Big Boy, and others - with whom Putney served. It is a powerful tribute to the bond between the marines of WWII and their dogs, and to the bravery and loyalty of dogs everywhere.
