Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of WWII
A retired Marine Corps captain and veterinarian, Putney writes a  moving and heartrending account of his days as commander of the  3rd Marine War Dog Platoon, in which some 72 dogs and their  handlers were his responsibility. The dogs and handlers trained  in scouting, mine detection, and other patrol duties and went  into combat together. Here we read about Peppy, Big Boy, and  Lady and a host of other courageous dogs who lived and died  during some of the worst fighting of the war. Putney takes the  reader through basic training and the battles of Guadalcanal and  the retaking of the island of Guam in 1944. He continues the  story of how those dogs that survived the war were retrained and  returned to civilian life. For veterans and dog owners, the  stories of heroism and death may be dreadful, but they are a  reminder of the sacrifices needed to obtain victory in World War  II. A unique animal and war story, this memoir is a tribute to  all who cherish the loyalty and bonds that dogs give their  owners. Recommended for all public libraries. David Alperstein,  Queens Borough P.L., Jamaica, NYCopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.