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From Stray Dog to World War I Hero: The Paris Terrier Who Joined the First Division Hardcover – November 1, 2015

4.9 out of 5 stars 8 customer reviews

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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 216 pages
  • Publisher: Potomac Books (November 1, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1612347215
  • ISBN-13: 978-1612347219
  • Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #445,297 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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By K. vK Bomben on October 26, 2015
Format: Hardcover
A dog's love is a joy forever--and Rags, mascot of the First Division in World War I, is proof positive of this. The French stray turned American military hero died almost 80 years ago, but the tale of his bravery in battle and his loyalty in peace is as alive as ever, thanks to Grant Hayter-Menzies's splendid new book, "From Stray Dog To World War I Hero: The Paris Terrier Who Joined the First Division".

Reading about the adorable Rags's exploits, you will understand why descendants of his guardian, Major Hardenbergh, still visit his grave to leave flowers and show that he is not forgotten. And thanks to this book, you won't be able to forget him, either! I surely won't. He's a fabulous dog. And the book is beautiful -- and beautifully written.
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Format: Hardcover
From Stray Dog to World War I Hero: The Paris Terrier Who Joined the First Division by Grant Hayter-Menzies tells the story of Rags, a lovely, heartfelt story that will appeal to dog lovers and to those interested in WWI history.

This new biography of Rags includes his post-war life as a family dog and media sensation American Hero. We learn about Rags' war record and the soldier who he loved and loved him, about other great canine heroes of the war, and the founding and fate of the first cemetery for animals.

Sometime in 1916 a scruffy, taffy colored, floppy eared dog with a fluffy arching tale was born in the streets of war-torn Paris. The winter of 1917 was one of the coldest on record but somehow the little dog survived the bitter cold, living off scavenged food. Like the Parisians around him he learned to dive for cover when the sirens sounded; he would fall flat to the ground. Life on the street was harsh.

In 1918 American soldiers Donovan and Hickman encountered the scruffy mutt. The dog lovers must have shown him some care and they were followed. Hickman had a mascot so the dog went along with Donovan. An MP picked Donovan up but was charmed by his story of searching for his lost mascot Rags and they were let go. Within four days the First Division of the American Expeditionary Force, Rags included, went into battle at Soissons. Donovan doubted his decision to bring the dog into the melee and took Rags to the division headquarters. On his return to the field he found Rags had followed him back. Rags had made his decision; Donovan was his.

Donovan found that Rags hated to do tricks but loved work. Somehow the two novices worked together to make Rags a message carrier. One day when Donovan was on patrol a shell downed the soldier watching Rags.
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Format: Hardcover
*Warning: Contains Spoilers*

The beginning stated with the end. The book introduces a soldier at the time of his death and burial. It describes honors, unconditional loyalty and the praise received from the many people (and publications) that recognized his heroism while mourning him.

"This soldier of the Great War was buried wearing marks of past glory, but no uniform, because this soldier was a dog, a mutt of indefinable ancestry."

The book emphasizes that animals have no choice when it comes to war. However, that was not true for Rags. Despite his handlers tries to keep Rags from the front lines, where it was safer, Rags refused to leave his side. He saved many lives because of this.

"It is the story of a dog rescued by a soldier who himself serves to rescue soldiers." Rags was found, a stray, roaming the streets of Paris in 1918. From there, he became a member of the First Infantry Division. The "scruffy, taffy colored terrier of about 25 pounds, with floppy ears, fluffy arching tail and perhaps more than a dollop of poodle in his blend" became a mascot to his division, and a legend to people all over the country.

Rags was not interested in learning tricks, he was a war hero for goodness sake. However, he did let his handler, Donovan, teach him one... Donovan taught Rags to stand on his back legs and raise his paw over his eye when he saw soldiers saluting. He remembered this "trick" long after the war was over, even after his best friend died.

Perhaps one of my favorite stories of Rags happened when he got separated from Donovan during the war. He stayed with the First Division men on their journey, though.
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Format: Kindle Edition
Princess Fuzzypants here:
I am a very liberal kitty who has friends of all species so I have no prejudice when reading books about dogs at any time. And Rags, the hero of this book, is a dog whom we should all admire.
A stray plucked off a Paris street by a Donovan, an American soldier in WWI, the two became fast and lifelong friends. They served together taking messages through the lines, saving lives and risking theirs. Despite no formal training, Rags proved to be more than capable.
Sadly the two were injured by bullets and gas late in the war. It took a lot of rule bending and compassion but they were not separated even when Donovan was shipped home. Military brass and medical staff alike all adopted Rags and admired his grit, courage and loyalty.
When Donovan succumbed to his wounds, another military family adopted him. But they knew Rags really belonged to everybody. When a book was written about him in the mid 1920's, his fame grew beyond the confines of the military. As in all things, he bore the responsibility with grace and class.
It was no surprise that he was honoured both at his death and beyond. This book is a testimonial to one dog who won the hearts of the First Division and the world. He deserves to be remembered by this loving a detailed telling of his story.
Five purrs and two paws up.
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