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Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of WWII Hardcover – May 16, 2001

by William W. Putney (Author)

101 customer reviews

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The veterinarian and commanding officer of the WWII 3rd War Dog Platoon pays tribute to the four-legged soldiers who served in Guam as messengers and scouts and details his efforts to see them safely decommisioned and returned home.

Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of WWII

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

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, NY
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Retired veterinarian Putney is also a decorated World War II veteran whose primary service was helping organize the Marine War Dog Corps, which trained nearly a thousand dogs, mostly Doberman pinschers, as scouts, messengers, and alarm givers. Many of the dogs saw combat, especially on Guam, where then captain Putney won a Purple Heart and Silver Star fighting the Japanese, with and without dogs. More than 500 canine survivors were successfully demilitarized and returned to civilian life, and more than half of those became companions of the marines they had accompanied in battle--results that Putney counts as one of his finest achievements. An exceptionally clear writer, Putney is compassionate for his fellow marines of both species, except when some of them proved more dangerous to the dog platoons than the Japanese were. A valuable addition to the historiography of military animals, World War II, and the marines. Roland Green
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product details

Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher: Free Press; First edition (May 16, 2001)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0743201981
ISBN-13: 978-0743201988
Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 0.9 x 9.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
Average Customer Review: 101 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #928,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2346 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Military > World War II
- #4591 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Pets & Animal Care > Dogs
- #8390 in Books > History > Military > World War II

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Bypain docon July 29, 2017

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

I have read four books on the subject of war dogs. (recently lost my GSD number three and these books helped some). I am convinced this is not only the best of the four but is also the prototype book that the others followed in format. One other difference is that this book is written from the standpoint of an officer commander of war dog soldiers in WW2 (who also happens to be a veterinarian). This book is surprisingly well written. The other books are written from the standpoint of non officer dog handlers in Iraq and Afghanistan or Vietnam. I did enjoy reading all four books, and one of the writers from the mid east conflict noted that he became a war dog handler partly after reading this book. I still miss my GSDs a lot but i think books like these add some perspective although my wife thinks they just make me miss my dogs more. BTW roughly 75% of the war dogs under Captain Putney were Dobermans, 25% GSD's if i recall correctly.

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Wonderful book

ByEagletreeon September 23, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This was a wonderful book. If you are a dog lover and a fanatic about memoirs of American history, I would highly recommend it. It also will warm the hearts of dog lovers even if you don't follow WWII. It leaves you with the same feeling you already have about dogs, their loyalty, their intelligence, and their adaptability to any conditions that life puts them in. From a war history standpoint, it also presents a different view of the Guam assault that you normally don't see. They were front lines all the way, but it's still a different perspective on the battle. It does present a small amount of the normal history of what was going on which all of us know so well, but it's not enough to detract from what the story is really about, which is this organization's part in the war. As a nice touch, it goes further to let us see what happened to the dogs and handlers after the war.

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Great Book.

Bywayne a fon February 22, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

This is a great story. I like how the first third of the book covered the events of the training before heading off the battle.The middle third took place on the island battle fields of the Pacific. Of course there are sad incidents and then some humor. The last part of the book was what happened after the units returned home with their dogs. This book was written by a then lieutenant who was with the unit from the beginning to the end so the book covers his experiences first hand.

I recommend the DVD --War Dogs of the Pacific. it is a documentary similar to this book.

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Loved it!

Byhorse momon January 7, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I absolutely loved this book. I knew the author personally but hadn't read the book. When I started to read it I finished it in 2 days. Easy to read and visualize what was happening. You can feel the love Dr. Putney had for the animals and the men. I could almost feel what he was talking about and because I knew him I could hear his voice as I was reading. This subject was so important to him and if you love animals you will love this book. History came alive for me while reading this book. Thank you Dr. Putney for bringing this subject to life and for helping so many dogs come home again.

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Love, loyalty and Hearts of Gold - Warrior Men & Warrior Dogs in the truest meaning of the words!

ByMr. K. R. G. Tuckeyon June 24, 2013

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I am moved to tears when I read the stories of men and their dogs at war! Anyone who has seen their faithful hound, or horse look down, with brown eyes, full of overwhelming affection, love, loyalty and just "hey Boss? What's today's, nows game? I'm ready to please you beyond all boundaries". They love you soooooooooo much. Breaking your heart does not describe their separation from you, especially in death.

I had a war dog and war horses in Rhodesia. They did their duty as these dogs did. Tracked me; loved me; saved my life. Gave more than could reasonably be expected. GOTTA LOVE 'EM!!!!!!!!!! STILL DO IN MEMORIES.

This is a magic book. Any idiot who says "you can't de-train a war dog" needs to be confined, naked, flea pit with fishhooks tied to his fingers! Mine became home companions, guards, faithful protectors of all members of the family.

This is a WONDERFUL history of similar faithful Warriors. Anyone who doesn't love it, doesn't know dogs and horses.

WWOTP

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Courageous & Faithful Companions in Battle

BySue L.on January 3, 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I've read many books about WWII, but had never read anything about the important role dogs played in it, especially in the Pacific theater. All of us dog lovers know how faithful & loving our pets are towards us. What we usually fail to recognize is the great intelligence, ability to be trained to accomplish difficult tasks under high-stress situations, & the willingness to "lay down their lives for their friends." The transformation of these dogs into skillful sentries & scouts, & messengers under battle conditions took an unprecedented level of training on the part of dogs & handlers. The stories of reluctant soldiers forced into the dog platoons to become dog handlers & the subsequent unbreakable bond that was forged between the two brought tears to my eyes. A very inspirational book!

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Excellent!!

ByJPBlackBelton December 30, 2012

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I discovered this book via Amazon recommendation after having bought (and thoroughly enjoyed) the documentary "War Dogs of the Pacific."

I am a "Dog Lover" to be certain. And I'm a very enthusiastic student of "working dogs." I guide bird hunts on weekends (mostly upland birds with a lab...during season of course) and I occasionally work with Law Enforcement dogs as well.

So perhaps I'm biased. Maybe my love of dogs in general, and working dogs in particular has clouded my judgement. So with that disclaimer stated I really loved this book. Seeing how far "war dogs" and working dogs have come in the last 70 years is amazing. I loved seeing the development of techniques that today are considered training standards. Of course I also enjoyed the personal stories of the dogs, and the men who loved them.