Always Faithful: A Memoir of the Marine Dogs of WWII » (Reprint)

William W. Putney, D.V.M., U.S.M.C. (Ret.), received a Purple Heart and a Silver Star for his actions with the war dogs in the invasion of Guam. During his long subsequent veterinary career, he served as the president of California's Veterinary Medical Associ-ation and, for twelve years, as the Los Angeles commissioner of the Department of Animal Regulation. He lives in Woodland Hills, California.

Bill Putney, a licensed veterinarian, joined the Marines in 1943. As chief veterinarian at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he trained dogs for combat. At the end of the war, he learned the dogs he'd served with were being put to sleep. He called for enabling military handlers to bring home the dogs they worked with.

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 Cahners Business Information.