A Kids Pick By Loyd Eskildson

The subtitle for this book is "The True Story of a Mutt, A Marine, and a Miracle," (Little Brown Books/ 2009) and it is certainly that. Marine Major Brian Dennis, a fighter pilot by training, was leading leading border patrols in western Iraq when he came upon pack of wild dogs led by a wiry mutt with clipped ears. (Iraqis believe that clipping a dog's ears makes it 'tough' and reduces the area that an opposing dog can grab onto.) The pack was living on desert mice and rats, and scraps from local Iraqi soldiers.
 
It took awhile, but eventually Major Dennis was able to make friends with the dog, whom he named "Nubs." Periodically, Dennis and his men would leave for several days before returning. There Nubs would be waiting. On the unit's last return, however, Nubs hung back - he'd been stabbed by locals using a screwdriver. Major Dennis and his corpsman treated the wound and gave Nubs antibiotics, but the dog was too sore to eat and drink, and had difficulty even lying down.
 
The next day the patrol drove off to a location 70 miles away, leaving Nubs and the pack behind. Two days later, despite 18 degree nights and the dangers of a wild desert and war zone, Nubs appeared at Major Dennis's new location, much worse for wear. Despite military prohibition against keeping animals, the group adopted Nubs, and even built him a doghouse. Unfortunately, some of Major Dennis's two-legged 'friends' reported this heinous violation, and he was given four days to get rid of the dog, "or else."
 
Major Dennis acted quickly, creating a web-based appeal for funds to help pay the cost of sending Nubs to his home in San Diego, and arranging for his interpreter's brother to help implement the move. (A little royal assistance also helped - the King of Jordan's veterinarian provided additional treatment and cared for Nubs while awaiting final arrangements.)
 
After about two weeks, Nubs was off to San Diego to stay with a fellow Marine pilot, and one month later, was reunited with Major Dennis. Today they live, exercise and play together - happily ever after.
 
In addition to a great story, the book also has a number of excellent photos documenting Nub's story.

Loyd Eskildson is retired from a life of computer programming, teaching economics and finance, education and health care administration, and cross-country truck driving.  He's now a reviewer for Basil & Spice.

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