Stubby the War Dog: The True Story of World War I’s Bravest Dog by Ann Bausum (review)

In a development that surprised even her, prominent chronicler of human history Bausum turns here to the story of a dog. Admittedly, Stubby was a singular dog, rising from life as a stray in Connecticut to accompany his master, J. Robert Conroy, to Europe along with the rest of his regiment in 1917. Once in action, the plucky terrier and his beloved master faced trench rats, poison gas, shells, and enemy soldiers, and he won the friendship of the troops and the indulgence of superior officers. Following the war, Stubby returned to acclaim and traveled with Conroy for nearly another decade, until the dog’s old-age death in his master’s arms; Conroy then devoted much of his life to seeking honor for his old companion, finally ensuring that the Smithsonian housed Stubby’s stuffed remains and attendant memorabilia. Bausum pulls back the lens a little, focusing not just on Stubby but also on the men in the trenches and what he meant to them. She’s a smart and good-humored historiographer, and she thoughtfully chronicles Conroy’s persistent support of the Stubby legend, distinguishing fact from lore while expressing her appreciation of both. This is the dog biography for readers who didn’t think they’d like a dog biography as well as those who did, and its careful inclusion of World War I’s long-term ripple effects would make it an enriching addition to a war unit. End matter includes a detailed timeline of Stubby’s life and posthumous fame; a detailed note about Bausum’s research; an extensive bibliography; a research guide; endnotes; and an index.