Review: No Better Friend
Judy was a purebred pointer who was adopted by the men of the HMS Gnat as a mascot in 1936. The Gnat was a gunboat assigned to protect shipping lanes and repel pirates in China’s Yangtze River. Several years later, Judy transferred to the Grasshopper with some of the crew – when that ship was sunk, stranding Judy and many of the men on a deserted island, Judy helped everyone survive by finding a source of fresh water. The party tried to find a way off the island but they were too late and were captured by the Japanese and sent to a prisoner of war camp. It was at Camp Gloegoer that Judy met Frank Williams, and the two became faithful friends for life.
No Better Friend by Robert Weintraub is the amazing story of Judy, the only dog to be a prisoner of war during World War II. No one has to be told what life was like in a prisoner of war camp but imagine what it was like if you were trying to keep yourself and a dog alive through the ordeal. Judy was one smart dog with an amazing instinct for survival. Williams aided her in her survival but she returned the favor.
I have to admit that No Better Friend started out slow for me as Weintraub filled in Judy’s history and background on the war but once the action started, I was fully engaged and rooting for Judy. I held my breath through the tense moments and marveled at the tenacity of this marvelous dog. I found this little known story from World War II fascinating and recommend it to history buffs and animal lovers.
Someone just donated this book to our shop, I’ll have to take a closer look at it.
I love a good dog story, but worry about the POW angle…
Setting and story both intriguing
I love hearing about these stories but I can’t read them…too sad…
Wow, this is the first I’ve heard of this story and dog. I bet it was a difficult read at times.
Does she survive? I can’t read it if it’s gonna make me cry all over the place!
*Spoiler alert* – Yes, she does survive.
I am SO glad you put in the spoiler alert. Thanks, Kathy. I love stories with animals, but when they end up maimed or dead, I fall apart and am totally wrecked. This is going on my list.
I’m a marshmallow when it comes to dogs, so this does interest me even though I usually don’t read anything WW II.
I’m grateful for the spoiler alert too, Kathy! What an inspiring story. I will definitely have to give this one a try.
I’m with those that wouldn’t want to read if the dog didn’t survive. Thanks for telling us about this book – I hadn’t heard of it before.
oh my gosh, not sure I could read this one without weeping
Animal books and movies always makes me cry
Gosh I can only imagine how they would treat a dog in a POW camp. Poor Judy! I have not heard of this story. thanks!
Wonderful review, Kathy, and I appreciate the spoiler alert. This book sounds like a must-read for me.
Wow–this seems like a tough one, glad u gave us the spoiler.
This sounds fantastic!
What a special story!!!
Wow, this sounds really great!