Dogs have played many important roles in times of war, just how many was nicely explained in Soldiers & Sled Dogs: a History of Military Dog Mushing, by Charles L. Dean. Learn how dogs were chosen, how sleds were made (for different types of loads or snow), and what duties they performed. The government was not always quick to catch on, (no surprise, yes?) and at first considered snow shoes. For mules.

With all the modern technology available today you'd think the use of beasts of burden would be considered obsolete. Not true! The best way to deliver goods, weapons, or move wounded soldiers in many locations is still by a domestic quadruped. Horses, Donkeys, and Mules in the Marines, by Meish Goldish might be a book for children, but because of that the information is concise, and the pictures wonderful.

A meeting with a stranger and a conversation about books led to this recommendation (thank you!). Despite the use of the word in the subtitle, I hesitate to call this a book about a horse since several times it was put forth that "she was not a horse, she was a Marine!" Sgt. Reckless: America's War Horse, by Robin Hutton is the true story of the little red mare that carried heavy ammunition up steep hills (and often brought back wounded soldiers) in Korea. Once she knew her job she did not need to be led back and forth, she'd move in and out of the war zone (guns blazing) on her own. An amazing story!

There will be more books along this trail in future posts ... they are in my 'to be read pile' as I keyboard this. :-) And, there's a book about Stubby, the war dog, on the July 11, 2015 post.

Reading Hermit With Dog