Book Review: Dog’s long journey ends in U.S.
Nonfiction: Marine in Iraq rescues injured canine

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Published: November 8, 2009

"Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle” (Little, Brown & Co., $17.99) by Maj. Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery will take about 20 minutes to read. But it will lift your heart, and I guarantee it will reduce you to tears.

Nubs is an Iraqi war dog without a home who led a pack of half-starved wild dogs living off the land. When Dennis and his 10 Marines, traveling in three Humvees, came to a stop, the half-starved pack ran to greet them, all except Nubs who approached cautiously.

When Dennis knelt to pet the little dog, a bond was instantly formed. For two weeks, Dennis and his men were in the area helping train Iraqi soldiers. When they had to leave, Nubs chased the Humvees more than a mile before he dropped with exhaustion in the desert’s shimmering heat. After a few months and a change of seasons, the men returned, but Nubs didn’t run to meet them in the 30-degree weather. Finally, he walked up gaunt and weak from a deep wound in his side.

Once again, the group left only to return two weeks later and find Nubs still moving slowly. The bond grew closer between the two, and the next leave taking was particularly sad. Nubs cried as he chased them, again dropping to the ground.

When he sat up, the Humvees were out of sight and Nubs began walking a 70-mile trek across the desert, with little to eat and less to drink. Finally, he limped into the Iraqi battalion headquarters where Dennis was working. Thus begins a most incredible adventure and journey for the little dog who now lives in San Diego with Dennis. This is a must-read.

— Peggy Gandy