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The Victory Dogs
Bark and Howl are two puppies, born on the London underground. Sheba is an elderly one-eared cat. When the Blitz begins, how will they survive? It's the start of the Second World War and Bark and Howl are lost in the dark maze of tunnels under London. With Sheba's help, they learn how to survive. But when the bombs begin to fall, the puppies become separated. As the attacks continue, Bark and Howl are frightened, but they know the tunnels so well - they're the only ones who can lead hundreds of trapped people out of danger. Will Bark and Howl find each other - and be victorious in leading Londoners to safety?
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 29, 2022
The best book ever!!!! I highly recommend this book!😁War may be sad but this book isn't too much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2017
I thought this book was OK. I didn't find it too engaging.
January 27, 2025
I love this book! Slightly sad, but still a fab read. Deffo recommend it to people who want an inspiring, animal related, history themed book
January 2, 2023
The Victory Dogs by Megan Rix is an inspiring children’s historical novel and just perfect for ages ten years and over. It is a fictional tale but has its roots in facts.
The story is set in London during World War II and follows two pups, a cat and an old soldier. The camaraderie between them is beautiful to witness. The love and loyalty will bring a tear to your eye on more than one occasion.
The old soldier is not old in terms of years but he is a veteran of Dunkirk and he has seen things that have aged him. He clearly has, as yet, undiagnosed PTSD. He does not believe he is worthy of living amongst people and so hides in the shadows of the underground tube station. He exists in the dark but his heart is full of light. He is kind, good and compassionate to animals.
Animals were part of the war machine in both world wars. They played a unique part in rescuing people trapped in rubble as dogs noses could sniff out people. We hear of the setting up of war dogs training schools.
We create bonds with our animals. We are hurt and upset if anything happens to them. The noise of the bombs frightens an expectant dog. Her owners will search relentlessly for her.
We inherit traits from our parents. Our animals do too. We see maternal traits passed from mother to pups. They may not look like her but character traits are recognized in them by others.
I really enjoyed The Victory Dogs. I love all Megan Rix’s animal books. They entertain and educate as I read. The animals and the old soldier were inspirational.
The story is set in London during World War II and follows two pups, a cat and an old soldier. The camaraderie between them is beautiful to witness. The love and loyalty will bring a tear to your eye on more than one occasion.
The old soldier is not old in terms of years but he is a veteran of Dunkirk and he has seen things that have aged him. He clearly has, as yet, undiagnosed PTSD. He does not believe he is worthy of living amongst people and so hides in the shadows of the underground tube station. He exists in the dark but his heart is full of light. He is kind, good and compassionate to animals.
Animals were part of the war machine in both world wars. They played a unique part in rescuing people trapped in rubble as dogs noses could sniff out people. We hear of the setting up of war dogs training schools.
We create bonds with our animals. We are hurt and upset if anything happens to them. The noise of the bombs frightens an expectant dog. Her owners will search relentlessly for her.
We inherit traits from our parents. Our animals do too. We see maternal traits passed from mother to pups. They may not look like her but character traits are recognized in them by others.
I really enjoyed The Victory Dogs. I love all Megan Rix’s animal books. They entertain and educate as I read. The animals and the old soldier were inspirational.
August 26, 2024
This morning (1am in UK time), I started reading a book called The Victory Dogs by Megan Rix and my god was it a rollercoaster of emotions.
It started off nice and sweet, with a beautiful family of four and of course, a brown and white collie family dog named Misty who was also pregnant.
The minute it mentioned the first bombings that took place in the story, which is based in London 1940, my eyes watered because the family dog Misty had ran off from fear due to wanting to protect her unborn puppies and when I tell you I cried, I cried.
My heart warmed up slightly when the pups were born and a stray cat named Sheba, who was unfortunately separated from her owner aided Misty during her birth and when the pups grew older, she taught the two pups how to survive after Misty died.
But once again, my heart broke and I started to cry the minute the puppies were separated and Sheba the cat, had died protecting the only pup left.
My anxiety throughout this book was high, and I’m honestly glad it had a happy ending. Even-though Misty and Sheba died, I’m just so happy that the two pups were reunited and Misty’s family got to know what happened to their beloved dog.
But anyways, it’s time to move onto the next book on my TBR list!! 🐶✈️
It started off nice and sweet, with a beautiful family of four and of course, a brown and white collie family dog named Misty who was also pregnant.
The minute it mentioned the first bombings that took place in the story, which is based in London 1940, my eyes watered because the family dog Misty had ran off from fear due to wanting to protect her unborn puppies and when I tell you I cried, I cried.
My heart warmed up slightly when the pups were born and a stray cat named Sheba, who was unfortunately separated from her owner aided Misty during her birth and when the pups grew older, she taught the two pups how to survive after Misty died.
But once again, my heart broke and I started to cry the minute the puppies were separated and Sheba the cat, had died protecting the only pup left.
My anxiety throughout this book was high, and I’m honestly glad it had a happy ending. Even-though Misty and Sheba died, I’m just so happy that the two pups were reunited and Misty’s family got to know what happened to their beloved dog.
But anyways, it’s time to move onto the next book on my TBR list!! 🐶✈️
July 30, 2021
I feel this book should be aimed at 8-12 year old readers but I will add a word of caution that the book does involve death and major peril too.
It is an animal story set during the London Blitz of World War 2. The blurb does hint at the plot (I feel it gives too much away looking at it after finishing the story).
There is nothing particularly negative I found in the story. It was slightly predictable but that it isn't always a bad thing. I also would struggle to find that many positives or definitely original ideas in the story. It was enjoyable but not particularly emotional.
It is an animal story set during the London Blitz of World War 2. The blurb does hint at the plot (I feel it gives too much away looking at it after finishing the story).
There is nothing particularly negative I found in the story. It was slightly predictable but that it isn't always a bad thing. I also would struggle to find that many positives or definitely original ideas in the story. It was enjoyable but not particularly emotional.
March 20, 2022
So informative! I lived this book as it was mostly from the perspective of the dogs themselves. However I don't think I've ever cried at a book so much. Poor Misty, she is a lovely dog who bravely defended her pups as she took refuge in an underground station weak after being hurt. The pups turned out to be real heroes. It also tells the story of how dogs were trained to go into a bombed building and find pets that may have survived. Absolutely love it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2022
The victory dogs is is a very sad book. It’s about this dog called Misty who runs away from her house when the bombs fall as it is set in World War II. She is absolutely terrified, running away. She only does that to protect her babies. misty has two puppies waiting to be born so as soon as she runs away she begins having them. A one eared cat in the underground helps her give birth to two puppies, bark and howl. They get separated and have many adventures.
AMAZING BOOK! READ IT!
AMAZING BOOK! READ IT!
November 28, 2017
I think that this is an awesome book but I think it would have been kinder to let misty be alive so Daniel can take her to the vets so she is betta which would be nice
September 25, 2018
Great
It was really good and it was very fun to read.
I would definitely recommend this book for everyone it is great
It was really good and it was very fun to read.
I would definitely recommend this book for everyone it is great
May 15, 2019
very good, very interesting
Read
January 2, 2020I really want to read this book the front cover really make me think it is good
February 17, 2020
Very interesting read and enjoyed it too .
March 10, 2020
Another read for the school library. A really lovely story for all dog lovers, set in London in the Blitz 1940.
July 21, 2020
It was very action packed, especially at the end, with lots of nice characters
August 21, 2020
Read it one night! Loved it. This is fiction....but I have read similar stories about real dogs.
August 12, 2021
Amazing book
I love all of Megan rix books
I absolutely love history books especially about ww1 and ww2 and I also love books about animals so these are perfect for me the story is amazing 10/10
I love all of Megan rix books
I absolutely love history books especially about ww1 and ww2 and I also love books about animals so these are perfect for me the story is amazing 10/10
June 14, 2022
Read it a while ago and it was really good!
Read
July 13, 2022I finished all my books that I brought away with us so Jemimah kindly let me borrow this :)
October 15, 2023
Bit too young adulty for me but a good read....
June 29, 2024
I loved this book!
It shows what the dogs felt in the war adwrll of people.
It shows what the dogs felt in the war adwrll of people.
June 26, 2025
sad but a nice read and ends kind of happy
October 29, 2017
Misty had a bed but always prefers to sleep on Jacks. Well, Misty's last sleep was tragic as all the family is bailed into the Anderson shelter because Hitlers heavy Blitz's were falling
B on the day Jack must leave for war. However, Misty doesn't make it and has birth to two puppies and there's a question if he dies: will an animal team save the two puppies called Bark and Howl or will their lives come to an end?
B on the day Jack must leave for war. However, Misty doesn't make it and has birth to two puppies and there's a question if he dies: will an animal team save the two puppies called Bark and Howl or will their lives come to an end?
February 5, 2014
Another very sweet and informative WWII dog story from Rix. The blurb is right in comparing her tales to Dick King-Smith and Michael Morpurgo, there are similarities in style and tone, and general animal plots.
It's not a sequel to The Great Escape, but a main (animal) protagonist from that book does pop up and a main character of the story is Michael, a child in the London blitz whose family seek out wounded and displaced animals. I liked this touch - it connects the stories in time without the absolute need to read all the books.
This story takes place when the War is underway, and dogs are starting to be used to search through the bomb sites for survivors. At the first bomb, heavily pregnant Misty runs scared from her home and ends up injured in the Underground, where her two puppies are born. As with the Great Escape the book follows a formula of including an individual badly affected by the first War (this time by shell shock and guilt), as well as chapters that follow the creation of dog training school for rescue dogs.
The main plot follows Misty's two puppies, who face all sorts of dangers and trials as they grow up under the ground. While none of the turns in the plot are unexpected, it's a tense tale for a 9-year-old, and with insight into the dogs' points-of-view, the family as they search for Misty so close by and a PTSD sufferer as he tries to overcome his demons.
There is so much for a parent or teacher to talk about with a listener, in terms of history content and the dogs' story.
It's also quite moving in places and I think I may have preferred it to The Great Escape.
It's not a sequel to The Great Escape, but a main (animal) protagonist from that book does pop up and a main character of the story is Michael, a child in the London blitz whose family seek out wounded and displaced animals. I liked this touch - it connects the stories in time without the absolute need to read all the books.
This story takes place when the War is underway, and dogs are starting to be used to search through the bomb sites for survivors. At the first bomb, heavily pregnant Misty runs scared from her home and ends up injured in the Underground, where her two puppies are born. As with the Great Escape the book follows a formula of including an individual badly affected by the first War (this time by shell shock and guilt), as well as chapters that follow the creation of dog training school for rescue dogs.
The main plot follows Misty's two puppies, who face all sorts of dangers and trials as they grow up under the ground. While none of the turns in the plot are unexpected, it's a tense tale for a 9-year-old, and with insight into the dogs' points-of-view, the family as they search for Misty so close by and a PTSD sufferer as he tries to overcome his demons.
There is so much for a parent or teacher to talk about with a listener, in terms of history content and the dogs' story.
It's also quite moving in places and I think I may have preferred it to The Great Escape.
October 13, 2014
An enjoyable book, but a little predictable in parts. The one part that I expected to happen (I honestly thought that the original boy who lost Misty would come back from the War to find Soldier with his new owner, and have to give up the dog, then find the brother instead) didn't happen, which was both a plus and a disappointment. In fact, we get nothing on the brother after he's left for war, and I thought he was the one with the deeper connection to Misty.
I was also slightly disconnected from the novel, and I probably shouldn't have been. The writing is simple and reflects the rating, but at the same time there are some pretty awful animal deaths that might scare some children. Think how much you loved Animals of Farthing Wood, Old Yeller, or Black Beauty. Then remember how traumatized you were when the animals die. Yeah, it's that kind of book. That's not a bad thing necessarily, but might require some explanation to younger readers.
This is actually one of two books by this author that I own, so you might be seeing a review for the other soon. I did enjoy it, and I liked the reality of the world shown. I thought some of the characters were great, and others remained undeveloped. It was definitely a quick read, which I appreciate, but I wanted a little more closure. Somewhere between three and four stars, but the disconnection really drove my rating down to three.
I was also slightly disconnected from the novel, and I probably shouldn't have been. The writing is simple and reflects the rating, but at the same time there are some pretty awful animal deaths that might scare some children. Think how much you loved Animals of Farthing Wood, Old Yeller, or Black Beauty. Then remember how traumatized you were when the animals die. Yeah, it's that kind of book. That's not a bad thing necessarily, but might require some explanation to younger readers.
This is actually one of two books by this author that I own, so you might be seeing a review for the other soon. I did enjoy it, and I liked the reality of the world shown. I thought some of the characters were great, and others remained undeveloped. It was definitely a quick read, which I appreciate, but I wanted a little more closure. Somewhere between three and four stars, but the disconnection really drove my rating down to three.
November 3, 2013
The Victory Dogs by Megan Rix – Historical Fiction/Animal Fiction, 4th grade and up – Immediately picked up this book as soon as I finished The Great Escape. Brilliant connected book, not a sequel. Beautiful story about a family dealing with bombing of their community, rescue dogs, and families being split due to the Second World War. Beautiful little story about a pregnant dog fleeing in fright after a bombing and having two puppies in an underground station. Beautiful development of two dogs that were the hope of many people, especially once their identities were revealed. So glad to discover Megan Rix’s stories!
August 7, 2014
'The Victory Dogs' is a fairly slow and predictable story about a girl called Amy who is looking for her family's lost dog, Misty during WW2 in London. It also describes the experiences of Misty, her puppies, and a homeless veteran overcoming shell shock.
I didn't enjoy reading this book at all. The pace seemed excessively slow and stilted. I might have liked it if I'd read it as a child - the entire reason I picked it up. Suggested reading for children (aged 8-12) who like historical fiction and animals.
I didn't enjoy reading this book at all. The pace seemed excessively slow and stilted. I might have liked it if I'd read it as a child - the entire reason I picked it up. Suggested reading for children (aged 8-12) who like historical fiction and animals.
July 19, 2014
My 9 year old son loved this book, he now wants to read more books by this author.
February 26, 2015
I thought it was great book showing how animals could be trained to find people and animals in rubble after London was bombed repeatedly. Brave children too. Showed effects of war on young men too.
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February 16, 2015Its a good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews