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From Stray Dog to World War I Hero: The Paris Terrier Who Joined the First Division
On the streets of Paris one day in July 1918, an American doughboy, Sgt. Jimmy Donovan, befriended a stray dog that he named Rags. No longer an unwanted street mutt, Rags became the mascot to the entire First Division of the American Expeditionary Force and a friend to the American troops who had crossed the Atlantic to fight. Rags was more than a scruffy face and a wagging tail, however. The little terrier mix was with the division at the crucial battle of Soissons, at the Saint-Mihiel offensive, and finally in the blood-and-mud bath of the Meuse-Argonne, during which he and his guardian were wounded. Despite being surrounded by distraction and danger, Rags learned to carry messages through gunfire, locate broken communications wire for the Signal Corps to repair, and alert soldiers to incoming shells, saving the lives of hundreds of American soldiers. Through it all, he brought inspiration to men with little to hope for, especially in the bitter last days of the war.From Stray Dog to World War I Hero covers Rags’s entire life story, from the bomb-filled years of war through his secret journey to the United States that began his second life, one just as filled with drama and heartache. In years of peace, Rags served as a reminder to human survivors of what held men together when pushed past their limits by the horrors of battle.
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216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2015
1 person is currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Grant Hayter-Menzies
17 books7 followersFor over a decade, Grant Hayter-Menzies has specialized in biographies of extraordinary women, publishing the first full length lives of stage and screen stars Charlotte Greenwood and Billie Burke, Chinese-American author Princess Der Ling, diarist Sarah Pike Conger, wife of the American ambassador to China and friend to the controversial Empress Dowager Cixi of China, Pauline Benton, the American-born master of Chinese shadow theatre, and Lillian Carter, mother of President Jimmy Carter. In 2015, Grant published a biography of Rags, the mascot terrier of the First Division in France during WWI, and his biography of Dorothy Brooke, the Englishwoman who in 1930 Cairo, Egypt discovered and saved thousands of elderly and abused warhorses, mules and donkeys abandoned by British forces at the termination of WWI, was published in the US and UK 2017 and 2018. His biography of Woo, the Javanese monkey companion of Canadian artist and writer Emily Carr, was published in March 2019 by Douglas & McIntyre; The North Door: Echoes of Slavery in a New England Family, Grant's memoir of discovering his ancestral legacy of three centuries of slavery, was published in spring 2019. His biography of Muggins (1913-1920), mascot of the Canadian Red Cross and famed fundraising dog of WWI Victoria, was published in 2021 by Heritage House, and his book about the genesis and legacy of The Belle of Amherst, William Luce’s 1976 classic one-person play on American poet Emily Dickinson, was published in the US in spring 2023. In October 2023, his memoir, Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me, was published in Canada. Grant has contributed to numerous collections and anthologies. He is literary executor of playwright William Luce (1931-2019). Grant lives and writes in the province of Alberta with his partner Rudi and their rescue dog, Niko.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 30, 2024
I started reading this book, published in 2015, but as got in a little ways it quoted the book 'Rags' by Jack Rohan, published in 1930, that I stopped and read 'Rags' first. I would recommend others to read both books with Rags first, if you only could chose one, it is hard to say this one over the other.
'From Stray Dog...' definitely gives more context to the story of the dog Rags and the Great War he was caught up in. If you like military history you may enjoy this book more than the other.
This book started off debunking how Donavan came to acquire Rags and take him back to join him and the First Expedionary forces in France. I was worried it would dull the myth of the dog's exploits but was other than give an alternate version on how Rags came to join them, and maybe taking a little edge off a from a part where Rags helped Donavon took on a German shoulder, the stories match up. In the fight part maybe Rags didn't bite the wrist that held the German soldiers gun, but his ankle to distract him..
What I did like is how in this book is how the author can put more emphasis on parts of Rag's story by telling you this part is amazing and then giving and excerpt form the book Rages. Here is where they relate to how important Donavan's job as a lineman was and a bit on how Rags helped:
'The detail rendered wonderful service during this offensive, the historian explains. “The linemen in the face of severe fighting and difficult terrain kept constant communication with the Second Infantry Brigade Headquarters and the two Battalion Headquarters of the Seventh.”” Donovan was part of that “wonderful service,” and so was Rags. By running ahead to where Donovan couldn’t go and barking when he found a break in a line, Rags was the sergeant’s very own secret weapon in the war.'
And here is an example which follows after after artillery severely wounds both Donavan and Rags:
'For Donovan and for Rags, this war was over. Another lay ahead: that of staying together as much as staying alive.
The latter was enough of a challenge. Rohan tells of how the ambulance in which Donovan was being transported to the first field hospital came under fire as an aviator came out of nowhere and “emptied a machine belt” at the speeding vehicle. “Donovan and Rags were on
the top ‘shelf’ of that ambulance,” Rohan wrote. “An airplane bullet plugged through the roof, tore between Donovan's feet, and killed the soldier on the bottom stretcher.” The bullet likely missed Rags by mere inches, since he was often at the foot of Donovan’s bed.” This would qualify for miracle status, but so did something equally important: that Donovan and Rags were able to remain a unit, always together, on stretchers and cots. Donovan was in no state to inform people about Rags and why he was with him. Yet each time Rags was on the point of being ejected from Donovan’s bed, someone who knew him or knew about him stepped in to straighten things out. In fact, Rags’s story had begun to take on a life of its own; it now began to take hold in the memories and consciousness of those who had not even fought alongside him.'
Then there is the way he talks about the point where Donavon is put on a hospital ship and it looks like Rags will be left behind:
'Still, one of the saddest images of Rags’s entire life is not that of him as a forlorn stray on the streets of Paris or ducking shellfire on the battlefields of the Argonne but of him sitting by himself on the edge of the dock in Brest, before him a ship he could not board, beyond it an ocean he could not cross, and behind him in a city he didn’t know, where his only option was to return to the life of a stray that Donovan and Hickman had rescued him from. Given his battlefield injuries, it is likely he would not have survived very long in the cutthroat world of Brest’s back streets.'
Eventually Donavan and Rags are separated, and he s taken in by an officer stateside. Although the parting was bitter, they find a way to help Rags understand:
'Anyone who knows dogs is aware of the stages of their grieving. Their favorite person leaves for only a few days, but for the dog it is forever. There is waiting and pining at doors and windows and jumping to investigate every remotely familiar sound, which could just be the longed-for person returning home. Then the change comes, almost imperceptibly, and can be just as sad, in its way, as the depression, because the dog seems gallantly determined to face loss by adopting new loves, new faces to watch and footsteps to listen for. Behind it all, the longing for the original person is still there, and if that person does return, the dog’s joy is uncontainable.'
Like Rags, at least half of the book is stateside after the war where Rags becomes a family dog and mascot at the military base. While not as dramatic as the war time info, still a good life and some little twists and turns including a little help from General Pershing that apparently Rohan didn't call out more directly in Rags. This book has a nice summary in this next paragraph, that also relates to how Rags seemingly unprovoked a communist organizer:
'This scene, even if partly or wholly imaginary, tells a lot about what Rags, like Sergeant Stubby and a host of other mascots, had come to symbolize to members of the military. For Jimmy Donovan, Rags was at first a battlefield buddy and later an equal partner in the trenches without whom Donovan could not have done his job as soldier or survived mentally and emotionally—the equivalent of a modern therapy dog. For Major Hardenbergh and his family, Rags was a lovable companion who needed a home and who happened to have a glowing war record, of which all were justifiably proud and which their descendants venerate to this day. For others, Rags was and is a symbol of the First Division at its finest, a source of pride that grew in luster with each of his real or imagined acts of bravery. And for the men in Plattsburg and likely for many other soldiers who admired him—Rags’s military career was joined to a form of anthropomorphism, as if it were a given that Rags, were he human, would share their own beliefs, including the anti-Communist feeling of many in the military.'
So good book, read them both. I do find WWI less interesting than WWII, but animals had more of an opportunity to help, which is unfortunate for the animal, but good to have them be recognized.
'From Stray Dog...' definitely gives more context to the story of the dog Rags and the Great War he was caught up in. If you like military history you may enjoy this book more than the other.
This book started off debunking how Donavan came to acquire Rags and take him back to join him and the First Expedionary forces in France. I was worried it would dull the myth of the dog's exploits but was other than give an alternate version on how Rags came to join them, and maybe taking a little edge off a from a part where Rags helped Donavon took on a German shoulder, the stories match up. In the fight part maybe Rags didn't bite the wrist that held the German soldiers gun, but his ankle to distract him..
What I did like is how in this book is how the author can put more emphasis on parts of Rag's story by telling you this part is amazing and then giving and excerpt form the book Rages. Here is where they relate to how important Donavan's job as a lineman was and a bit on how Rags helped:
'The detail rendered wonderful service during this offensive, the historian explains. “The linemen in the face of severe fighting and difficult terrain kept constant communication with the Second Infantry Brigade Headquarters and the two Battalion Headquarters of the Seventh.”” Donovan was part of that “wonderful service,” and so was Rags. By running ahead to where Donovan couldn’t go and barking when he found a break in a line, Rags was the sergeant’s very own secret weapon in the war.'
And here is an example which follows after after artillery severely wounds both Donavan and Rags:
'For Donovan and for Rags, this war was over. Another lay ahead: that of staying together as much as staying alive.
The latter was enough of a challenge. Rohan tells of how the ambulance in which Donovan was being transported to the first field hospital came under fire as an aviator came out of nowhere and “emptied a machine belt” at the speeding vehicle. “Donovan and Rags were on
the top ‘shelf’ of that ambulance,” Rohan wrote. “An airplane bullet plugged through the roof, tore between Donovan's feet, and killed the soldier on the bottom stretcher.” The bullet likely missed Rags by mere inches, since he was often at the foot of Donovan’s bed.” This would qualify for miracle status, but so did something equally important: that Donovan and Rags were able to remain a unit, always together, on stretchers and cots. Donovan was in no state to inform people about Rags and why he was with him. Yet each time Rags was on the point of being ejected from Donovan’s bed, someone who knew him or knew about him stepped in to straighten things out. In fact, Rags’s story had begun to take on a life of its own; it now began to take hold in the memories and consciousness of those who had not even fought alongside him.'
Then there is the way he talks about the point where Donavon is put on a hospital ship and it looks like Rags will be left behind:
'Still, one of the saddest images of Rags’s entire life is not that of him as a forlorn stray on the streets of Paris or ducking shellfire on the battlefields of the Argonne but of him sitting by himself on the edge of the dock in Brest, before him a ship he could not board, beyond it an ocean he could not cross, and behind him in a city he didn’t know, where his only option was to return to the life of a stray that Donovan and Hickman had rescued him from. Given his battlefield injuries, it is likely he would not have survived very long in the cutthroat world of Brest’s back streets.'
Eventually Donavan and Rags are separated, and he s taken in by an officer stateside. Although the parting was bitter, they find a way to help Rags understand:
'Anyone who knows dogs is aware of the stages of their grieving. Their favorite person leaves for only a few days, but for the dog it is forever. There is waiting and pining at doors and windows and jumping to investigate every remotely familiar sound, which could just be the longed-for person returning home. Then the change comes, almost imperceptibly, and can be just as sad, in its way, as the depression, because the dog seems gallantly determined to face loss by adopting new loves, new faces to watch and footsteps to listen for. Behind it all, the longing for the original person is still there, and if that person does return, the dog’s joy is uncontainable.'
Like Rags, at least half of the book is stateside after the war where Rags becomes a family dog and mascot at the military base. While not as dramatic as the war time info, still a good life and some little twists and turns including a little help from General Pershing that apparently Rohan didn't call out more directly in Rags. This book has a nice summary in this next paragraph, that also relates to how Rags seemingly unprovoked a communist organizer:
'This scene, even if partly or wholly imaginary, tells a lot about what Rags, like Sergeant Stubby and a host of other mascots, had come to symbolize to members of the military. For Jimmy Donovan, Rags was at first a battlefield buddy and later an equal partner in the trenches without whom Donovan could not have done his job as soldier or survived mentally and emotionally—the equivalent of a modern therapy dog. For Major Hardenbergh and his family, Rags was a lovable companion who needed a home and who happened to have a glowing war record, of which all were justifiably proud and which their descendants venerate to this day. For others, Rags was and is a symbol of the First Division at its finest, a source of pride that grew in luster with each of his real or imagined acts of bravery. And for the men in Plattsburg and likely for many other soldiers who admired him—Rags’s military career was joined to a form of anthropomorphism, as if it were a given that Rags, were he human, would share their own beliefs, including the anti-Communist feeling of many in the military.'
So good book, read them both. I do find WWI less interesting than WWII, but animals had more of an opportunity to help, which is unfortunate for the animal, but good to have them be recognized.
July 6, 2016
Fascinating look into the life of Rags, a stray dog who became known as a hero during World War I, from the time he was discovered, his time serving as an American military message runner on the front lines as well a a finder of breaks in communication lines, and his life after the war ended. Of course, this history book also delves into the lives of the he touched during his service and after, and even discusses the book written about him during his lifetime. If you're interested in a unique wartime biography, you may want to read about this hero's bravery.
December 1, 2015
"Never forgotten!" These words, or similar ones, are often printed and spoken with regard to those who have valiantly served in our armed forces. But in reality many are forgotten, especially as time grinds on. And even more specifically if the war veteran wasn't human but an animal. Yet author Grant Hayter-Menzies has sought to be faithful to these words by recalling the story of Rags in his new 216 page hardback, "From Stray Dog to World War I Hero: The Paris Terrier Who Joined the First Division." It's a perfect book for dog lovers and World War I buffs alike.
This twelve chapter book easily recounts the feats of Rags in the final months of World War I after having been found around Paris and adopted by two Doughboys. Hayter-Menzies weeds through news stories, biographies and other accounts to piece together when Rags arrived on the scene, how he courageously and helpfully served with Sgt Donovan, and was wounded with him just before the war came to a close. The rest of the book chronicles the secretive and circuitous route Rags took to end up on U.S. soil, sought to remain by Donovan's hospital bed as he lay dying, and how his life remained adventurous until his own passing in the mid-1930s. The story has highs and lows; it is filled with life, and touches the edges of death. The author also weaves in stories of other War animals in brief re-tellings of their courageous exploits.
"From Stray Dog to World War I Hero" is an enjoyable work well worth the cost and time invested to read it. The author has made Rags' life accessible so that he will never be forgotten. I highly recommend the book, whether you're a dog lover or not!
This twelve chapter book easily recounts the feats of Rags in the final months of World War I after having been found around Paris and adopted by two Doughboys. Hayter-Menzies weeds through news stories, biographies and other accounts to piece together when Rags arrived on the scene, how he courageously and helpfully served with Sgt Donovan, and was wounded with him just before the war came to a close. The rest of the book chronicles the secretive and circuitous route Rags took to end up on U.S. soil, sought to remain by Donovan's hospital bed as he lay dying, and how his life remained adventurous until his own passing in the mid-1930s. The story has highs and lows; it is filled with life, and touches the edges of death. The author also weaves in stories of other War animals in brief re-tellings of their courageous exploits.
"From Stray Dog to World War I Hero" is an enjoyable work well worth the cost and time invested to read it. The author has made Rags' life accessible so that he will never be forgotten. I highly recommend the book, whether you're a dog lover or not!
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January 6, 2016Quick read but an interesting and moving one for all animal/ military history buffs.
May 27, 2020
I just finished this book, and I highly recommend it. For all of my friends who love dogs, this will touch your heart. For history buffs, it will provide a glimpse into the difficult trench warfare that both dog and man struggled to survive
October 28, 2015
I received a pre-release copy of this book for free from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2015
From Stray Dog to World War I Hero: The Paris Terrier Who Joined the First Division
by Grant Hayter-Menzies is a must read for anyone who loves animals. Rags, a terrier of mixed origin attached himself to two American service men in Paris during World War I. And, thus began his illustrious military career. This is a story of love and loyalty between rags and the people he loved. It's also a story of patriotism and service to one's country; a service that Rags performed valiantly, without asking anything in return. He risked his life, time and again, to carry messages in intense battle situations, and saved many lives in the process. The author chronicles the life of Rags, and by the time you finish reading about Rags, you will feel as if you know the true American hero he was.
I suggest you keep a box of tissues handy. This story will make you laugh and cry. If you're like me, it'll also make you hug the special pet or pets in your life close and tell them how much you appreciate and love them.
I received and Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this digital book in exchange for an honest review.
by Grant Hayter-Menzies is a must read for anyone who loves animals. Rags, a terrier of mixed origin attached himself to two American service men in Paris during World War I. And, thus began his illustrious military career. This is a story of love and loyalty between rags and the people he loved. It's also a story of patriotism and service to one's country; a service that Rags performed valiantly, without asking anything in return. He risked his life, time and again, to carry messages in intense battle situations, and saved many lives in the process. The author chronicles the life of Rags, and by the time you finish reading about Rags, you will feel as if you know the true American hero he was.
I suggest you keep a box of tissues handy. This story will make you laugh and cry. If you're like me, it'll also make you hug the special pet or pets in your life close and tell them how much you appreciate and love them.
I received and Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this digital book in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2015
This is the story of Rags, a scruffy, taffy-colored terrier with floppy ears and a fluffy curling tail. Nothing is known of his earliest days when he lived on the streets. And little is told of all his war experiences with Sgt. Jimmy Donovan. He served as a message runner and helped find breaks in communication lines. He and Donovan suffered a gas attack, which left him with a cough for the rest of his life and within a couple years claimed Donovan’s life.
Rags was smuggled aboard the hospital ship taking Donovan back to the US, and aboard the train that took them to Fort Sheridan in Illinois where Donovan died.
Much more is revealed about his life afterwards when he joined an army family and moved to army bases in New York and the Washington area. We learn a lot about the pet cemetery where he is buried.
An early book written while Rags was still alive is frequently referred to, with speculation on how much is fact or fiction. He was often taken to reunions and seemed to remember the men he’d served with. He regularly wandered off, perhaps always searching for Donovan.
Despite his rough start to life and his war service, he lived a long life, dying at age 19.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews