Smoky. How a Tiny Yorkshire Terrier Became a World War II American Army Hero, Therapy Dog and Hollywood Star: Based on a true story

by Jacky Donovan

No. 1 Bestseller in Travel with Pets, Dogs, Dog Breeds, World War II, Military, Pets & Animal Care, Travelers & Explorers and Yorkshire England Travel Books. When Smoky, a tiny Yorkie Terrier, is miraculously found in a foxhole in the steaming jungles of Papua New Guinea, she has no way of knowing she will become a World War II hero and Hollywood star.Flying with her new owner, Corporal Bill Wynne, on deadly combat missions, she is soon assisting the war effort, entertaining and bringing comfort to the soldiers with her unique tricks and spirited energy. Based on the true events of the American Army’s wartime struggles and Smoky’s outstanding television career, her moving and uplifting tale is sure to entertain and touch the heart of all who read it. COMING SOON! The movie, Angel in a Foxhole, a short film of Smoky’s heartwarming tale of love, hope, comradeship and therapeutic healing.

Smoky is from the author of bestseller Simon Ships How One Brave, Stray Cat Became a Worldwide Hero, available for adults in ebook, paperback and audio version. Also available in an abridged format for children age 8 to 11, entitled Seacat The Little Cat Who Became a Big Hero, and as a full color illustrated version for children age 4 to 7.

Genres: Animals, Memoir, Nonfiction

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2016

About the author

Jacky Donovan might not have nine lives, but she does have a few. Bored with being a 'Stepford' housewife in Southampton, Jacky packed her bags and headed to London then Gran Canaria over a decade ago. She's now an established memoir author and, more importantly, curious about heroic pets. Her latest books, "Simon Ships Out" and "Smoky" -- the memoirs of the world's first celebrity cat and dog respectively -- are Amazon No.1 bestsellers, whilst her erotic and humorous personal memoir, "Instant Whips and Dream Toppings", is a whip-crackingly captivating bestseller for adults.

In between her writing she has recently trekked to see Mount Everest; tandem jumped from a tiny plane; been on Canarian TV due to her crazy long fingernails; run a lesbian dining club; escaped from a yoga holiday in a dinghy; and regularly does charity work for Breast Cancer and Gay Pride. She currently spends her time between backpacking the world and her home in Gran Canaria.

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very heartwarming book told from a dog's perspective. I loved reading Smoky's interpretation of what was going on around her. I also learned about WW2 from a different angle. Smokey won my heart right from the beginning and she is there still. Read this book.

[Helen Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This extraordinary story, of how a plucky little Yorkshire Terrier became the loyal companion of an American GI during World War II, would be difficult to believe if it was not based on carefully researched real events.

Mysteriously, Smoky was lost in the jungles of Papua New Guinea but she was rescued by Bill and became the Champion Squadron Mascot of the region. She moved around with her beloved Bill and his unit, in trucks, in planes and on ships, often smuggled aboard, tucked into a little bag.

Surviving the horrors of war, and returning to Cleveland, Bill and Smoky embarked on a show-biz career, even going to Hollywood.

The book is written with a real eye to period detail and reminds us of the horrors of war, with details of events in the footnotes. However, we see this all through the eyes of a little dog who did her best to comfort and entertain.

Smoky ended up being famous, an American hero, inspiring numerous memorials, and was awarded medals for her service. There is talk of a film being made!

A great read, highly recommended, yes sirree!

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fabulous story from a dog’s perspective. Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be a dog? To look up at those gigantic monsters known as humans? I have, and Jacky Donovan does a beautiful job sharing Smoky’s story after Smoky gets lost and finds a new home. I was scared that the war would destroy her newly found loved ones in Smoky: How a Tiny Yorkshire Terrier Became a World War II American Army Hero, Therapy Dog, and Hollywood Star. And better yet, this book is based on a true story. So if you’re up for an adventure, pick up a copy today.

[Brigid Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story of a canine war hero - Smoky - a little Yorkshire terrier. She was found in the jungle of Papua, New Guinea after becoming separated from her human mother. However, Smoky befriends Bill Wynne an American army corporal, and they become inseparable friends.
The story is told from Smoky's perspective and is both heartwarming and tragic as she and Bill navigate the perils of war.

[S. Bavey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smoky is a really captivating story of a little Yorkshire Terrier who somehow finds herself in the midst of WW2, adopted by a GI, Bill Wynne. Told from Smoky’s perspective, the reader cannot help but share her hopes and fears as her companions go off on missions and often don’t return. Terrified by the sounds of war that surround her, yet plucky and eager to please, Bill trains her in some quite surprising skills which help raise everyone’s spirits and lead to her eventually joining a circus after the war. Bill is a photographer and pictures he takes of Smoky lead to her becoming a beloved mascot, bringing cheer to war damaged soldiers Bill takes her to visit in hospitals. She is the first therapy dog.
This is a lovely heartwarming true story that will tug at your heartstrings.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about a beautiful Yorkshire terrier—starting as a puppy and ending many years later with her death. The story is what she did during her life—an amazing dog. This story starts in the jungle during WWII and a yorkie puppy runs out to play and gets lost and almost killed. A GI jeep luckily breaks down where she is stuck in a hole and she is rescued and actually sold for poker money—lucky her and her name becomes Smoky. Bill is her new owner and he takes excellent care of her and after seeing an ad in the paper for a competition takes many photos and she wins. Smoky spends many years moving around to different countries with Bill during the war and this story is told thru Smoky’s voice. After the war both Bill and Smoky make it home alive and in one piece and because she is famous many jobs are created to show off Smoky’s talents. I think this is a very well written story and a happy story. Oh yeah, is a true story as well. Seems we have many cats and dogs that participated in WWI and WWII for the USA. I was given this book to beta read.

[Lucinda Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT A CUTE LITTLE DOG
I was asked to read a pre-publication copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I loved reading this book about such a cute dog, the furry, cuddly kind I can relate to. Once I managed to slip into ‘dog thinking’ mode I was swept along in a world from a canine point of view. It can’t have been an easy book to write – finding a way to give the reader enough information, yet retaining the story line from Smokey’s perspective. Yet the author manages to do just that, in another of her well-written and entertaining books. I had not heard about this very famous dog before so the ending was a surprise, but I won’t give anything away here. It just convinced me that animals are far smarter than humans.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful heart-warming story. I had never heard of this brave little doggy character before reading the book. Smoky was found, cowering and lost, in the jungle of Papua New Guinea during WW2 by Corporal Bill Wynne. She was to become his friend and companion through tough times and he somehow managed to bring her home to America when the war was over. The story is told very cleverly from Smoky’s perspective – a dog’s eye view of events which is completely enthralling. What an amazing and smart little dog she was. She may have been small but she had a huge heart and was totally deserving of her status as a war hero. A huge amount of research must have gone into this as so many events are described. But I warn you – get the tissues out! Highly recommended

[Ramon Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a dog lover and I loved this book

I just finished this book and the very last pages made me cry. Is the first book I read about a dog being written under her point of view and it really moved me, I laughed a lot reading her war adventures and I also understood how difficult is to pass through a war to everyone involved in it, especially the soldiers and the people who was unfortunately living close to the frontline. Smoky's story is one of absolute and unconditional love with some human betrayal, even if it was done without harmful intention, I do congratulate the author for an excellent book and at the same time I can say that all dogs must be at Heaven if it exist and we really don't deserve Smoky and all dogs, they are so pure and loving that they deserve something a lot better.

[Maximilian Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this memoir. Reading it through the eyes of the Smoky the dog was a masterstroke. It brings the horrors of war into perspective in a way that is gentler than it could have been, but still makes sure we know they're there. It also shows in bad times, it's the little things that matter and a tiny dog bringing joy to war weary soldiers is wonderful. Smoky and Bill's career after the war is very funny. The dog had everything and an owner with a real connection. I'm one of those people who can't watch the end of a Lassie film as I'll start crying. A warning, the end of the memoir had the same effect.

It's a wonderful book bringing a piece of history together with the imagination of what the dog was feeling. Highly recommended.

[Judy Kiehart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading Smoky’s story from the dog’s point of view. Jacky’s story is based on a real-life Yorkshire terrier who was an inspirational war hero, the first therapy dog on record, and a Hollywood star. Jacky included much detail about WWII soldiers and their life away from home, and reading about how a little (4-pound) dog worked her way into their hearts during difficult times. A bonus to the book was references to many articles, videos, and memorials to Smoky which gave Jacky great material and will also be fun to look into for those who read Smoky. The perfect read for the dog lover in all of us.

[Ruth Dresher-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m literally bawling at the (no spoiler) scene surrounding Smoky aka Christmas’s dying.
Jacky Donovan is an outstanding writer, brilliant with scene setting, using factual data to create this flowing turbulent story of Smoky and her Bill through the final stages of WWII Pacific action. Literally riveted I read this in one sitting. Dynamic characters, two legged and four, moving to the pace of war, or calming in Brisbane’s hospital wards. And their lives in public on return.
What a powerful epic presented so well, Smoky was done right for sure. Yes siree.

[Sally Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A retelling of the story of Smoky, a tiny Yorkshire terrier that survived wartime Papua New Guinea to become a therapy dog for wounded WW2 veterans and an entertainer in circuses and on TV.

There is more than a hint of darkness in the background of the story – from the trenches to the Atomic bomb – but the voice of Smoky, the protagonist is a delight, and the bond that develops between the little dog and the GI who saved her makes this a hopeful narrative.

This is a quick and easy read - which is sometimes exactly what one needs!

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun, entertaining, uplifting read.
A stroke of genius to write the story entirely from little Smokey’s voice, eyes & ears. It tells the tale of how a tiny Yorkshire Terrier became a World War 2 American Army Hero, a Therapy Dog, and after the war a Hollywood Star.
The horrors of war are not glossed over, but Smoky’s courage through adversity shines. This tiny dog displays bravery & total dedication & obedience to Bill, her owner. And this tiny dog brought joy to war weary soldiers. Long after the war was over she continued to delight.
It's a wonderful book. Highly recommended.

[Marcia V. Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Little Smoky

I enjoyed reading the book. The little dog was amazing. I had tears in my eyes at the end of the book partly because of the loss of Smoky who had a long happy life, but also because I lost my best friend, my cat Delaney, just two weeks ago on Feb 22. He would have been 15 in April. He was such a loving, sweet cat.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful and insightful little book. I really enjoyed reading it! Smoky's adventures kept me happy and laughing, as well as empathetic; I continually wanted to read more, all the way to the end. I sincerely thank you, Jack Donovan, for sharing a segment of your life - it was quite a ride!

[Alyson Sheldrake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful, heart-warming story
This is a charming story of a little dog with a big heart that becomes a mascot during World War II. Written from the perspective of Smoky herself, this is a story of courage, loyalty, and a dogs-eye view of the terrors of war. This is a well-written, entertaining read. Recommended.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story

Told from the perspective of the little dog who was lost, then lived with the GIst in WWII. I may be dense because I could not ever figure out what the "whirlwind" meant. But I do love the story and enjoyed reading it

[Stephanie Meyers Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet little book told from the perspective of Smoky herself. Not normally something I would read, but as a New Yorker dog mom, I couldn’t resist. Smoky’s introduction to her story makes me eager to read her companion’s book, “Yorkie Doodle Dandy.”

[Roland Huebner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming

I gave the 5 stars because of the way that the dog tells her own story. Touching, sometimes tearful Read it!

[Martha Graham-Waldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every animal lover will enjoy this endearing tail (!)

[Karen Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told from Smokey's point of view. Enjoyable!

[Dr NSCA-CPT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and tells an incredible true story.

[Leigh Ann Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I love dogs and do a lot of reading on WWII. I'm not ashamed to admit I cried a few times. Such a sweetheart!

[Elizabeth Raimondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. It’s from a dogs perspective. True story about a little stray did that became a WW2 hero and therapy dog.

[Linda Hawkswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave Spirited Little Yorkie

What a wonderful story told from the perspective of Smoky the little Yorkshire Terrier.

A very emotional viewpoint of life in the WW11 with an American camp. The traumas she endured along with the joys and pleasure from Bill´s love and care. The description of this love shines through and made it so special. She loves to learn her new tricks for Bill and gets immense pleasure in pleasing him, and her reward of treats. Smoky is a spirited little Yorkie who won the hearts of many.

Thank you Jacky, you have the ability to draw your readers into your character and I found myself seeing it through Smoky´s eyes. I laughed at her antics and cried at her pain and sorrows and of course at the end.

Looking forward to reading Simon Ships out

[Liza Grantham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Animal Heroes fictionalised memoir series, and it’s equally as well-crafted and diligently researched as its companion volume, Simon Ships Out.

A timely rescue from the jungle leads to Smoky’s unwitting recruitment into the US Air Force, but her courage and confidence soon blossom under the watchful and devoted care of Corporal Bill Wynne.

As Smoky recounts her transition from waif to heroine to diva, historical details are woven seamlessly into her story, and vocabulary and structure are skilfully manipulated to reflect her vivacious personality and the unique characteristics of her breed. The pace of the narrative keeps step with Smoky’s emotions, for the most part bouncing along with her trademark effervescence but faltering subtly when she feels sad or confused. In moments of fear or panic, Smoky’s narration becomes erratic, leaving the reader breathless as she careers from scene to scene. Amidst shifting locations, she strives to make sense of strange new encounters, melding canine instincts and sensory stimuli to form a comical or poignant view of the world.

Readers of all ages will be captivated by this pint-sized prima donna as they follow her from the heart of the Pacific Theatre to the centre of the Hollywood Stage.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Yorkies ( Yorkshire Terriers) , so this was always going to be a book that would appeal to me. Lost in the jungle, Smoky is adopted by an American serviceman, who teaches her tricks. She becomes the adopted mascot of the American troops, and her empathetic nature leads to her becoming a therapy dog, too. After the war, she has a career in show business. Charmingly written book that will appeal to dog lovers.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is written from a dogs point of view and it just didn't work for me.

[Mark A. · Rating 1 out of 5]

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