A stray dog named Stubby braves the World War I battlefields alongside Private J. Robert Conroy. See the story unfold as this brave little canine makes a big difference in the lives of many World War I soldiers.

Documents the heroic wartime achievements of a World War I mascot who was adopted by a soldier as an orphaned pup and who gained military honors and a display in the Smithsonian Institution for his brave service behind enemy lines.

"For those who loved New York Times bestseller Rin Tin Tin comes the memorable story of Sergeant Stubby--World War I dog veteran, decorated war hero, American icon, and above all, man's best friend--never before told and timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of World War I. National Geographic tells the story of a stray dog who becomes Sergeant Stubby the War Dog during World War I. Beloved award-winning author and library darling Ann Bausum brings her friendly writing style and in-depth research to her first-ever book for adults. Simultaneously releasing with a National Geographic Kids book Stubby the War Dog, this moving story will touch readers' hearts"--

Stubby, a stray pup taken in by a group of American soldiers-in-training, soon finds himself whisked off to the frontlines of World War I as the official mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment and becomes the most decorated canine soldier of the Great War..

During World War I, while stationed overseas in France with the United States Army, Private James Donovan literally stumbles upon a small dog cowering on the streets of Paris. Named Rags for his disheveled appearance, the little stray quickly finds a home with Donovan and a place in his heart. Although the Army did not have an official canine division, Rags accompanies Donovan to the battlefield, making himself a useful companion delivering messages and providing a much-appreciated morale boost to the soldiers. News about Rags spreads and soon the little dog's battlefield exploits become the stuff of legend. But during a fierce battle near the end of the war, both Rags and Donovan are wounded. Severely injured, Donovan is sent back to the United States. And the little dog with the big heart refuses to leave his best friend's side.

"If you judge a book by its cover, you might miss out on an amazing story." Such is the case with Stubby, a homeless dog who could have been left for lost, but ended up saving countless lives in World War I and becoming the most decorated animal in American Military history. Stubby, a mix of Boston terrier and pit bull, was discovered, rescued, and taught by Private Robert Conroy and his colleagues, who were training for World War I at Yale University in 1917. Conroy smuggled Stubby aboard a transport ship to Europe with the U.S. 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. His commanding officer discovered the dog several days later and was quite displeased--until Stubby saluted the officer with his paw as the soldiers had trained him to do. In the trench warfare of Europe, Stubby would bark to alert the regiment of surprise mustard gas attacks and incoming artillery fire, giving the soldiers time to grab their gas masks or hit the bottom of the trenches before a raid. Trained to differentiate between German and English speakers, Stubby would also locate wounded English-speaking soldiers in the trenches and bark until paramedics arrived. He even once caught a German spy. Stubby braved through 17 WWI battles, saving countless Allied soldiers' lives through his actions. For his courage, he received many military honors and marched in the Victory Parade. Why Did Sergeant Stubby Go to War? is Stubby's story, the second in a series of children's books about the amazing Unsung Heroes featured at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas. Through Stubby's story and those of other Unsung Heroes, the Center helps students, educators and communities recognize the value of each individual to effect positive change in the world. Cathy Werling, the author, is an award-winning retired elementary educator. Her passion for helping students develop positive character traits and seek out worthy role models led to her part time work at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes. Through her series of books about these humble heroes, Cathy inspires elementary children to be those people who make a positive difference in the lives of others.