Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle

by Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson, Mary Nethery, et al.

Book Overview

Discover the true story of a Marine and the fiercely loyal dog he befriends during the Iraq War. Over 100,000 copies sold Nubs, an Iraqi dog of war, never had a home or a person of his own. He was the leader of a pack of wild dogs living off the land and barely surviving. But Nubs's life changed when he met Marine Major Brian Dennis. The two formed a fast friendship, made stronger by Dennis's willingness to share his meals, offer a warm place...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031605318X
• ISBN13: 9780316053181
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 11.3" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Every Animal lover should own this book

Every animal lover should own this book. What a great story of love perserverance and devotion. I dare you not to cry. It is such a moving story. Before I read it I was trying to decide which of my children it would be appropriate for. The answer is every age will get something out of this book, parents and children alike. Don't miss a great read. It will make your day!

Wonderful Story

Last night, my eight year old son and I had the pleasure of meeting both Major Dennis and Nubs and to hear their wonderful story. As an avid animal lover, it was truly inspiring to hear the lengths that the Major went to in order to bring Nubs home. The story of what that poor dog and countless more like him had to endure in war torn Iraq is heartbreaking; however when you hear Dennis's story and the bond that the two have forged, it will bring a smile to your face and tears to your eyes. The book is lovely, full of photos, the story uplifting. Seeing Nubs with the Major, I truly believe that he understands how much he is loved and the lengths the Major went to to bring him home. A wonderful story for children and adults alike, it shows the human side of the men and women who serve; the need for interaction, love and kindness. Job well done Major; thank you!

A REMINDER OF THE POWER OF LOVE

Here is a true story that will make you smile, warm your heart, and again remind you of the indefatigable power of love. Yes, even in war love overcomes. Today he is known by thousands but not too long ago a scraggly, skinny mutt barely survived on the desert. "His ears had been cut off to make him a dog of war." He was the leader off a pack of wild dogs, and had no name. And then one day a trio of military vehicles carrying Major Brian Dennis and his ten marines arrived at the desert fort. The other dogs, hoping for food, scrambled to meet the soldiers but one dog, the one without ears went to Dennis who bent down to meet him. Somehow, for whatever reason, the man and the dog bonded. Dennis called the dog Nubs because that's what was left of his ears looked like, and that evening they shared a meal - spaghetti, Cajun beans, and rice plus a strawberry Pop-Tart for dessert. That might not be canine cuisine but it was undoubtedly the best meal Nubs had ever eaten. When it was Dennis's turn for guard duty that night Nubs stayed right beside him. But the next day the soldiers left. Nubs chased them for more than a mile but couldn't begin to catch up. Once again Nubs was alone, fighting to not only keep his place in the pack but foraging for food, and trying to stay warm in the winter's intense cold. Weeks later the three vehicles carried the soldiers back to the fort and Brian and Nubs were reunited. But again they left and upon returning found Nubs weak with a severe wound in his side. The men doctored the dog as best they could. Finally Dennis and his men left one more time heading for the Command Outpost on the Jordanian border. It would seem that Dennis and Nubs had said their final goodbyes. Readers of all ages will be touched by the story of Nubs who while a small, scruffy mutt had the heart of a lion. - Gail Cooke

Meeting Your Soul Mate

What a wonderful story of love, loyality, and a dog that would not give up. This is a tale of the beauty of miracles in the mist of the ugliness of war. Nubs will show that love between a man and his dog can overcome anything. Children will love this book and remember it as a favorite. It teaches them that animals have personalities, should be valued and respected, and are very special. Highly recommended.

Wonderful, heartwarming story. 7 year old loved it!

This is a wonderful story of the mutual devotion and the warm bond found between people and their pets... with a twist. Brian Dennis is a great, colorful writer, and there are little touches within the book - from his email dispatches to maps and photography, that make this true story hit home. My 7 year old son, as soon as we finished, said it best: "Dad, that was a great story!" Major Dennis, and all those that helped make this story a happy one, deserve great praise. This book should be a staple in every home - and I'd particularly recommend it to those parents who want to teach their kids to respect animals. It also highlights the power of small, compassionate groups of people who are determined to save a life - furry or otherwise.