by Joyce Kohl
Yorkie Doodle Dandy is an
award winner!
January 30, 1998
Yorkie Doodle Dandy is a memoir of a Yorkshire Terrier, "Smoky," weighing only four pounds and a young soldier, William A. Wynne, during World War II. Avid readers will be unable to put the book down until every single page is read.
Angel in a Foxhole?
Smoky was originally found in a foxhole in the
jungles of New Guinea and given to the author. He trained her to do tricks never before
seen. She accompanied him during combat flights in the Pacific. She was a war hero
unequaled in knowledge, obedience, and endurance. When the war ended, Smoky went home with
Bill to Cleveland, Ohio. Not only did Smoky entertain numerous people during and after the
war, she and Bill appeared on some of the earliest TV shows in the Cleveland area,
including a show of their own.
Advice & Highlights
Yorkie Doodle Dandy
contains the author's philosophy and advice on dog training, some highlights of war in the
Pacific, Yorkshire Terriers FAQ, tidbits about their adventures in Hollywood, and much
more. It's a rare author who can capture your attention in the first paragraph, hold it
until the last page, and have you wishing for more. Mr. Wynne accomplishes it with ease.
This book will be a treasured addition to any library.
The reader's attention is grabbed in the first paragraph and doesn't let go until the
last paragraph. As Mr. Wynne takes you through the chronological order of the war's
progression and the daily life with Smoky, and how she was given the "promotion"
of "Corporal," will have you crying one minute and laughing the next.
"Corporal" Smoky
For the most part, you'll be in a state of wonder trying to
imagine where Smoky's superb intelligence will lead next. How did a Yorkshire Terrier get
in New Guinea? The answer is near the end of the memoirs. The blanket Smoky wears in this
photograph was made for her by Red Cross Volunteers in Brisbane, Australia. Upon their
return home to the United States, Smoky was hidden in an altered flight oxygen mask
carrying case. In a page one story with photographs, in the Cleveland Press on December 7,
1945, Smoky became a national sensation.
Author Quote:
"Smoky Served in the South Pacific with the 5th Air
Force, 26th Photo Recon Squadron Flew 12 combat air/sea rescue and photo recon missions,
entertained troops with Special Services, and in hospitals in the Pacific (Mascot). Smoky
was awarded best mascot in the South Pacific by YANK DOWN UNDER Magazine. She also
assisted engineers in getting airbase operational at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon (War Dog) Back
in the states, after the war she entertained millions during late 40's and early
50's."
The Finale
The devotion of Bill Wynne to Smoky and Smoky to Bill is loud and clear, and written with
the brilliance of a conversational style. Parents are already reading Yorkie Doodle
Dandy aloud to their children and teachers are reading it to their classes. A lost
bundle of fur becomes famous through the love and gentle handling of a young soldier.
Recognized in many other publications, Smoky's accomplishments were recorded forever in
this book.
Was Smoky, as Bill himself wondered, "an angel in a foxhole?"
Yorkie Doodle Dandy can be ordered from the author for as long as his supply lasts. His home address is on his Website as well as other sources where the book will continue to be available. Mr. Wynne will autograph books ordered from him.
No doubt about it! Yorkie Doodle Dandy gets five "Go" lights!
Copyright © 1998 by Joyce Kohl
"Go Inside" is a David Boles Trademark