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

Publisher's Summary. Nubs, an Iraqi dog of war, never had a home or a person of his own. But Nubs's life changed when he met Marine Major Brian Dennis. The two formed a fast friendship that led Nubs on an incredible journey that crossed deserts, oceans, and even continents, and touched the hearts of people around the world.

Review. Every so often a true story comes along that stops you in your tracks because it is that incredible! Nubs The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Major Brian Dennis, Kirby Larson and Mary Nethery is one of these stories. When Nubs, a painfully thin stray and abused Iraqi dog whose ears had been severed, befriended Major Brian Dennis in an Iraqi dessert outpost both lives (dog and human) changed.

Nubs earned his name because Major Dennis noted, “his ears look like little ‘nubs.’” Nubs and Major Dennis formed an instant bond with shared MRE’s (Meals-Ready- to-Eat); and belly rubs. However, the pair had to separate frequently as Major Dennis was assigned to other forts and Marines were not allowed have pets. Each time Major Dennis left the Iraqi outpost Nubs tried to follow the Marine convey, but couldn’t keep up. And each time Major Dennis returned to the outpost he looked for Nubs. Unfortunately, the conditions were quite harsh and Nubs suffered injuries and lost weight, but he always perked up when Major Dennis returned.

After the final time Major Dennis left the outpost, Nubs was determined to follow him. And follow him he did – over seventy miles of adverse conditions, until two days later he found Major Dennis. It was both a miracle that he survived the journey and a miracle that he found Major Dennis. But the biggest miracle of all was that the “dog of war chose to become a dog of peace.” Deeply moved by Nubs’ devotion Major Dennis decided to ship Nubs to San Diego and keep him. This is where Major Dennis’s devotion to Nubs came through as he overcame financial and logistical obstacles to ship him to the United States. Today Nubs and Major Dennis live a busy life filled with walks, hikes and swimming at the dog beach.

The story of Nubs is a heartwarming and beautifully photographed children’s book that both young and old will love! I know I did!






This review is based on a borrowed library book.