Yorkie Doodle Dandy: A Memoir Review
A Soldier's Dog Story by John M. Sewell
A member of the US forces stationed in New Guinea during World War II, a self-described dog-hater, was forced to stop in the middle of the jungle when the Jeep he was driving broke down. As he wiggled cables under the raised hood, a faint but distinct noise made him turn around to the sight of a puppy struggling to get out of an abandoned foxhole.
Not wanting to live with the dog, yet too compassionate to leave the pup to an uncertain fate, he tossed it in the vehicle's back seat and drove back to base where he gave it to a dog-loving buddy. This second soldier, in turn, sold it to 21-year-old American Air Force Private First Class William A. Wynne, who had been wishing for one.
Thus began a bond between sprightly dog and lonely GI that would be marked by more events that were as fortuitous as this first encounter. Wynne the Private and Smoky the Yorkshire Terrier remained together in five theaters of operation, countless smugglings through customs, military discharge, their return to America, Will's wedding, two intercoastal automobile trips, stints in various aspects of show business and more.
The entire story is told in Yorkie Doodle Dandy, an independently published autobiographical book by William A. Wynne whose campfire narrative style makes it well-paced and entertaining reading material. Born in Parma, Ohio, Wynne tells readers he "took an early interest in animals as companions" when he was separated from his family during the Great Depression.
Best-selling American author Kurt Vonnegut once said skillful story telling makes a good writer; Wynne fits the bill quite well. His conversational language gives the account of his adventures with Smoky a genuine quality. Much to his advantage, Wynne dispenses with essay paragraphs early in the book and embarks on story telling in earnest.
Like a soldier's uniform made ready for inspection, Wynne's language is clear and clean cut. Except for a few attempts at recapping and giving background information, the narrative flows smoothly and sequentially with some amount of suspense.
The average dog owner will find it easy to identify with, and learn from, young Bill- the main human character in the story - who improves his dog training skills as he spends more time with canine partner Smoky.
The book has its share of moving stories, funny anecdotes and pieces that fall somewhere - between. The question which had haunted the author for 14 years - how a purebred Yorkshire Terrier could have been found on remote New Guinea - gets answered in the end. Practical dog training tips presented in the same straight forward language that characterizes the preceding chapters await the reader in the form of an appendix, adding value to an otherwise desirable work.
Yorkie Doodle Dandy is a family book that begs to be read aloud or, at least, to be discussed with others.
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