The Faithful Dog by Terry Lee Caruthers is an excellent historical novel about the the Civil War that is based on actual events and real people. The author does an excellent job of placing the reader in time and place, and the use of the dog's perspective sharpens this. Readers are are not spared the grim details of war. The characters are well-rounded, including the dog. An excellent read for middle-graders and anyone interested in Civil War history.

It is 1861 in Chicago. Louis Pfeif is preparing to leave his wife and two daughters to join the war. He reminds his family of how well treated they have been by America, They have a life here that in native Germany could not be had. Barchen the loyal family dog insists on going with Louis. He and the dog joins his father-law and brother-in-law reports to the 58th taking steamboats down the Ohio River. Along the way, Barchen plays mischievous tricks, But is an incredible asset to his fellow soldiers. Barchen endears himself with the other soldiers by his incredible alertness.

This novel has been written in the third person, but we really see events through Brachen’s eyes He is always attuned to scents and sounds in the air. It can’t be told enough how well written this novel is. It is the vicarious perspective of Barchen that makes the storyline unique. In the end, I liked how the bond between man and dog remains unbroken even in the worst conditions. It’s the heart of the story with Barchen being the hero. The author has provided additional historic context with true at the end of the book with reference to the true events that happened. I recommend this book in spite of the war in it to families and dog lovers.

Sad but also uplifting, this book was a true testament to the never-ending courage of a dogs love!!!

Hey folks Daddy Steve here with some doggiebook talk. To show you I don’t read ONLY romance books with dogs on the cover, here’s a very different one for you title The Faithful Dog, by author Terry Lee Caruthers.

This one is aimed at younger readers, about ages 10 to 13 years old, but I love books like that. It’s also a little shorter, about 160 pages as an estimate given for the Kindle version.

The book’s story happens during the Civil War and follows a dog that refused to leave the side of his master when he was called for duty. It is based on a true story and backed with 20+ pages of historic references at the end. Being Canadian, I don’t know much about the American Civil War but the whole story felt very believable, writtent in an accessible way for young readers. I liked it very much.

While it happens during war time, the dog does get hurt but (tiny spoiler) he pulls through and doesn’t die in the book.

Huge thanks to NetGalley who provided a free eBook advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. This is as honest as it gets... The book is currently available for purchase.

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#NetGalley #TheFaithfulDog

A great read that was truly inspirational! The relationship between the dog and his master is memorable and heartwarming. A great read for all ages.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A country was torn in conflict between the north and the south, where many of the combatants who fought were immigrants or first-generation of America. Second Lieutenant Lewis W. Pfeif was one of those volunteers.

This story is about his faithful dog Bänchen. The family dog was his pride and joy and went with him to the various camps. Second Lieutenant Pfeif was attached to the Fifty-Eighth Illinois regiment. The dog was a constant companion and was instrumental in alerting the regiment whenever danger was near.

Second Lieutenant Pfeif was killed in a battle but the dog stayed by his master’s side and could not be coaxed to leave. Despite all of his efforts, his master would not rise.

After the war, his mistress went to the battlefield to try to find her husband’s burial site. She was unable to find him until she was approached by a very tired and beleaguered Bänchen. The dog was so dirty and mangy that she hardly recognized him. However, he was able to lead her to her husband’s remains and they were dug up and returned to Illinois.

This well-written story describes the horror and sacrifices the combatants suffered on both sides during the Civil War. The heartbreak of most families during this conflict was the lack of knowledge of where their brothers, fathers, or sons fell and were buried. Because of this war dog, he was able to get his master’s remains back to his family in Illinois. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

The Faithful Dog is classified as middle grade, historical fiction ... about the civil war.

I didn't realize that Lincoln had requested men to fight for 90 days.

This book was unique for several reasons. (a) middle grade book about the civil war and (b) from the dog's perspective and (c) the authors note provides the news article that sparked this book. The news article is pretty brief, I love how creative Terry Lee Caruthers is with drafting this story from such a brief article. I think that this would be motivating for perspective middle grade writers.

Highly recommended!

Once again, many thanks to NetGalley for introducing me to an author that is new to me!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review The Faithful Dog in exchange for an honest review. And also to the author Terry Lee Caruthers and publisher Publication Date is 07 Jul 2022 .

The best thing about asking the GoodReads librarians to add a book to the library ... is that I can be the first to review! :) Thank you GoodReads librarians for adding!