No Better Friend

No Better Friend tells the true story of Judy, a purebred pointer who became the only official canine prisoner of war in World War II. The narrative follows her journey from Shanghai through occupied Asia as she forms a bond with RAF technician Frank Williams. The book chronicles Judy's survival through multiple dangers and challenges during wartime, including shipwrecks, prison camps, and jungle conditions. Along with her human companions, Judy navigates the harsh realities of the Pacific Theater while demonstrating remarkable abilities that prove vital to those around her. Through detailed research and firsthand accounts, Weintraub reconstructs the events surrounding this unique dog and the soldiers whose lives she touched. The parallel storylines of Judy and Frank Williams reveal how their partnership developed through extraordinary circumstances. The book explores themes of loyalty, resilience, and the profound connections that can form between humans and animals in the midst of conflict. Their story stands as a testament to survival and friendship against overwhelming odds.

Readers consistently highlight the depth of research and compelling dual narrative following both Judy the dog and Frank Williams during WWII. The book resonates with both history buffs and animal lovers. What readers liked: - Well-documented historical accuracy with extensive notes and citations - Balance between military history and personal stories - Clear explanations of the Pacific theater of WWII - Treatment of difficult subject matter with respect What readers disliked: - First 50-100 pages move slowly for some readers - Military details can become dense - Some found the writing style dry - A few readers wanted more focus on Judy specifically Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,100+ ratings) Sample review: "The author did an amazing job of weaving together the stories of POWs, military history, and one remarkable dog without sensationalizing or anthropomorphizing." - Goodreads reviewer

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand The true story of an Olympic runner who survives a WWII plane crash and Japanese POW camps demonstrates the same resilience and triumph of spirit found in No Better Friend.

The Dog Who Could Fly by Damien Lewis An RAF aircrew adopts and flies with a German Shepherd during WWII, forming a bond that saves both their lives multiple times during combat missions.

The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant This account of the rescue and rehabilitation of Michael Vick's fighting dogs shows the same focus on canine resilience and human-animal connections during difficult circumstances.

War Dogs by Rebecca Frankel The history of military working dogs from WWII to modern conflicts provides context for the service and sacrifice of canines in warfare.

Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orlean The biography of the famous German Shepherd traces his journey from WWI battlefield rescue to Hollywood stardom while examining the cultural impact of military dogs in the 20th century.

🐕 The book's main subject, Judy, was the only official canine Prisoner of War in World War II. She was captured by the Japanese in Sumatra and registered as a POW alongside her fellow soldiers. 🎖️ After surviving the war, Judy received the Dickin Medal, known as the "Victoria Cross for animals," for her extraordinary bravery and devotion to the British troops in Japanese prison camps. 📚 Author Robert Weintraub spent three years researching the book, traveling to multiple countries and interviewing surviving POWs who knew Judy personally. 🚢 Judy survived two shipwrecks during the war. She helped struggling sailors find floating debris in the water, potentially saving numerous lives. 🗺️ The story spans three continents, following Judy's journey from Shanghai, where she was born as a ship's mascot, through Singapore and Indonesia, to her final years in Tanzania, East Africa.