I had a dog for over 16 years and she was as much a part of our family as my kids.  I lost her four years ago and I still mourn her.  In this story, which takes place in Seattle during WWII, Hobie is 12 years old and has a German Shepherd named Duke.  Hobie’s father is overseas fighting in the war and it seemed that although the war was halfway around the world, it still affected Americans deeply.  They sacrificed much to help their soldiers and families changed.  The same can’t be said for today’s wars as many of us don’t even think about the fighting going on in the Middle East.  During WWII an organization called Dogs for Defense was formed in which Americans donated their pet dogs to the cause.  The dogs were sent overseas to help the soldiers.  Currently dogs are trained and used for sniffing out explosives and drugs, but they aren’t acquired by donation of an American.  During WWII dogs actually served in combat by sniffing out bombs and using their loyalty to help soldiers.  In this story, Hobie struggles with the decision as to whether or not to send Duke to war.  It seemed as though everyone he encountered was doing something to help the war effort and it seemed almost traitorous not to do something.  He agreed to send Duke in the hopes it would help to get his father back safe.  Thankfully Duke returned safe and sound, a hero.  I don’t think I could have been as brave as Hobie.