Letters from Wolfie

Letters from Wolfie
by Patti Sherlock

Reading level: grades 6 and up

Mark Cantrell donates his dog to the United States Army when his brother, Danny, enlists in the Marines during the Vietnam War. Dogs are used to patrol the perimeter of camps and bases, guard soldiers from attack and equipment from theft, and as trackers to pursue enemy troops and locate wounded U.S. soldiers.

Shortly after Wolfie begins his training, Mark decides he made a mistake and starts a letter writing campaign to get his dog back. Wolfie and his handler, Tucker, complete their training when Wolfie passes the test where dog and handler rappel out of a hovering helicopter. Wolfie and Tucker are shipped out within days.

This novel gives a realistic view of the United States during the 1960s. It is more an historical fiction book rather than a dog story. Readers interested in American history will benefit from reading Letters from Wolfie.