Major: A Soldier Dog – a Fort Robinson WWII story for kids

A new children’s book tells the story of a Nebraska-based World War II dog training program. Written by History Nebraska Director/CEO Trevor Jones, the story is told from a dog’s perspective and filled with colorful illustrations based on a real dog and actual places and events.

illustrated book cover, shows boy kneeling beside dog, Pine Ridge buttes in background

A new children’s book tells the story of a Nebraska-based World War II dog training program. Major: A Soldier Dog is told from a dog’s perspective and filled with colorful illustrations based on a real dog and actual places and events. Published by Six Foot Press, the 40-page book is written for childen in kindergarten through second grade.

More than 17,000 dogs trained for the Army’s K-9 Corps at Fort Robinson in northwest Nebraska. The story fascinated author Trevor Jones, Director and CEO of History Nebraska.

“The war dog program at Fort Robinson is such a captivating part of Nebraska history, and we wanted to share it with children, “ Jones said. “The story of Major is based on the true story of a dog donated to the Dogs for Defense program and gives readers of all ages the chance to experience Nebraska history first-hand.”

The Fort Robinson War Dog Training Center was established in September 1942. Families across the country donated their dogs, which were taught to be guards, scouts, messengers, and sled dogs. Major: A Soldier Dog follows Major through his heartbreaking separation from his family, his training at Fort Robinson, his war service in Italy, his return home, and a tearful reunion with his family.

Jones learned about Major while researching Fort Robinson’s war dog records. The dog had been donated by the Moore family of Wahpeton, North Dakota. Jones contacted Sid Moore, who was only five years old when he climbed into the shipping crate to lure Major inside. Moore’s memories became part of the story.

book illustration, collage of images: wide-eyed dog, dog led by soldier, flaming town, smoke.

Because the story is told from Major’s perspective, the words and pictures reflect the way a dog would perceive the world. Dogs rely first on smell, second on hearing, and last on sight. Illustrator Ming Hai used colors to show what Major would have smelled and heard to help children understand his world and experiences.

“Many of the illustrations are based on photos from our collections at History Nebraska,” said Jones. “We wanted to make sure that the story was not only captivating but as historically accurate as possible.”

illustration: reunion of boy and dog

Major: A Soldier Dog is available at History Nebraska sites, including the Fort Robinson History Center, the Nebraska History Museum, and Chimney Rock, as well as bookstores across the state. Books are also available at history.nebraska.gov/publications/books.

 

Here are a few photos of the Fort Robinson “K-9” facility from History Nebraska’s collections:

soldiers with dog, who is sitting on crate

Major arrived at the fort in a crate carrier like these. (RG2731-10-15)

 

rows of dog kennels

Kennels at Fort Robinson. (RG2731-20-1)

 

soldiers training dogs to sit and stay

“Staaaaaaay…” (RG2731-20-1)

 

dog near truck

Not Major, but you can see photos of the real-life Major and Sid at the end of the book.(RG3790-4-3)

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

About History Nebraska
History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director and CEO Jill Dolberg. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast.

Nebraska Collections

History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

Support History Nebraska
Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to History Nebraska help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of History Nebraska by donating to the History Nebraska Foundation today.

Volunteers are the heroes of History Nebraska. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.