War
dogs used in Vietnam were unsung heroes. Faced with intense
training combined with dreadful working conditions and constant
danger, they had few rewards and were often left behind to survive
on their own. This incredible book, although fictional, is based on
real accounts provided through interviews of Vietnam War dog
handlers.

Cracker, an amazingly intelligent German Shepherd, knows more than
90 words and lives the life of royalty that she deserves. It is her
birthright. She has lived with (and slept with) Willie since she
was about six months old, but before she is two, her life changes
traumatically. Willie's father has been laid off, and the family
needs to move to an apartment --- one that doesn't allow dogs.
There are few options, and, according to the shelter, Cracker
probably will be put down. Unable to locate a new family or home,
they come across an advertisement from the military: Uncle Sam is
looking for a few good dogs. Cracker is to enlist and join the
army.

Cracker mourns for Willie, certain that his young master will
rescue her as she is shipped to unfriendly locations, kenneled with
lots of other dogs and then given to some strange man. Cracker is
paired up with Rick Hanski --- who volunteered for duty in Vietnam
at the young age of 17 --- to train for locating bombs, traps and
the enemy. The lives of Cracker and Rick, along with those of
thousands of soldiers, will depend on the success of their training
and how well they are able to work together. 

Author Cynthia Kadohata carefully crafts her narrative with two
alternating voices --- Rick's and Cracker's --- as she describes
their bond, fears, concerns and conditions. Rick is warned that he
is never to take his eyes off his dog in the field, and Cracker
must learn to separate a variety of alien smells in order to
determine real threats. They do not work in complete isolation;
instead, they develop close relationships with several other
handlers and their dogs. But it is the unique bond shared between
Rick and Cracker that rises above all else. Their attachment forms
from complete respect, admiration, love and trust in each
other.

Cracker earns the respect of all who meet her, as she truly becomes
a hero and "The Best Dog in Vietnam." Due to the subject matter,
CRACKER! is an incredibly intense and emotionally challenging book.
Those who share a close relationship with a dog or two will
struggle at times, but will admire and applaud the spirit and
intelligence of this amazing animal. I live with two gifted and
affectionate Labradors (also used as war dogs) and found myself
snuggling a little more closely with them while reading. My
apologies to Kadohata, but shortly after beginning the book, I
absolutely had to flip to the last page before resuming the
story.

In December 2005 I read John Grogan's MARLEY & ME, never
putting it down once started. And in February 2007 the same thing
happened with CRACKER! I applaud the spirits of both dogs and the
skill with which the authors have depicted them.

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