War Dogs of the Pacific

Filmmaker Harris Done combines archival footage and photographs from World War II with present-day commentary by men who were dog-handlers in the U.S. Marine Corps War Dog Platoons to create this salute to the combat canines, most of them Dobermans, but also some shepherds and mixed breeds. Trained to be messengers and scouts, to respond to hand signals only, to provide a first alert to the presence of unseen enemies, and to do their jobs under fire, Rickey, Sparky, Big Boy, Duke, Cappy, Koko, and Tubby—and all of the other 500-plus dogs that were volunteered for duty by civilians—saved hundreds of Marines' lives during the island-hopping campaign from Guam onward across the Pacific. The film includes a visit to the “Always Faithful” Memorial War Dog Cemetery on Guam honoring the 25 dogs that died there. Almost all of the surviving canines were “detrained” and returned to their owners to resume their roles as family pets. What's most touching about the documentary is its depiction of the bond that formed between the dogs and their handlers and the obvious affection with which these vets remember their dogs. “It was just like being brothers,” says one of the interviewees. “I still miss him,” admits another. More than a war story, War Dogs of the Pacific is a love story. DVD extras include still photos. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Zoretich)