War Dogs of the World War

A wistful verse opens the story, reminding listeners of the quiet bond between people and their canine companions. Set in pre‑war Neuilly, the narrative follows a determined Russian‑born Countess who has turned her wealth into a refuge for stray horses, dogs and cats, creating a haven that would soon become a wartime lifeline. When France is drawn into the conflict, she mobilises the shelter’s residents, gathering a motley pack of breeds and shaping them into a disciplined corps of Red‑Cross runners, trench assistants and messenger dogs.

The listener is taken through the brisk rhythm of training, where seasoned dogs pull novices along a short lead until the newcomers echo commands with confidence. As the war ends, many of these four‑legged soldiers bear scars or have given their lives, and the Countess continues to nurse them back to health. Proceeds from the booklet support her ongoing rescue work, turning each listening hour into a small act of compassion for the brave dogs who once marched alongside soldiers.