Yorkie Doodle Dandy is Corporal William A. Wynne's story about Smoky a tiny Yorkshire Terrier found in a New Guinea foxhole during World War II. Smoky helped save the lives of servicemen who were faced with imminent airfield attack. Wynne's own life was spared while under a shipboard kamikaze attack--led by Smoky. Smoky is credited internationally for her therapy work in hospitals and care facilities. Post-war Smoky continued therapy work and performed on live television with Bill as trainer. Smoky ultimately proved to the world the therapeutic value of dogs to people during war conflict and recovery as well as in friendship entertainment and hope.

 

Author William A. Wynne is nationally recognized for his award-winning black and white photography. While specializing in horticulture during high school he took an elective course in photography which changed his life forever. In 1944 the 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Force placed Wynne directly into the Pacific Theater of WWII where he became Smoky's best friend.

Mr. Wynne was a corporal who served with the 26th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron of the U.S. Army Air Force in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He is also well known and recognized for award-winning black and white photography.

Bill trained dogs for Hollywood films after the war and then joined NACA/NASA's Flight Icing Research Team at Lewis Laboratories in Cleveland Ohio. He worked for The Cleveland Plain Dealer in the 1950s and 60s where he won numerous national awards. He later received awards for lifetime achievement as a journalist author inventor and decorated WWII Veteran.

Bill married his high school sweetheart Margaret Roberts in 1946. They raised nine children and were married for 57 years. Bill is renowned for his training of "Smoky " a 4-pound Yorkshire Terrier WWII hero and the first therapy dog. Smoky's story is described in Bill's popular memoir Yorkie Doodle Dandy. Bill continues an active life while honoring Smoky's many contributions to humanity.

"SMOKEY--became a miracle--the greatest dog I ever knew and far greater than any I have read about.'" --Foreword by Maxwell Riddle World-renowned dog judge and expert

"This book is a delightful tale of life's twists and turns interwoven around a charming little dog. It belongs in every dog lover's library. It is more than a book about a dog it is a first-hand slice of wartime history and struggle of a young man in postwar years to establish his career and care for his growing family." --Suzanne Hively Pets Columnist Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The smallest four-footed soldier to serve in war WWII canine mascot Smoky proved to be a courageous companion to her handler William Wynne--who writes of their unique experiences with enthusiasm and love." --Barbara Jedda Director of the AKC Museum of the Dog

"Yorkie Doodle Dandy exemplifies the beauty of the human/animal bond. Readers can't help but fall in love with Smoky and admire the spirit of this tiny creature." --Norine Dresser Los Angeles Times

"SMOKEY is the first documented 'Therapy dog' beginning with battlefield casualties coming from the Biak Island Invasion in 1944." --Yorkshire Terrier. ANIMAL PLANET "Breed All About It" Series

"SMOKEY began the popularity of the then obscure breed with wire photos and stories appearing from the Far Pacific in 1945." --Popular Dogs Series Magazine -- Special Issue: Yorkshire Terrier