The Dog Who Could Fly

The Incredible True Story of a WWII Airman and the Four-Legged Hero Who Flew at His Side

By: Damien Lewis

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

An instant hit in the UK, this is the true account of a German shepherd who was adopted by the Royal Air Force during World War II, joined in flight missions, and survived everything from crash-landings to parachute bailouts - ultimately saving the life of his owner and dearest friend. In the winter of 1939 in the cold snow of no-man's-land, two loners met and began an extraordinary journey that would turn them into lifelong friends. One was an orphaned puppy, abandoned by his owners as they fled Nazi forces. The other was a different kind of lost soul - a Czech airman bound for the Royal Air Force and the country that he would come to call home.

Airman Robert Bozdech stumbled across the tiny German shepherd - whom he named Ant - after being shot down on a daring mission over enemy lines. Unable to desert his charge, Robert hid Ant inside his jacket as he escaped. In the months that followed, the pair would save each other's lives countless times as they flew together with Bomber Command. And though Ant was eventually grounded due to injury, he refused to abandon his duty, waiting patiently beside the runway for his master's return from every sortie, and refusing food and sleep until they were reunited. By the end of the war Robert and Ant had become British war heroes, and Ant was justly awarded the Dickin Medal, the "Animal VC".

©2013 Damien Lewis (P)2014 Tantor

Czech Airman Meets Abandoned Pup=Lifelong Friends

One of the most unlikely stories ever told, yet it's a true tale of unwavering loyalty and friendship between dog and man during one of the most harrowing times in history . . . WWII in Europe, where Robert Bozdech left his native Czechoslovakia to join the Royal Air Force . . . and was shot down behind enemy lines . . . barely escaping to safety . . . with a tiny German Shepard puppy tucked inside his jacket . . . it was the beginning of a long tale of unwavering friendship which would lead man and dog into uncharted territory . . . making both friends and a few enemies along the way . . . this book enriched my soul . . . in a way that few books have . . . listen . . . let it sink in . . . if only people could learn to love as deeply and as fully as Ant . . .

Deeply thrilling and moving

I am not a pilot, and I don't own a dog. But I love animals and a good story. I could not put this book down. I cried off all my make up at the end, but only because it was such a beautiful story.

Liked it, but doubt some of it

Good narrative, but doubt some of the details. All in all, a ripping good yarn just the same!

Amazing story

Having grown up with a German Shepherd I can remember how loyal and protective they are. However, the story of Antis is something few dog lovers likely will ever experience.

Good story but annoying anthropomorphicism

If you like the blurb you will like the book. The human and even supernatural thoughts ascribed to the dog annoyed me throughout the book.

Brings tears to any dog lover

very well done. Heartwarming at the least. The author obviously knows dogs. I would definitely recommend.

Heartwarming and True (mostly)

Superb narration by Derek Perkins. A five-star performance! The narration improved on the story, I believe, which is saying something. His voice is easy on the ears and distinctly different for dog and man.

This biographical account is based on personal diaries, BBC footage and reports, and military documents.

The "story" begins in France late in 1939, when native Czech Airman (bomber) Robert Bozdech is shot down in France, over enemy lines. Hiding out with his wounded pilot in an abandoned farmhouse, he discovers a starving newborn German Shepherd, whom he names Ant / Antis. Unable to abandon the puppy to certain death, he hides Ant inside his jacket and crawls through thick snow across "no man's land" -- bombs dropping from both sides, narrowly missing Robert, Ant, and his pilot Pierre. Within fewer than 24 hours, the young warrior pup is already defending Robert and Pierre.

In the months and years that followed Antis would save lives several times. This decorated dog rescued civilians buried under rubble in shell-shocked, battle-worn Britain, alerted men and women of incoming attacks at various Royal Air Force bases, and flew alongside his best friend in Wellington fighter planes.

This account focuses more on the tight bond between dog and man, less on the war itself. Still, there are some interesting war nuggets: Hitler's Czech invasion, Czech airmen joining the French Air Force to fight Nazis, France falling to Hitler, French and Czech soldiers fleeing to England to join the RAF and continue to fight Nazis, the bombing of Britain (so much bombing!), various bomber planes (Wellingtons, Liberators, etc.), and the place of dogs in the military during war (most pets were not allowed during war, so this story is unusual).

Various secondary characters added much to my enjoyment of the story.

The quality of the writing is good, not great. The story felt heartwarming. I chuckled several times, and held my breath with worry a few times, too. The pace flowed quickly. I learned something about the war from this unlikely perspective.

However, some overused phrases (e.g., "he looked deeply into his dog's eyes") cost the book one star, along with the rushed ending. I wanted to know more about Robert's wife and son in Communist Czechoslovakia, and more about his postwar life in England.

Good story well told

My 90 year old mom is very picky about books. She wants nonfiction, lively, well written, well narrated, and not gruesome or depressing. It's surprisingly hard to please her. She loved this book.

Loved it!!!

The performance was great and the story kept me on the edge of my seat! I listened to it twice through.

Stellar story, stellar dog!

Really awesome testament to man and dog! Enjoyed the history and the way it was told, really held my interest!