Stubby was a little dog with a lot of wiggles and a very big heart. But he didn't have anyone to belong to. He wandered around, wishing for a friend who needed a loyal helper.

One sunny afternoon, Stubby heard the sound of marching boots! Thump-thump, thump-thump. A group of kind-looking soldiers in olive-green uniforms were practicing nearby.

One soldier, Eamon, noticed the quiet little dog watching them. Eamon smiled, knelt down, and offered a piece of his biscuit. Stubby wiggled his whole body and instantly knew: this was his friend.

Stubby stayed right by Eamon’s side. When it was time for the soldiers to travel far away, Stubby curled up secretly beneath Eamon’s coat on the big noisy train. He wasn't going to be left behind!

When they arrived at the soldier’s cozy camp, everyone decided Stubby was too special to send away. They made him a little uniform jacket with a stripe and gave him an important job: Official Camp Dog.

Stubby quickly learned how to help. He had the best nose for finding lost hats, and the quickest ears for hearing the morning bugle. His favorite job, though, was licking Eamon’s face awake!

Life in the camp was often loud, full of marching and chatter. But sometimes, especially at night, everything was quiet. One misty evening, Stubby heard a tiny, unfamiliar sound creeping closer.

Stubby knew that strange sound meant trouble for his friends. He jumped up and ran straight to Eamon, nuzzling him urgently until Eamon finally woke up with a sleepy grunt.

Eamon followed Stubby carefully. Stubby led him just outside the camp gate, where a big pot of soup had accidentally been left too close to the sputtering fire, sending up thick, smoky plumes!

Stubby was a true hero, always watching over his friends. Eamon gave Stubby the biggest hug and the shiniest medal (which was actually just a button!). Stubby never stopped guarding his loyal family, the soldiers who needed him most.