Book SummaryNo Better Friend, by Robert Weintraub

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of No Better Friend

Judy: The World War II Military Mascot

Early Life and Mascot Days on HMS Gnat

Judy Breaks Free From Kennels to Shanghai Streets

Robert Weintraub begins Judy's extraordinary story by introducing us to her precarious beginnings. Judy, a brown-spotted, white-coated pointer born at Shanghai's dog kennels in 1936, was different from her siblings from the start. While they were content to stay close to their mother, Judy was restless, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a powerful urge to explore the world beyond the kennels. At only three weeks old, she dug her way out, venturing onto the bustling, cacophonous streets of Shanghai. Weintraub vividly describes the sensory overload Judy must have experienced: the symphony of car horns, the cacophony of Shanghainese, and the overwhelming odors of cooking, smoke, and soot. This escape, though dangerous, highlights Judy's innate tenacity and resilience, characteristics that would define her remarkable life.

Alone in Shanghai, the young pointer faced the harsh reality of survival. Food was scarce, and she had to scavenge for scraps, relying on both her innate cunning and the kindness of strangers to stay alive. Weintraub emphasizes the dire conditions during this period—famine struck China, making even a city like Shanghai struggle with food shortages. Despite the hardships, a sliver of good fortune came in the shape of Mr. Soo, who provided food and a safe place to sleep inside his shop. Yet, this refuge was short-lived as Judy encountered some Japanese navy men. Demonstrating casual brutality, they beat Mr. Soo, trashed his shop, and kicked Judy into some rubble. This incident highlights the dark side of human nature and foreshadows the tense interactions Judy will have with the Japanese forces in the war. Despite this early trauma, Judy was saved by a young girl who returned her to the kennels, where she was given the name "Judy", meaning peaceful.

Context

• Young animals, especially those with strong survival instincts, often exhibit exploratory behavior as a way to learn about their environment and develop skills necessary for survival.
• During this time, Shanghai was a bustling international city with a mix of Western and Eastern influences, known for its vibrant culture and as a hub of commerce and trade. The city was also experiencing political tensions and social upheaval, which would have contributed to the chaotic environment Judy encountered.
• The presence of Japanese forces in Shanghai during this period was part of the broader context of the Second Sino-Japanese War, which began in 1937, leading to increased tension and violence in the city.
• The Chinese government's ability to respond to famines was often limited by internal strife and lack of resources, which meant that relief efforts were insufficient to meet the needs of the population.
• The presence of foreign military forces often disrupted daily life for civilians, leading to fear and uncertainty. This context helps explain the precariousness of Judy's situation and the vulnerability of those who helped her.
• The Japanese military's actions in occupied territories often included violence and intimidation against civilians. Incidents like the one involving Mr. Soo and Judy were not uncommon, reflecting the broader pattern of military aggression during this era.
• In many cultures, names are chosen for their meanings and the qualities they are believed to bestow upon the individual. The name "Judy," meaning peaceful, might have been chosen to symbolize hope for a calmer future for the dog, contrasting with her tumultuous early experiences.

Adoption by the UK Navy and Warship Integration

Judy's tumultuous beginning was succeeded by a unique turn of fate—she is adopted by the navy, not by a single individual, but as an official ship's mascot, a testament to her captivating spirit. Weintraub describes how the personnel of HMS Gnat, a British Navy patrol vessel navigating the Yangtze, felt the need for a mascot to rival the impressive boxer-terrier on a sister ship. They chose her, a decision fueled by a shared sense of whimsy and a desire to add a touch of warmth to the austere life aboard a warship. The team embraced Judy instantly, captivated by her joyful demeanor and striking looks. Weintraub emphasizes that after her hardships, Judy thrived in this environment of camaraderie, reveling among those who offered her affection and friendship, her previous trauma seemingly forgotten.

The author further delves into the unusual life aboard a Yangtze gunboat. While serving the monarchy, service on these ships was considered a backwater of real naval operations, and as a result, discipline was more relaxed, and relations among the crew more congenial. This less rigid atmosphere allowed Judy to flourish—she was not just a mascot confined to a kennel; she roamed freely on deck, becoming an integral part of the crew. Weintraub emphasizes that Judy, always eager for companionship after her solitary experiences on the streets, was welcomed into all areas of the ship, befriending sailors of all ranks. The sailors, in turn, treated her as a valued comrade, providing food and care, her well-being becoming a shared responsibility.

Practical Tips

• Create a team emblem or symbol that represents shared values and goals. Similar to a mascot embodying the spirit of a group, an emblem can serve as a unifying symbol for your team or family. Collaborate to design a logo or choose an object that holds significance to all members, then display it prominently in your shared space to reinforce a sense of unity and common purpose.
• Create a 'Mascot of the Month' program in your local school or club to encourage positive behavior. Each month, select a student or member who exemplifies the qualities you wish to promote, such as kindness or perseverance, and honor them by associating them with a mascot. This could be a plush toy or a badge with...

No Better Friend Summary Judy and Frank Williams' Bond as POWs

An Accidental Meeting and a Shared Meal

Frank's Compassion: Sharing Rations With Judy

Weintraub reveals a significant turning point in both Judy's and Frank Williams' lives with their chance encounter at Gloegoer POW camp. Frank, a young RAF radarman, was struck when he saw this once-pampered pointer, now a shadow of her former self, struggling to survive in the harsh environment of the Japanese internment camp. The author emphasizes Frank's innate compassion for anyone or anything suffering, a sensitivity to the plight of others that led him to make a selfless gesture—offering his meager rice ration to her.

This simple act of kindness was anything but routine. Weintraub describes the constant hunger that haunted the prisoners, their every thought dominated by the quest for food, their bodies weakened by prolonged malnutrition. Sharing his ration at a time when Frank himself was nearly starving was an act of profound empathy, a testament to the innate human capacity for generosity even under the most harrowing conditions. This shared meal marked the beginning of an extraordinary bond, a friendship that would endure the atrocities of captivity and the brutality of the...