Brownie and his owner, Oren Kendley

Kelly Nelson, a lover of true animal stories since childhood, was inspired to write her first book, “Brownie the War Dog: Veterans’ Best Friend” after a visit to the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King when seeking care for her father, a veteran of the Korean War. During her tour that included the museum in the Marden Activities Center, she first learned of Brownie’s military service and his 10-year-old owner, Oren Kendley. That visit sparked Kelly’s interest in writing a children’s story.

“I think especially having the connection to Joan (Oren’s niece) who knew Brownie and knew Oren and it became a very important story for me to tell,” Nelson said during a Spectrum News story. “It’s become one that’s been very satisfying, and I hope that it is as well-loved and received as I hoped it would be because it means a great deal to me personally.”

Brownie the War Dog: Veterans’ Best Friend book cover

The Sawyer Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region provided a $5,000 grant to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation for the creation of the book through the Wisconsin Historical Society Press Project. “As a family we love to read and believe the love of reading begins at an early age. Larry and I were impressed with the enthusiasm that Kelly Nelson brought to this project,” said Debra McDowall, wife of Larry Sawyer. “We were excited about the opportunity to help bring this true story about Brownie to life for children to read and enjoy.”

Spending time working at the Winneconne Public Library, Kelly had an affinity for children’s books, paying close attention to the themes and illustrations along with opportunities to engage with the youth. “Brownie the War Dog: Veterans’ Best Friend” is based on a true story that took place during World War II during a time when families were asked to volunteer their dogs for The Dogs for Defense program to serve alongside the troops and as companions to wounded Veterans. Many families volunteered their pets for duty, including Brownie’s family from King, Wisconsin.

Brownie’s Tombstone

While serving, Brownie was injured on the frontlines and returned home to his family. Once home, Brownie started going to work at the Wisconsin Veterans Home where he was able to serve veterans just like he had done with troops on the frontlines. After his remarkable years of service, he was buried with full military rites at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Brownie is the only known non-human veteran to be buried with human veterans in a veteran’s memorial cemetery.

Kelly’s book helps children connect with a beloved pet and learn a little history, too. For a copy of “Brownie the War Dog: Veterans’ Best Friend” visit Brownie the War Dog: Veterans’ Best Friend | Wisconsin Historical Society Store (wisconsinhistory.org)

Photo courtesy given to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.