Kathleen Kinsolving - Dogs of War: The Stories of FDRs Fala, Pattons Willie, and Ikes Telek.

DOGS OF WAR

The Stories of FDRs FALA, Pattons WILLIE, and Ikes TELEK

KATHLEEN KINSOLVING

DOGS OF WAR

WND Books
Washington, D.C.

Copyright 2012
Kathleen Kinsolving

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First Edition

ISBN 13 Digit: 978-1-936488-40-7

Library of Congress information available

Printed in the United States of America

For Kevin, Spencer, and Maryanne.
And for Laura, mother of Katy.

There are many times in our lives that need to be filled with the unconditional love of a devoted dog. Dogs have been companions to man since the dawn of history. Their domestication was probably one of the first to happen and was depicted on ancient cave wall paintings alongside animals of the hunt and the horse.

During times of extreme stress, such as that experienced by FDR, Eisenhower, and Patton during World War II, a time of normalcy and joy was needed by each of them to help lighten their load. The unconditional love and devotion of their dogs created an oasis of peaceful energy for these great leaders, each of whom occupied exceptionally demanding positions. The enormous stress that each bore during the war was somewhat relieved and tempered by the time they spent with their dogs, who brought them the joy of living in the moment.

Animals keep us honest in our feelings. Kathleen Kinsolving has done a wonderful job of storytelling, depicting these three dogs and their companions. The weight of the world rested on their shoulders and the promise of their faithful dogs to always be loyal and love them unconditionally helped give each the courage to endure, even in their darkest hours.

The world owes these Dogs of War a considerable debt. The magnitude of their love should always remind us that our animal companions have so much to offer if we allow them into our lives and our hearts. I salute Dogs of War.

Carlo DEste, Author of Patton: A Genius For War
and Eisenhower: A Soldiers Life, with contributions by
Shirley DEste

Ive always been enthralled with dogs, ever since I was a young girl, when I met Tipper, an engaging Fox Terrier who lived with my paternal grandparents. During visits to their home in Carmel, California, Tipper and I used to play together, and I was taken with complete delight. I remember how much my grandfather adored Tipper, and I wish Id had the opportunity to express to him this mutual admiration, but I never did get the chance, since Grandpop was very ill at the time. My mother told me shortly before he died that he looked at everyone sitting at the dinner table and muttered, All you dogs.

In addition to this love of dogs in the Kinsolving household is a voracious passion for history. I remember seeing my father transfixed in front of the television late one evening, watching the World War II film The Battle of the Bulge. He also read a voluminous amount on Hitler and the Third Reich. When I was ten years old, we all went to see the movie Patton where I was introduced to the famous generals dog, Willie. Needless to say, this was the most interesting part of the movie for me.

Many years later I became reacquainted with Willie when my new husband and I were helping his friend James and his family move into their new home one day during the summer of 2000. As we were taking books out of the van, I came across Carlo DEstes Patton: A Genius for War, and, in it, discovered the photo of a bereaved Willie lying next to the late generals foot locker and briefcase. I was completely smitten, and knew that Id have to write a book about Willie and this sacred bond he shared with General Patton.

I also wanted to include another infamous canine, and immediately thought of Fala, President Franklin D. Roosevelts Scottish Terrier. I knew about him from watching old newsreels on television of FDR, and reading books on America during the 1940s era. Fala is still considered the most popular presidential pet and is the only one to be honored in a national monument. At the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C., Falas statue stands alongside that of his great friends, who also happens to be my favorite president.

Its been suggested over the years to include a third dog, and the choice was unanimous: General Dwight D. Eisenhowers Telek, who also happens to be a Scottie. I was concerned I wouldnt find enough on him, but was fortunate to come across Ikes driver Kay Summersbys memoirs, where she included wonderful stories on the dog she shared with him. Therefore, I am overjoyed to includealong with Fala and Williea tribute to Telek.

Finally, there is great speculation as to whether General Eisenhower and Kay Summersby shared a romantic relationship. Kays second memoir, Past Forgetting, includes many amorous details between she and Ike, and some think this may have been fabricated in order to sell books. I personally believe that their affair was real, but, in writing the section on Telek, I wanted to be as gracious and respectful as possible to the Eisenhower family in my portrayal. Like Ike, Patton and Roosevelt also possessed a wandering eye, but it was unnecessary to include those romantic dalliances. However, it was crucial to reveal Kay and Ikes relationship, because this is just how Telek became such a cherished part of their lives.

It was a winter day in Washington. At the White House an important visitor was waiting to see the President. The door opened, and a voice announced: THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. The visitor roseand in walkeda small black dog! But the President was not far behind, and where the President is, there Fala his Scottish terrier is almost sure to be.

From The True Story of Fala

The year was 1940. War had erupted in Europe the previous year, and German dictator Adolf Hitler was about to launch an air war against England after conquering France in June. Involvement in the conflict divided much of America, which isolationists, bitter from the massive carnage of World War I, were condemning as Europes war.

Margaret Suckley of Hyde Park, New York, had been watching these events and worrying over Americas fate. She wondered how the unfolding nightmare was affecting her cousin Franklin D. Roosevelt, current president of the United States.