With World War II raging and his father fighting overseas in Europe, eleven-year-old hobie hanson is determined to do his part to help his family and his country, even if it means giving up his beloved German shepherd, d...With World War II raging and his father fighting overseas in Europe, eleven-year-old hobie hanson is determined to do his part to help his family and his country, even if it means giving up his beloved German shepherd, duke. Hoping to help end the war and bring his dad home faster, hobie decides to donate duke to dogs for defense, an organization that urges americans to "Loan" Their pets to the military to act as sentries, mine sniffers, and patrol dogs.