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Bruce
She was beautiful. And she had a heart and a soul¿which were a curse. For without such a heart and soul- she might have found the tough life-battle less bitterly hard to fight.' (Excerpt from Chapter 1)
90 pages, Paperback
Published November 3, 2006
About the author
Albert Payson Terhune
279 books70 followersAlbert Payson Terhune (1872 - 1942), a local author of some fame, wrote numerous adventures about Collies, most notably, "Lad, A Dog", "Sunnybank: Home of Lad", and "Further Adventures of Lad". Sunnybank, his home on the eastern shore of Pompton Lakes in northern New Jersey, was originally the home of Terhune's parents, Edward Payson Terhune and Mary Virginia Hawes Terhune. Later as his home with his wife, Anice Stockton Terhune, Sunnybank became famous as "The Place" in the many stories of Terhune. Much of the land once constituting the Sunnybank estate was lost to developers in the 1960's with the house being demolished in 1969. Fortunately though, the central 9.6 acres was preserved through the dedicated efforts of Terhune fans and dog fanciers, and is now Terhune Sunnybank Memorial Park, administered by the Wayne Township Parks Department.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 20, 2016
Before reading Bruce by Albert Payson Terhune I didn't know much about the author other than that he had been well known for his dog stories. I like dogs so when I came across this book I gave it a try.
It was published in 1920, and to be quite honest, it shows its age. The frantic flag waving can be excused by how short it was since the end of World War I, but it doesn't make the read very interesting. Another thing that drags the pleasure of reading this down is the sexism. Essentially I felt the character were too simply drawn, either good, or bad.
Still it is not a total loss. There is some humor, and there are parts where the narrative reaches some heights. Sometimes it gets quite colorful even, and emotional.
I can't say I liked this book very much, but I know this isn't the best know work of this author, so I think I will look up the better known Lad: A Dog to see if that is better. I hope it is better, because I can't really recommend Bruce.
It was published in 1920, and to be quite honest, it shows its age. The frantic flag waving can be excused by how short it was since the end of World War I, but it doesn't make the read very interesting. Another thing that drags the pleasure of reading this down is the sexism. Essentially I felt the character were too simply drawn, either good, or bad.
Still it is not a total loss. There is some humor, and there are parts where the narrative reaches some heights. Sometimes it gets quite colorful even, and emotional.
I can't say I liked this book very much, but I know this isn't the best know work of this author, so I think I will look up the better known Lad: A Dog to see if that is better. I hope it is better, because I can't really recommend Bruce.
February 12, 2023
I intend on reading all of Albert Payson Terhune’s dog books (28?) and Bruce is the second dog book after Lad: A dog. Published in 1920. It is a book on a dog that will become a World War One war hero, of course after winning dog shows to become a champion first.
Love great old books, and I liked how people used to write in them, my copy has written in it: ‘Brian, from Uncle Bob and Aunt Vera, 12-25-49.’
But before we get to the story of Bruce in this book, there is the Story of his mother named Rothsay Lass. Considered a ‘second’ with ears too perked and a head not like the Borzoi current standard. Her greatest fault was to be born a female though. The book points back to Crusader days and says:
“A mare – or a female of nearly any species except the canine – brings as high and as ready a price as does the male. But never the female dog. Except for breeding, she is not wanted.”
What follows is a nice beginning story of Lass and a small boy. Through a little adventure the dog winds up at ‘The Place’ (Sunnybank) with the Mister, who doesn’t want the dog, and the Mistress, who of course does. From Lass comes Bruce.
“If it’s a freak to be the only puppy in a litter,” answered the Mistress, refusing to part with her enthusiasm over the miracle, “then this one ought to bring us luck. Let’s call him ‘Bruce.’ You remember, the original Bruce won because of the mystic number, seven. This Bruce has got to make up to us for the seven puppies that weren’t born. See how proud she is of him! Isn’t she a sweet little mother?”
Bruce is born to be an ugly duckling, but of course becomes a dog that wins dog shows. That is common in Terhunes books, but kinda wish it wasn't so. To me, each dog is a great thing, and I don't like the association that the best looking are in any way better than any other dog.
After winning in the show ring, the Mister and Mistress agree to donate the dog they love to the war effort.
“When I think of the people who give their sons and everything they have, to the country, I feel ashamed of not being more willing to let a mere dog go. But then Bruce is not just a ‘mere dog.’ He is – he is Bruce.”
The WWI story is great. Heart wrenching to think of all animals that served in such dangerous roles. Dogs are such bundles of joy, and to think of a dog that you love in one of those jobs would be tough to bear. They just follow what the are told and follow those they learn to love and serve.
“All dogs find it hard to resist the mysterious lure of a walk in human companionship. True the night was not an ideal one for a ramble, and the fog had a way of congealing wetly on Bruce’s shaggy coat. Still, a damp coat was not enough of a discomfort to offset the joy of a stroll with his friends. So Bruce had followed the twelve men quietly into No Man’s Land, falling decorously into step behind Mahan."
Very nice story. Let me finish with this last quote-
“But Bruce was a hero because he was just a dog, and because he didn’t know enough to be anything else but a hero.”
Love great old books, and I liked how people used to write in them, my copy has written in it: ‘Brian, from Uncle Bob and Aunt Vera, 12-25-49.’
But before we get to the story of Bruce in this book, there is the Story of his mother named Rothsay Lass. Considered a ‘second’ with ears too perked and a head not like the Borzoi current standard. Her greatest fault was to be born a female though. The book points back to Crusader days and says:
“A mare – or a female of nearly any species except the canine – brings as high and as ready a price as does the male. But never the female dog. Except for breeding, she is not wanted.”
What follows is a nice beginning story of Lass and a small boy. Through a little adventure the dog winds up at ‘The Place’ (Sunnybank) with the Mister, who doesn’t want the dog, and the Mistress, who of course does. From Lass comes Bruce.
“If it’s a freak to be the only puppy in a litter,” answered the Mistress, refusing to part with her enthusiasm over the miracle, “then this one ought to bring us luck. Let’s call him ‘Bruce.’ You remember, the original Bruce won because of the mystic number, seven. This Bruce has got to make up to us for the seven puppies that weren’t born. See how proud she is of him! Isn’t she a sweet little mother?”
Bruce is born to be an ugly duckling, but of course becomes a dog that wins dog shows. That is common in Terhunes books, but kinda wish it wasn't so. To me, each dog is a great thing, and I don't like the association that the best looking are in any way better than any other dog.
After winning in the show ring, the Mister and Mistress agree to donate the dog they love to the war effort.
“When I think of the people who give their sons and everything they have, to the country, I feel ashamed of not being more willing to let a mere dog go. But then Bruce is not just a ‘mere dog.’ He is – he is Bruce.”
The WWI story is great. Heart wrenching to think of all animals that served in such dangerous roles. Dogs are such bundles of joy, and to think of a dog that you love in one of those jobs would be tough to bear. They just follow what the are told and follow those they learn to love and serve.
“All dogs find it hard to resist the mysterious lure of a walk in human companionship. True the night was not an ideal one for a ramble, and the fog had a way of congealing wetly on Bruce’s shaggy coat. Still, a damp coat was not enough of a discomfort to offset the joy of a stroll with his friends. So Bruce had followed the twelve men quietly into No Man’s Land, falling decorously into step behind Mahan."
Very nice story. Let me finish with this last quote-
“But Bruce was a hero because he was just a dog, and because he didn’t know enough to be anything else but a hero.”
April 14, 2019
Although I had read this book before, I had forgotten that the majority of Bruce's career was not as a show dog, but rather as a courier-dog in the trenches of World War I. While Terhune's writing is more episodic than that of a long novel, it is still an excellent story and a fascinating look at a little-mentioned aspect of the war. While this isn't exactly non-fiction, it is based on a true story and well worth the read.
May 10, 2021
Bruce starts out as a gangly pup who grows into a large, handsome, and very intelligent collie. World War I is underway, so Bruce’s owners, who can't serve themselves, donate him to the war effort. He is trained as a courier dog, which means that he carries messages back and forth in dangerous circumstances. His life is considered cheap, so if he's gassed or shot or bombed while carrying out his duties, it's not supposed to be such a tragedy. But since Bruce is the star of the story, we care very much about his survival. I won’t give away the plot, but there are some very tense moments, and a touch of tragedy. I learned a lot from the book, since I hadn’t known that dogs served in the “Great” war. Besides carrying messages, they sniffed bombs, located injured soldiers, and alerted their masters to the positions of enemy troops. There were also dogs serving on the German side, but our loyalties are not enlisted for these “curs.” (German shepherds, if I remember right.) If you can accept a little racism, sexism, and animal cruelty, then I recommend this wholeheartedly.
April 25, 2011
I remember reallying Terhune's books when I was young. The one that sticks out is Lad: A Dog. I didn't recall whether I had read this one or not. I hadn't.
I kind went hot and cold with this one or maybe it should be cold and hot. There were parts I just wasn't that thrilled with. But at some point Bruce came alive.
Maybe when he attacked the vivisectionist who was hurting the Mistress.
Maybe when they sent him off to be a courier dog in WWI.
Typical dog story - he does get hurt a couple of times in the war. Kind of a tearjerker that way.
But it was okay.
I kind went hot and cold with this one or maybe it should be cold and hot. There were parts I just wasn't that thrilled with. But at some point Bruce came alive.
Maybe when he attacked the vivisectionist who was hurting the Mistress.
Maybe when they sent him off to be a courier dog in WWI.
Typical dog story - he does get hurt a couple of times in the war. Kind of a tearjerker that way.
But it was okay.
August 3, 2014
The vocabulary in Terhune's books is challenging compared to today's 5th grade reading level. A sweet collection of stories about Bruce, a giant of a collie who overcomes an unattractive puppyhood to be a heroic courier dog in WWI.
June 17, 2018
I read this long ago when my mother gave me her Terhune books. As a child I focused on the story of Bruce: how the dog grew up and then became a war dog. Written between World War I and World War II, there was only one war, The Great War.
As an adult, I got the added level of the story about the war, with trench warfare and poison gas a reality. Written so soon after the end of the war, the reader gets a good view of how many Americans viewed the war and the animosity toward the "evil Huns." (All Quiet on the Western Front provides a good look at the other side of the story.) For that reason, I would be more cautious about simply handing the book over to a young person. History was a casual part of my family's dinner conversation, so I instinctively knew that the feelings shouldn't be transferred to present day.
Still, I found myself liking the book and rooting for Bruce to make it, against all odds. If you like dogs and understand the historical setting, you might like it as well.
As an adult, I got the added level of the story about the war, with trench warfare and poison gas a reality. Written so soon after the end of the war, the reader gets a good view of how many Americans viewed the war and the animosity toward the "evil Huns." (All Quiet on the Western Front provides a good look at the other side of the story.) For that reason, I would be more cautious about simply handing the book over to a young person. History was a casual part of my family's dinner conversation, so I instinctively knew that the feelings shouldn't be transferred to present day.
Still, I found myself liking the book and rooting for Bruce to make it, against all odds. If you like dogs and understand the historical setting, you might like it as well.
January 19, 2023
I enjoyed this story of canine heroism, even though I found some things highly unbelievable.
I understand that Collies are originally herding dogs, and are highly trainable, making excellent courier dogs, but don’t have the temperament to be attack dogs.
Untrained dogs are unlikely to ‘go for the throat’ when attacking, especially when they are young.
Dogs don’t care whether men wear pants or dresses.
First published in 1920, shortly after World War I, this book was written in a time when people thought differently. The husband’s word goes. The races are segregated; mentally, if not physically. A man performing the deception of wearing women’s clothing is taken as a personal affront by the dog.
Contains: Swearing in German, racial comments, references to brutality and gore, blood, death.
I understand that Collies are originally herding dogs, and are highly trainable, making excellent courier dogs, but don’t have the temperament to be attack dogs.
Untrained dogs are unlikely to ‘go for the throat’ when attacking, especially when they are young.
Dogs don’t care whether men wear pants or dresses.
First published in 1920, shortly after World War I, this book was written in a time when people thought differently. The husband’s word goes. The races are segregated; mentally, if not physically. A man performing the deception of wearing women’s clothing is taken as a personal affront by the dog.
Contains: Swearing in German, racial comments, references to brutality and gore, blood, death.
August 3, 2021
BTW, I think Amazon mixed up the cover of this book. Bruce is about an extremely smart and loyal collie who served as a messenger dog in World War I. Terhune mentions the cruelty people inflict upon dogs as an educational tool -- like in Black Beauty or Beautiful Joe -- but he doesn't dwell on it. Instead he focuses on the incredibly characteristics of collies. I would recommend this book to everyone. It's an easy read and a compelling one.
July 28, 2024
This is a very engaging, happy book. Although it covers battlefield action, the focus is on the heroism of the dog and how admired and appreciated he is among the soldiers, so it is never sad or heavy. Delightful, excellent read-a-loud. I thought that the ending was a little too over-the-top dramatic, but I guess it was in keeping with the old-fashioned larger-than-life heroism of typical period action stories for boys.
January 24, 2020
Wonderful story
Bruce is the story of a Collie that is timeless. He starts out a gangly pup that doesn't seem to understand what is expected of him. Eventually Bruce ends up as a courier dog saving a lot of soldiers. There is more to the story but I don't want to give it away. I'd read it close to 55 years ago and still enjoyed reading it again.
Bruce is the story of a Collie that is timeless. He starts out a gangly pup that doesn't seem to understand what is expected of him. Eventually Bruce ends up as a courier dog saving a lot of soldiers. There is more to the story but I don't want to give it away. I'd read it close to 55 years ago and still enjoyed reading it again.
July 18, 2017
Good book it describes the war dogs and what they did for our country,.
September 2, 2022
Another great dog book by Terhune, by a dog lover for dog lovers.
August 4, 2019
These dog books are so good, yet so sad. I've never owned a collie, but they sound amazing.
June 13, 2018
Primarily the story of a great Gary Stu of a dog who is sent overseas to serve as a courier dog for the US forces during WWI. Bruce’s family had no sons to contribute to the war effort, so they sent their smart, loyal, brave, etc. pet collie to serve instead. His exploits in France seem to be a fictionalization of the famous real-life war dogs of WWI, Rags and Sergeant Stubby. It’s a heartwarming adventure story.
Bruce’s story reminded me of an episode from This American Life discussing the use of dogs during WWII, where the government actually called on civilians to enlist their family pets in the military. These pets were evaluated and, if they showed promise, trained for military service. Some dogs had Bruce-like tours of duty and either died in combat or returned home after the war. Many more died of disease or illness. What broke my heart a little was the revelation that many of these family pets were simply equipped with explosives on timers and sent running into enemy camps as living bombs.
The first part of this book is not actually Bruce’s story, but that of his mother, a “second” born of an illustrious bloodline in a professional kennel focused on showing and breeding collies. Scorned and unwanted, she eventually finds a loving home through a series of misadventures.
Terhune successfully walks a fine line between dramatizing these adventures from the animal’s point of view and anthropomorphizing them into furry little people with fully human emotions. I felt their love and bewilderment and deep sadness, but they retained their essential natures as dogs. However, Terhune was also very much a man of his time, and his story displays some appallingly racist, classist, and sexist attitudes. I was a little amazed at how he sneered at a general prejudice against the female of the canine species, followed by earnest depictions of dog-hating “Mohammedans”, German vivisectionists, nagging housewives, superstitious peasants, creeping murdering “red Indians”, and cruel German soldiers who can be identified by the smell of their sauerkraut diets.
Four stars for the doggie adventure story, minus a star for gratuitous bigotry and some rather boring descriptions of war maneuvers. Originally published in 1920. Read in ebook format using the Free Books app.
Bruce’s story reminded me of an episode from This American Life discussing the use of dogs during WWII, where the government actually called on civilians to enlist their family pets in the military. These pets were evaluated and, if they showed promise, trained for military service. Some dogs had Bruce-like tours of duty and either died in combat or returned home after the war. Many more died of disease or illness. What broke my heart a little was the revelation that many of these family pets were simply equipped with explosives on timers and sent running into enemy camps as living bombs.
The first part of this book is not actually Bruce’s story, but that of his mother, a “second” born of an illustrious bloodline in a professional kennel focused on showing and breeding collies. Scorned and unwanted, she eventually finds a loving home through a series of misadventures.
Terhune successfully walks a fine line between dramatizing these adventures from the animal’s point of view and anthropomorphizing them into furry little people with fully human emotions. I felt their love and bewilderment and deep sadness, but they retained their essential natures as dogs. However, Terhune was also very much a man of his time, and his story displays some appallingly racist, classist, and sexist attitudes. I was a little amazed at how he sneered at a general prejudice against the female of the canine species, followed by earnest depictions of dog-hating “Mohammedans”, German vivisectionists, nagging housewives, superstitious peasants, creeping murdering “red Indians”, and cruel German soldiers who can be identified by the smell of their sauerkraut diets.
Four stars for the doggie adventure story, minus a star for gratuitous bigotry and some rather boring descriptions of war maneuvers. Originally published in 1920. Read in ebook format using the Free Books app.
July 19, 2011
Heroic dog stories from the 1920's. Famous collies before Lassie. Seem to be written for earnest boy scouts from the 20's. Bruce is patriotic, loyal, energetic and smart. (He's a bit of a Mary Sue, actually.) He fights vivisectionists over here, he aids the Allies over there, always sure, he always comes out on top. And everybody loves him. (The casual racism and sexism were jarring!)
I decided that this would be my first read on my e-reader because the author is (supposedly, most likely) an ancestor of mine (I collect his books) and I thought it would be a nice way to bridge the old and the new. Even though it's a bit much nowadays.
I decided that this would be my first read on my e-reader because the author is (supposedly, most likely) an ancestor of mine (I collect his books) and I thought it would be a nice way to bridge the old and the new. Even though it's a bit much nowadays.
December 27, 2010
Another one of Terhune's collie stories. This novel tells the story of Bruce from Ugly Duckling to heroic war dog. It is rather amazing reading older books to see what cultural thoughts make thier way into the novel. If you are a German, you might want to skip this one, for Terhune was writing either during WW I or just after and there are some anti-German passages.
This book is more in the tradition of Wolf, though the ending is far different. It is an exciting and quick read.
This book is more in the tradition of Wolf, though the ending is far different. It is an exciting and quick read.
July 19, 2011
The stories that Terhune tells about his wonderful collies transcend the tedious moralizing and class snobbery (characteristic of the times in which they were written) that creep into the books on occasion. This is one in a series of books that belonged to my father when he was a child, and I fell totally in love with each and every one of the dogs and cried my heart out when bad things happened to them.
December 6, 2013
This is a truly heartwarming story about a collie named Bruce. Awkward as a puppy, he grows into a beautiful and intelligent dog. He is dearly loved by his Master and Mistress. His Master is in his 40s, with various health problems, and cannot serve in WWI. So they make the sacrifice and send Bruce to be trained as a courier dog.
I spent many of the last half of the book in tears reading about this great dog. It does have a happy ending, though.
I spent many of the last half of the book in tears reading about this great dog. It does have a happy ending, though.
March 24, 2012
Ruth keeps telling me how much she loved the Terhune dog stories when she was a kid. I finally decided I had better read one. Bruce popped up first. The writing is a bit stilted for today's taste but the story is good. Reminds me a bit of "War Horse". I would recommend it to anyone who would like a nice story about a collie that is easy to read. Might also remind you of "Lassie".
August 30, 2015
I've wanted to read Bruce for a very long time. As long as I can remember I've loved collies. I don't remember where that came from, but I do. Thank God for online reading sites.
I cried three times.
Bruce the puppy that no one believed in becomes a full fledged hero.
I still have goosebumps. love!
I cried three times.
Bruce the puppy that no one believed in becomes a full fledged hero.
I still have goosebumps. love!
April 6, 2011
Another of my dad's books that he gave to me when I was around 8. This one was harder to read for me at that age because of the descriptions of war zones in World War 1. Pretty remote for a very-sheltered child of the 1970's to understand.
April 24, 2012
Another reread. It was okay. The language is so different than what is used today. There were a couple of great sentences. Other than that it was a little dull. I have a Collie and probably got one due to reading these books at a very young age
September 29, 2016
This book is a really interesting book it really widen my vocabulary but at time the author put so much description into the book that there were parts that didn't make any sense. If you are searching for a good book with a lot of vocabulary than this is the book!
January 1, 2010
Excellent book. Has some really intense parts in it. Others are just amusing. My favorite part was while Bruce was in war. I recommend to anybody with a little patience.
August 23, 2012
A good read
June 2, 2011
love books that star a dog as the main character, rather than just dog-related books
June 8, 2012
Albert Payson Terhune writs about his own dogs owned and trained. His books are very entertaining. Bruce is the first of many and should be read first.
December 13, 2013
Great story of Bruce who was at first a little unbehaved dog and later turned into a war dog
February 23, 2014
Read so long ago and never forgotten.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews