Did you know that March 13th is National K9 Veterans Day? It’s a special day honoring the day when the U.S. military officially recruited its first Military Working Dog – then called the U.S. Army K9 Corps – in 1942.
I think it’s wonderful to have a special day for the brave dogs that put their lives in danger to protect us. They deserve it for their dedication, loyalty and the service they provide.
There is a movie that is coming to theaters next month all about one such brave dog. The film is called Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero. It’s based on a TRUE story!
Opening April 13 on approximately 3,000 screens across the U.S. and Canada and coinciding with the year-long 100th commemoration of the United States’ role in the “War to End All Wars,” Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero tells the story of Army “doughboy” Robert Conroy (Logan Lerman) whose life is forever changed when a little stray dog with a stubby tail wanders into a training camp in New Haven, Conn. Conroy gives his new friend a meal, a name, a family and the chance to embark on an adventure that would define a century.
Narrated by Robert’s sister Margaret (Helena Bonham Carter), Stubby and his new best friend quickly find themselves in the trenches of France. Befriended by French poilu Soldier Gaston Baptiste (Gérard Dépardieu), Stubby accompanies the duo along their epic journey through harsh conditions and incredible acts of courage.
Sgt. Stubby: An American Hero was directed by award-winning documentarian Richard Lanni in his feature film debut and stars Logan Lerman (Fury, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Percy Jackson & The Olympians), Helena Bonham Carter (the upcoming Ocean’s 8, the Harry Potter films, The King’s Speech, Sweeney Todd) and Gérard Depardieu (Life of Pi, Cyrano De Bergerac, The Man in the Iron Mask, Green Card).
This is an animated film. It’s rated PG and has a run time of 90 minutes.
For his valorous feats, Stubby is still recognized today as the first dog promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army, and the most decorated dog in American history! Set against the backdrop of America’s entry into World War I, this CG-animated feature shows the world that the greatest heroes can come from the unlikeliest of places.
Check out the film’s trailer.
It looks really good. I’m planning on going to see it when it comes to a theater near me next month.
Beyond his military exploits, Stubby’s status as an adopted stray has resulted in nearly a century of recognition by animal rescues and welfare organizations and Fun Academy has partnered with more than 70 regional and national animal organizations across all 50 states to shine a light on the human-animal bond and the amazing things adopted animals can do when given a chance in life.
As a “mom” to five adopted cats (our adopted dog passed away last year), I can appreciate all that Fun Academy is doing to help animals find their “forever homes,” and to celebrate the special bond us humans have with our furry (or not furry) family members.
Here are some fun facts about Sgt. Stubby you might find interesting.
For more information about the film, visit the official movie website, www.StubbyMovie.com.
You can also follow the film on social media – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In addition, check out the film on YouTube.
If you are interested in learning more about the real Sgt. Stubby you can pick up a book written about him entitled Stubby the Dog Soldier: World War I Hero.
Stubby the Dog Soldier: World War I Hero from Capstone for readers ages 5-7 by Blake Hoena and Illustrated by Oliver Hurst – a 2015 Notable Social Studies Trades Book for Young People selection from the National Council for the Social Studies & the Children’s Book Council.
I have the book but I haven’t had a chance to read it yet. I plan on reading it to my Kindergarten class. I just have to come up with a cute craft/project we can make to go with the story.
You can find a FREE ACTIVITY PACK at www.StubbyMovie.com for more fun facts about Stubby plus some exciting activities, including making your own origami Stubby, a maze, coloring sheets and more!
I have a cute giveaway for a lucky reader. The giveaway includes the following:
- Cute Sgt. Stubby plush toy
- St. Stubby drawstring bag
- St. Stubby can cozie
- The book – Stubby the Dog Soldier: World War I Hero
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end on March 23, 2018. The winner will be chosen at random using a random number generator from all eligible entries. The winner will be notified via email and will have three days to reply or a new winner will be chosen in their place.
To enter, please comment on this post and tell me if you are planning on seeing the film – OR – why do you want to win this giveaway?
For extra entries you can use the Rafflecopter widget (below) but you must complete the initial entry requirement or the additional entries won’t qualify.
Kimberly
*I received a free book and other promotional materials in exchange for my participation. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Jessica says
I definitely plan on seeing this movie! My dog was named Stubbs – he passed away last May – and this movie reminds me of him.
Sarah says
My 4 yr old daughter can’t wait to see this movie since we heard about it before Christmas!
Shawn Adams says
I’m so eager to see this movie. I’m a lover of animation, but would love to see something other than Pixar and DreamWorks, especially if the story is based on history. I’m also an owner of a cuddly red nose pit bull named Bunny and I feel grateful for anything that shows bully breeds in a positive light.
Melissa Joyce says
We are planning to see the movie with our little one! She loves puppies and we love history! ?
Michele Jenkins says
I am an administrator of a childcare/preschool and would love to win a new book and prizes for the children. Enjoy including literature about real life stories in our preschool classrooms!
Leanne says
I normally don’t like to go see movies alone but I definitely want to see this movie! There is a page I follow that posts photos of history. I remember seeing Sgt. Stubby in a photo and I went on to research about him. Being an animal lover myself, I was so impressed that an animal could have such an impact for good. 🙂
Patrick says
I want to win and watch the film to share about this dog i saw it aftee searching military dogs after watvhing max
Spencer cabral says
I have three sons and they will be seeing this movie, we have a boston terrier and a Staffordshire terrier so stubby holds a special place.
Mackenzie says
I hope to see this movie but with college that may not be possible! This dog has always been one of my favorites, simply because of what he did! Animals can be heros too!
Christine Yvonne Groce says
I definitely will see this movie. I’m a big dog lover and have had them in my life forever. We have a miniature schnauzer name Rocky currently. Thanks for the chance to win.
Patty Bradberry says
Waiting months to see this movie. I love the story behind Sgt. Stubby and other hero dogs.
Paul says
I am absolutely gonna see this movie!!! I’m so excited! I’ve always wanted a movie about Sgt Stubby!
Kate Graham says
I can’t wait 2 see this with my grandbabys. Are the books for sale? We have a lovely PitBull, Teagan in our family – the best! Good luck all?
Bethany V says
My 6 year old and I plan on seeing this movie! He loves dogs and wants to be a soldier. I’m a history buff and love what this movie is about!
Ellie Wright says
I plan to take my grandchildren to see this.
Alexandra Martinez says
Yes I do plan to watch the movie my family has been in military for three generations and has been a big insperation to me for I’m joining the service as well. I love dogs and I plan to even work with the K-9 unit in my military career I hope to win this to further my insperation as well as watch this movie.
Angie O says
Have been planning on seeing the movie ever since I first heard about it. Already talking it up to my students and will maybe take the nieces and nephews.
Patricia Powell says
I love the book and a am happy that there is a movie about this dog I can’t wait to see this movie.
Patti Wilder says
Looks like a cute movie
Abigail Gibson says
I plan on seeing this movie with my nephew and would like to win this prize for him.
J Quaife says
Planning on seeing !
Fred says
I’ve always been interested in the history of dogs and other animals during war. This movie, I think, will help everyone become more aware of the hard work and sacrifices our four legged allies gave in support of the soldiers around them.
Vicci Nails says
Definitely planning on seeing this. Looks like it will be a great movie!!
Kate Zimmerman says
Im so excited to see this movie!!! I first remember hearing of Stubby when I did one of my first reports as a child, and learning about him 🙂
Lena says
I plan on seeing Stubby because I’ve seen and read so much about him and also because he reminds me of my dog.
Kaitlyn K. says
Who doesn’t love a dog and especially tales of heroic dogs! I’m planning on seeing this film when it comes out with my family, and I think it’ll be a great time considering how precious this dog is.
Michelle says
I can’t wait to see the film. Have loved this dog since I found out about him years ago. So happy someone made a movie about him. He deserves it.
Elaine Blaettler says
Do not have opportunity to get out to movies these days due to some handicapped problems, but have been recommended movie to all my friends. Am hoping to see when released on streaming services. Have always loved stories of our canine companions.
Brittany says
I’m definitely planning on seeing the movie! (: I am super excited and would like to take my dad with me, who is a veteran himself!
Jill Larsen says
I plan to see the movie, and hope to take my grandson to see it. My grandfather fought in WW1, and was stationed in France. I’m want to learn more about what he may have experienced there. I wonder if he ever met Sgt. Stubby?
Debra Dingwerth says
I totally plan on dragging my boyfriend to the movies with me to go see this. I’ve been super excited to see it. He reminds me of my Bella.
Lauren A says
I have loved Stubby since I was a little kid and am so excited he’s finally getting a movie!! Can’t wait to watch!
Andri says
I hope Im not the only 30 yo going to see this next month :p
I definitely am – Im a huge supporter of our veterans and K9s. My great-grandpa fought in WWI. Helena Bonham Carter is a fantastic actress so this movie has everything I love into one film!
Its also important for our younger generation to understand the sacrifices both human and K9 have made to preserve our freedoms.
Kat Burkett says
I will FOR SURE be going to see this movie, with my wife and kiddo! Our local Humane Society puts on a K9 Veterans Day Celebration Ceremony every year that is near and dear to my heart, and I even mentioned Sgt. Stubby in the presentation last year. I am so excited for this movie!
Shane Mayfield says
I’m going to see this movie. As a veteran I am proud to see that K9 veterans are getting recognized. This should be a great movie.
Amanda Henager says
Yes I plan on seeing this movie it looks like a great movie.
Angie Bacon says
I can’t wait to enjoy this film with my grandson!! We are so excited!
Stephanie Purvis says
I have been a fan of Sgt. Stubby for years! What a hero! Cannot wait to see the film! I would also love the chance to have some Sgt. memorabilia!
Don Stephan says
Yes I want to se this film
Nancy Furstinger says
I can’t wait to see this film! My Nat Geo book, Paws of Courage, profiles Sgt. Stubby and his heroic escapades!
A.C. says
Can’t wait to see this fun! I’m majoring in history at school to become a teacher and I can’t wait to teach them about the soldiers who fought in this war and the animals as well.
Javier Hernandez says
Definitely going to try to watch it I’m in ait for the army I’m hoping for a off post pass so I can watch the movie. I also have a dog ? and in the military plus I like cartoons
Michelle Donovan says
Yes, def plan on seeing this with my daughter. We have an English bulldog in our family and these prizes would fit us wonderfully 🙂
Marty C says
I’m probably not planning to see the film. My kids are all kindergarten age or younger and a war movie is definitely not something they’d enjoy or understand right now. They’d LOVE the stuffed doggie, though!
beth shepherd says
My daughters would love this and that is why I would like to win. THank you!
Wendy R. says
My son would love to see this movie I am sure. He is very interested in the history of WWI right now.
Christine Henry says
I’d like to win and give the prizes to my granddaughter, Alexis. She’s an Army brat and just moved to a new post 2 days ago. ??❤
Jaque Richards says
Yes, I do plan on seeing this film with my children…we are all animal lovers. 🙂 Thank you.
Jodi says
I cannot wait to see this movie. I plan to use the book in my Learning Support classroom. Last year we read about Cher Ami, the pigeon who saved an entire battalion in WWI. This story will be perfect to add to my unit of animal heroes throughout history. I love to bring supplemental materials into my classroom. It helps reluctant readers become more connected to the stories. ?
Azeem Isaahaque says
I plan on seeing the film with my family
Laura Schrillo says
I think my son would enjoy this storyl
Lucy Rapposelli says
I would love to watch with my grand kids. Great giveaway. Thanks for the chance to enter
Paula Michele Hafner says
My son loves dogs. I want to win this for him because he’d enjoy it.
Karen Gonyea says
I want to see the film because I am a dog lover 🙂
Charlene S. says
I would love to see this movie. Huge animal lovers in my family.
Jessica Gipson says
I want to win this for my daughter, we saw the preview of the movie and she’s excited and wants to see it.
susan smoaks says
i would love to win this for my daughter, she will love it.
Brenda says
As a proud Army mom, I can’t wait to see the film. I currently take care of my soldier’s dog and cat while he is away. If he was here, we would go together….
wendy browne says
I’ve always loved the story of Sgt Stubby’s heroism, even though he’s so often misrepresented as a pit bull when he was a Boston Terrier if anything. Small, super people oriented, butt biting… that’s a Boston! My toddler would love this pack.
Amy D says
I would love to win this prize pack for my 2 daughters. They love animated movies and shows about dogs. This dog was an absolute hero, and it reminds me how incredible these animals can be. I would love to share a piece of American history with my daughters and see this movie with them.
Shirley Hicks says
yes I plan on seeing the movie
Candie L says
I would love to see the movie. Thank you
Antoinette M says
I am most interested in the book. I would love to read about Sgt Stubby.
kathy pease says
I would like to win this for my granddaughter 🙂
Leela says
I’d love to win this for my kids.
Buddy Garrett says
I would love to win this prize package for our granddaughter.
Ed says
I am so wanting to view this movie!
Gina Ferrell says
I’m planning on seeing this film and can’t wait to see it with my daughter. I want to win this giveaway because it’s a cute prize pack and I know my daughter would love it.
Juanita May says
I am planning on taking the grandkids to see this movie.
Kathy D says
Would love to see with my granddaughter
Beverly Metcalf says
Stubby is a cute doggy. I would love to see the movie with my little granddaughter. Thanks for having the contest!
Kayla Klontz says
Yes, I plan to see this.
laura bernard says
My daughter wants to see it!
Vikki Billings says
I would love to see this movie with my grandson and would like to win the prize pack for him as well.
Jennifer Bay says
Planning to see this with my son.
Laurie Emerson says
I am planning to see this movie with my family.
Philip Lawrence says
I want to win so that I can watch it with my grandchild.
Anita Jude says
Oh yes hope to see it with the grandkids
AEKZ2 says
Yes, I plan on watching this movie with my daughter.
Sand says
Yes, I would love to see it with my nephews.
Rob says
My grandchildren would absolutely love to have the cool Sgt. Stubby Prize Package for a fun time.
Milt says
I have grandchildren that would definitely like to use the Sgt. Stubby Prize Package for an amazing time.
Marc says
My nieces and nephews would really want to check out the Sgt. Stubby Prize Package for a great time.
Paulet says
The wonderful Sgt. Stubby Prize Package, my grandchildren would like to use, always for lots of fun.
Malv says
I have nieces and nephews that would really enjoy playing with the fabulous Sgt. Stubby Prize Package for great fun.
Aaron says
My many chuldren would just love to play with the awesome Sgt. Stubby Prize Package all of the time, for sure.
Aaron says
My many chuldren would just love to play with the awesome Sgt. Stubby Prize Package all of the time, for sure.
Cheryl says
I had no idea, but I’m happy to hear it. I love what the K-9 dogs do. Service and working dogs do a great job!