Synopsis
One rainy night in 1888, a stray dog wandered into the U.S. Post Office in Albany, New York. Workers found him the next morning asleep on a pile of mail pouches. The dog seemed to like the post office and the smell of the mailbags and the men’s wool uniforms. When no one came to claim him, they named him Owney and made him their pet. However, Owney’s loyalty and sense of adventure soon made it clear he wasn’t just an average mutt. Over the course of nine years, Owney guarded the mail—not only in Albany but on mail trains that traveled all over the United States.
Accompanied by lively pen-and-watercolor illustrations, this is a delightful true story of a special dog whose faithful service earned him a trip around the world. Owney can be seen in the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum.
Children's Literature
Four-legged heroes abound in stories about dramatic rescues. The heroism of the watchful and loyal friend is less well known. Owney, a real dog, is such a faithful friend, committed to his self-appointed job of guarding the mail. Owney arrives unbidden one October night in 1888 at the Albany, NY, post office. He adopts the postmen, takes on the job of guarding the mail pouches, and is soon accepted into the routine of the post office. But he is also a traveler and begins to ride the rails on the mail cars. Soon, he is wearing depot tags from all across the country on a special strap his post office friends fashioned for him. Owney's fame spreads and he participates in conventions and events across the country. When he gets older his friends at the post office give him a trip around the world by mail boat. On his return, one hundred and thirty-two days later, he wears two hundred new tags, trinkets, and ribbons. Owney is recognized at the San Francisco dog show in 1896 and attends the National Association of Railway Clerks in 1897. He retires shortly thereafter and spends his final days in peace and quiet at the Albany post office where his mail career began. The story of Owney is told with charm and supported by research into his life and career. The loose, impressionistic illustrations integrate well with the fluid, movement-filled events of his life. This book would be a good addition to an early elementary study of nineteenth century life in the United States. Reviewer: Hazel Buys