A Boy and His Dog: Pictures of a Friendship in the Summer of 1945

In the late summer of 1945, as the Second World War was finally coming to a close, LIFE magazine published a series of pictures by photographer Myron Davis—including the first one in this gallery, which has since become a classic—chronicling the fast friendship between a 12-year-old Iowan named Larry and his 18-month-old dog, Dunk.

Tired and thoroughly dirty from a hard day's play, Dunk pads along the roadbed while Larry practices the delicate art of walking on rails.

Off for home, Larry and Dunk trudge down the country road with a good-enough mess of fish.

They go to Oskaloosa to see the circus come in.

Dunk has learned how to open door with nose.

Dunk waits patiently while Larry feeds calves.

Mowing the lawn goes better with Dunk along.

Turtles are among many wonderful discoveries.

Holding on to Dunk, Larry waves at engineer.

All tired out, they rest against an oat shock.

Larry waits patiently while Dunk eats supper.

(Photos Myron Davis—The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images)