The Good Dog
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 First edition | |
| Author | Avi (pseudonym) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Atheneum Books |
Publication date | 2001 |
| Publication place | USA |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 243 |
| ISBN | 978-0-689-83824-8 |
| OCLC | 45505842 |
| LC Class | PZ10.3.A965 Go 2001 |
The Good Dog is a children's novel by Newbery Medalist Edward Irving Wortis published under his pseudonym, Avi, in 2001. Written for ages 8–12,[1] the book has been described as having "a very cinematic feel" comparable to the movies The Incredible Journey and Beethoven.[2]
The story is set in the town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It is recounted from the dog's point of view, with animals communicating with each other in English. The protagonist is a Malamute named McKinley, who protects his "human pup," Jack.
While helping a runaway greyhound named Duchess, McKinley meets the wolf, Lupin, who is trying to recruit dogs into her shrinking pack. McKinley must deal with Jack's desire to join the wolf pack, protect Lupin from hunters (including Duchess' ruthless owner, Pycraft), and figure out how to handle the local rival Redburn, an ambitious Irish Setter who wants to claim the role of head dog from McKinley.
By the end of the book, after overcoming many obstacles, some with the help of his best friend Aspen, a female Retriever (breed not specifically named in book) that lives next door, McKinley is transformed from a happy-go-lucky pet into a true leader.
