Desert Dog

Tawny began his life as a racing greyhound, but when he loses his beloved master he also loses his ties to humans. Running free in the desert, Tawny is a little lonely but fiercely independent. Though he has to stave off a pack of wild dogs that has already claimed this territory, overall he survives on his own. Then he has the occasion to take in a pup who would otherwise perish in this harsh environment. Is he tough enough to keep both himself and Sable alive? Will allowing love back into his heart soften him too much? It's not often that I long for sequels but I would have loved to follow Tawny on additional adventures! Great story and great characters; Tawny is highly intelligent but not ideally suited for life on his own (he lives by sight and not scent for one). It's interesting to see him take on the challenges the wild offers and find his own way through them despite his shortcomings. He has to battle his environment, avoid humanity, and fight off his own kind. Kjelgaard always wrote such interesting non-human characters, and his detailed description of locations makes you feel as if you are there - in this case often thirsting in the hot desert sun, after which is the relief of running through the cooler, if not cool, forest.

Jim Kjelgaard is famous for bringing the northern woods into sharp relief as he relates tales of dogs, wolves, and men. With Desert Dog, he demonstrates that he can also bring the desperate world of the southwestern desert to life, with detailed and expert-sounding descriptions of the local flora, fauna, and other natural features. Desert Dog tells the story of a Tawny, a champion-speed greyhound who is lost alone in the desert. We get many of the staples of a Kjelgaard tale-- triumphant survival in the face of an interesting array of natural dangers, as well as the introduction of a good-hearted and land-savvy man. Tawny must reach through the layers of civility that he has been bred for, and find a capacity for survival that will match the harsh terrain. This is a great, exciting tale that is sure to keep a young adult reader on the edge of his or her seat. Adults who read it may be reminded of the lean, sparse prose of a barebones western that has been stripped of its human characters. This is a solid effort by a gifted author. Give it a try.

This book is simple, short, and easy to understand. It is about a runaway greyhound lost in the desert, and how he survives the many dangers there. It is full of action. I suggest it to young animal lovers or anyone who wants a good, quick book to read.