Fast
Dog, Cool Cat, Hot Dog and A Time For Action - by Arnold Haber
Illustrations
by Audrey Walker
Published
by Dyllie Productions, Playa del Rey, California, May 2012
What
DOES he think right now? Many a dog owner wondered about that when
observing the family dog. Adopting a retired racing hound adds even
new dimensions to this question. In Arnold Haber's wonderful little
tale we first meet Comet, a retired greyhound who changes a life at
the tracks for a loving family home. We are onlookers, taking a sneak
peek into a dog's thoughts while witnessing Comet as he discovers the
wonders of everyday life and all those little mundane things we take
for granted, but which are great unknown things for a houndie putting
his paw across the threshold of a family home for the very first
time: the everyday noises of vacuum cleaners and fridges, the smells
of glorious food, the oh so frightening staircase and mirrors. And of
course the joys of having a lovely fluffy bed all to himself!
Comet
is not alone on this journey, he has his new family to guide him,
most of all his instant best friend, the family's daughter, Patty. As
he ventures into the great unknown that is the back yard, he also
meets another unlikely companion: the streetwise cat Rodrigo, who
shows him the ropes. Goes to show hounds and cats can be friends!
Later
on the family adds yet another companion, an Alaskan Malamute, Igloo,
whose biggest challenge is coping with the warm climate.
Together
the friends discuss the merits of living with Patty and her family
and all those things a dog living in the city just can't do without.
When Patty finds herself in trouble with some schoolyard bullies the
three furry friends stick up for her like modern day musketeers, even
to the point of doing something very daring.
The
story unfolds as a wonderful tale of friendship, trust and
self-esteem. All of us who own dogs will tell you what wonderful
companions they make for children growing up, and the bond between
Patty, Comet and Igloo is a great example.
Nice
read for both younger and older readers. Haber uses easy language and
has managed to put layers in his story enabling both younger and
older children to find discussion points, on themes that touch any
age. Looking forward to more adventures, no doubt Rodrigo will have
a lot more up his sleeve to keep his canine and human friends
occupied!
