When Waggit, a dog, runs away from a farm where he was left by his owner, he begins a dangerous journey. His goal is to return to New York City’s Central Park where he had lived with a pack of dogs until a woman had adopted-and then deserted-him. He befriends Felicia, a woman who can talk to dogs. He also ends up traveling with Lug, a pit bull afraid of his own shadow. The trio makes it to Central Park where Waggit is reunited with his friends but encounters some disturbing changes within the pack that he must help to rectify. Waggit is an empathetic main character whose resilience will endear him to readers. The challenges he encounters create a fast-paced tale. The wide range of human and animal characters adds interest to the story, such as kindly and resourceful Felicia and vicious and clever Tashi, leader of a rogue pack. Some special terminology is introduced to show how dogs might perceive certain things, e.g., humans are called “uprights,” rats are known as “scurries,” and horses are referred to as “longlegs.” A glossary helps readers understand these terms, which are at times a bit awkward and, maybe, unnecessary in this spirited and appealing adventure.
– Carol Schene, School Library Journal