Blue Star, by Norma Faulkner

Reviewed by V. Sterling

 

“That one couldn’t win a race if he was given a 30 minute start.”
Luke walked over to the cage. The dog pressed his nose up against the wire.
“Hullo, Benny. You miss Charlie and your friends I know, but you still have me.”
“But not for much longer, kid.”
Luke swung round. “So you’re going to sell him too?”
Frank snorted. “Sell him? No way. No one’d be mad enough to buy him, he’s going to Puppy Dog Heaven.”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you stupid kid? I’m going to put a bullet in his head.”

Blue Star is a charming tale of a boy’s faith in a “failure” of a dog. But there’s more to believing in an unwanted dog than just bringing him home. Blue Star is a racing greyhound and needs expensive care. Luke’s veterinarian father isn’t pleased to discover that Luke has bought the dog, especially as it seems Blue Star can’t earn his keep. Dr. O’Neill is more concerned about funding an ultrasound machine than will help many animals. Then the vet discovers why Blue Star loses races. But treatment is expensive. Can Blue Star be saved? Luke is sure of it but when Blue Star starts winning, his greedy former owner claims the dog back. Then tragedy strikes.

A satisfying story for animal lovers of all ages. For readers 10-14 years, published by Loranda Publishing.

Blue Star, by Norma Faulkner
Loranda Publishing, 2004