The Collie of Castle Hill
Christine Reilly Carter (Reviewed by The Editor - Rebecca Brown)
2002 Polt Mountain Press
ISBN: 0971796408
On Christmas Eve, 1954, Carl's wish comes true when his father brings home a collie pup.
While working in their cow barn, one wintry night, Carl's dad asks him what he would like for Christmas. Carl knows exactly, a collie, just like the one on his favorite television show which he watches after his chores on the farm are done. He likes the adventures the boy & his dog get into, & he knows if he were to have a dog like that, it would be just as brave & helpful. Carl even dreams of what his life would be like, with a collie for company.
As Carl counts down the days before Christmas, his father & he cut down a fir tree, & his mother bakes cookies, bread & pies. & then Christmas Eve comes. Carl & his brother wait on their dad's return from a carpenting job. They set the table, keep the dinner warm in the oven until at last, their dad gets home.
In his arms is a rumpled blanket, & inside Carl can see the small head of a collie pup! Oh boy! What a Christmas! From that moment on Lucky is part of every moment of Carl's day.
Winter turns into Spring, & then Summer & the happy pair spend their days in the high grasses of the meadows, playing games & exploring the world. Life is very good. & when it is time for Carl to go back to school, Lucky is waiting for him at the bottom of the lane when the school bus brings him home.
That Halloween Carl first discovers the kindness that animals bring out in people, when he trick or treats at a lonely widow-woman's house, & see how she suddenly beams with joy when she catches sight of Lucky.
It is the next Spring, however, that the unthinkable happens. Carl decides to go fishing. Over the river, he climbs along a tree branch & is ready to cast his line, when the branch snaps. Down tumbles Carl into the water. Hanging onto the branch as his dad's waders fill up, Carl cannot move. He yells at Lucky on the bank, to go get help.
Will Carl be rescued by his faithful companion?
Based on the real-life adventures of Carl Maier & his collie, Lucky, The Collie of Castle Hill is the story of the loving bond between a boy & his dog. When Lucky helps save Carl from drowning, he also changes Carl's direction in life.
As a grown-up Carl began volunteer therapy work with Grendle, his Shetland Sheepdog. Since 1992 his dogs have all been certified therapy dogs, & Carl's devotion to his animals & his dedication to bringing dogs & people together for companionship, comfort & assistance is an inspiration.
The Collie of Castle Hill is a wonderful book, & Christine Reilly Carter's pencil illustrations are enchanting. In the back the Author tells us a little of the history behind this story & includes many photographs of Carl's certified therapy dogs.
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