Clark and his Airedale puppy, Patch, grow up around Lake Erie in a time when every boy loves his dog and everyone knows the rules. Patch at first doesn't appear to hold the life of her young master in her jaws, but time proves otherwise.

Soon grown grand in body and spirit, Patch commands attention wherever she goes and she knows it. Savior, teacher and rescuer to most, some see the brave dog as unruly. She is both; gentle and loving, but reckless in fury when need be and just as likely to snatch dinner tidbits or battle skunks as she is to protect Clark from out-of-control adults and a pack of wild dogs.

Their days are filled with fun and adventure, but Patch and Clark also bounce between grace and guilt. Knowing the rules doesn't always mean compliance, despite the efforts of those around them. They find a corpse on the shores of Lake Erie, suffer the aftermath of the dead fish Patch finds irresistible, play a tragic ball game, keep frightening secrets and adventure about in a lifetime full of uncommon escapades. Explore how the love between a boy and his dog replicates the beauty and bitter sweetness of life, of innocence and adulthood.

Reviews

With an astonishing degree of recall the author brings us close to early childhood in this celebration of rural living in Michigan in the 30's of the last century. Of all such memoirs we have seen, none has exceded this one in the portrayal of the triumph and tragedy that comes with getting and losing a cherished dog.
An important book.  -- Don G. Fowler