But all that changes when Holly, one of the Australian Shepherd dogs that Wesley's aunt breeds, has a litter of pups. One of the pups appears stillborn, but at Wesley's pleading, her aunt - against her better judgment - breathes life back into it. There is no place for a runt on a farm, she sternly tells her niece, but when Wesley begs her to give Piper a chance, her aunt gives in.

      And so the bond between girl and dog is forged. The remainder of the story is concerned with their struggle to survive and prove their worth. With the help of a neighbour, Wesley trains Piper to herd sheep, and, after a few false starts, the two go on to become county champions, beating out far more experienced herders and dogs. Wesley has earned the admiration of her cousin and peers, and even acquires a beau. But on the eve of the second day of a competition that could give Wesley and Piper the national title, disaster strikes. While feeding her chickens, Wesley is set upon by coyotes and a wild coydog, and Piper must risk her own life to save her.

      In this first effort, Natale Ghent has followed the writer's unwritten law and tackled a subject with which she is very familiar. As a result, her knowledge of all aspects of farm life, and particularly dogs, their breeding and training, makes the story come alive. In fact, the dedication implies there are many parallels between the story and Ghent's own life. She even includes Piper's pedigree at the end of the novel, as well an author's note on the Australian Shepherd breed.

Recommended.