The Wolf Dog

by Ken Anderson

Tooley Paggert had faith in his dog Gyp even though Gyp looked just like a wolf - because he was part wolf, you see. And Tooley's faith was unshaken even in the face of seeming evidence that Gyp was turning into a sheep-killer.Mrs. Paggert, Tooley's mother, was almost ready to turn the dog over to the police, when Gyp proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that he was not harming the sheep.Boys, and girls too, will thrill to this stirring story of a boy's faith in his dog - and his faith and confidence in God. Tooley prayed about his problems - but he did something about them too!Here's a story with an important lesson for young people. The lesson is so skillfully woven into the narrative, however, that it becomes a natural part of the story, not tacked-on "preaching." The Wolf Dog is a warm-hearted, sympathetic portrayal of a boy and a dog that will join the ranks of best-loved dog stories - at the very top of the list. Gyp is the most loveable dog you've ever met, and Tooley might well be the boy next door.

Genres: Young Adult

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

About the author

Licensed by the Evangelical Free Church, Ken first pastored in Isle, Minnesota and later in Newman Grove, Nebraska. Then he became involved in the newly formed ministry, Youth For Christ, and served as their first full-time Magazine Editor. Ken became connected to a fledgling organization called Baptista Films, where he wrote and then directed his first film drama. Later he launched Gospel Films. Over 200 Christian films have been produced since then, including original dramas for many foreign countries. As a pioneer in Christian films, Ken will be best remembered for the drama story, PILGRIM’S PROGRESS, produced in 1977. Featured in the story is Liam Neeson in his first screen role, as Evangelist. Ken began a writing career that spanned 7 decades. 77 books were published, at least 1 per decade, with 19 books alone published in the 40's. As an author, Ken will be best remembered for his work, WHERE TO FIND IT IN THE BIBLE, published in 1996 by Thomas Nelson. Over 4 million copies are in print, and it remains a busy seller on the Nelson backlist.

Reviews

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as a child. It was one of the few stories I had on cassette tape, and I listened to those tapes over and over. Now, as an adult, I’ve worked on collecting all those beloved childhood stories, and recently took the time to read this story again after all these years.

Unlike some stories I enjoyed as a child, which I now struggle with to some extent, this book was just as I remembered it. Hard in some ways, yes; prejudice such as is described here isn’t ever easy to read about. But oh, the depth of characters and setting! Tooley’s absolute joy to have Gyp as his pup, and the minister’s love and care! I loved it all, and found myself fully immersed in Tooley and Gyp’s story once again—and ended up reading the whole book one afternoon and evening (at 150 pages, it’s a quick read).

This book has strong characters, a gorgeous setting (although we’re never told exactly where it’s set), and has a strong faith element—I especially adored Tooley’s discovery of his heavenly Father’s loving care, and the way that spread to and changed others. Plus, this has a bit of mystery and adventure, as Tooley and Gyp are tested to the limit when Gyp is accused of killing sheep.

This is a great story, one I’ll always treasure. Highly recommended!

[Gail Poag Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. I read it at my grandmother's house as a child and I've been trying to find a copy for at least the last 5-10 years (no exaggeration!) It literally changed my life as a child by introducing me to some life-altering Biblical concepts the most important of which was "God works all things for good to those who love him and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28, KJV (writing this from memory so I may've mixed up a few words.) As a teen God would bring these words to mind whenever I was going through those tough teen times.
I was probably 9-13 when I read this and it impressed me so much. The main character is a crippled child in an impoverished community w/a mom who is ignorantly abusive, but not unloving. He finds a pup and must find a way to persuade his mom to let him keep it. A local shepherd is sure the pup is a wolf, not a dog, so Tooley (the boy) must convince him, too. A new minister in town happen upon the boy and Gyp(the pup) and Tolley's lonely life begins to change as he learns about God's love for him.
Altho this book is hard to find it was worth the effort for me to find it. Thank you to Ken Anderson for writing this book--I am currently reading it to two of my grandsons and I pray it makes as much of an impression on them as it did on me.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a touching story of a boy and his dog.