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Dogs With A Purpose
Ripley: Fire Station Five
Fire Station Five is a new Dogs with a Purpose adventure from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Dog's Purpose , W. Bruce Cameron!
Some dogs were born to lend a helping hand (or paw!).
Ripley, a Border Collie puppy, is one of them. He’s smart, fast, and very good with people. He seems like the perfect fit for Ben’s fire department! But all of Ripley’s smarts won’t matter if he can’t learn to calm down and follow orders.
Then, in the aftermath of a house fire, Ripley forms an unbreakable bond with a young girl named Samantha. Helping her overcome her fear may just be the key to becoming the perfect fire rescue dog.
More Tales from Bruce Cameron!
FROM
THE PUPPY TALES
Ellie's Story / Bailey's Story / Molly's Story / Max's Story / Lily's Story / Shelby's Story / Toby's Story / Bella's Story / Cooper's Story / Lacey's Story
THE LILY TO THE RESCUE
Lily to the Rescue / Lily to the Two Little Piggies / Lily to the The Not-So-Stinky Skunk / Lily to the Dog Dog Goose / Lily to the Lost Little Leopard / Lily to the The Misfit Donkey / Lily to the Foxes in a Fix / Lily to the The Three Bears
THE DOGS WITH A PURPOSE SERIES :
Water Rescue / Fire Station Five
FROM
THE DOG'S PURPOSE
A Dog's Purpose / A Dog's Journey / A Dog's Promise
THE DOG'S WAY HOME
A Dog's Way Home / A Dog's Courage
OTHER TITLES FROM
Love, Diary of a Good Dog
A Dog's Perfect Christmas
The Dogs of Christmas
The Dog Master
Emory's Gift
THE RUDDY MCCAN
The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man / Repo Madness / The Midnight Dog of the Repo Man
Some dogs were born to lend a helping hand (or paw!).
Ripley, a Border Collie puppy, is one of them. He’s smart, fast, and very good with people. He seems like the perfect fit for Ben’s fire department! But all of Ripley’s smarts won’t matter if he can’t learn to calm down and follow orders.
Then, in the aftermath of a house fire, Ripley forms an unbreakable bond with a young girl named Samantha. Helping her overcome her fear may just be the key to becoming the perfect fire rescue dog.
More Tales from Bruce Cameron!
FROM
THE PUPPY TALES
Ellie's Story / Bailey's Story / Molly's Story / Max's Story / Lily's Story / Shelby's Story / Toby's Story / Bella's Story / Cooper's Story / Lacey's Story
THE LILY TO THE RESCUE
Lily to the Rescue / Lily to the Two Little Piggies / Lily to the The Not-So-Stinky Skunk / Lily to the Dog Dog Goose / Lily to the Lost Little Leopard / Lily to the The Misfit Donkey / Lily to the Foxes in a Fix / Lily to the The Three Bears
THE DOGS WITH A PURPOSE SERIES :
Water Rescue / Fire Station Five
FROM
THE DOG'S PURPOSE
A Dog's Purpose / A Dog's Journey / A Dog's Promise
THE DOG'S WAY HOME
A Dog's Way Home / A Dog's Courage
OTHER TITLES FROM
Love, Diary of a Good Dog
A Dog's Perfect Christmas
The Dogs of Christmas
The Dog Master
Emory's Gift
THE RUDDY MCCAN
The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man / Repo Madness / The Midnight Dog of the Repo Man
304 pages, Hardcover
Published August 27, 2024
55 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
W. Bruce Cameron
96 books4,504 followersI’ve always loved dogs, which puts me in a unique category along with what, maybe two or three billion people?
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 29, 2024
This is a story about a dog who becomes a fire search and rescue dog. It follows his journey from a puppy to his training to his job.
This book is meant for children aged 8-12 it says online on Amazon, but it is definitely suitable and enjoyable for adults too. I personally think that based on the writing style it should actually be enjoyable for anyone middle school age or older.
It’s a very cute story watching his journey as a border collie puppy that is wild and out of control to learning commands and tasks and being able to accomplish great things. Also the stories of his owners and their journeys are incredible too.
Lots of exciting stories of rescues that I really enjoyed. I def recommend this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing group for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is meant for children aged 8-12 it says online on Amazon, but it is definitely suitable and enjoyable for adults too. I personally think that based on the writing style it should actually be enjoyable for anyone middle school age or older.
It’s a very cute story watching his journey as a border collie puppy that is wild and out of control to learning commands and tasks and being able to accomplish great things. Also the stories of his owners and their journeys are incredible too.
Lots of exciting stories of rescues that I really enjoyed. I def recommend this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing group for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2024
*****I received this ARC ebook free from NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.
Calling all dog lovers! Ripley: Fire Station Five is a wonderful story of a dog who finds his purpose in life. He gets trained as a search dog as well as becoming an emotional support for 1 of his trainers. I loved how this was written from the dog’s perspective. I have read other books from this author and always enjoy them!!
Calling all dog lovers! Ripley: Fire Station Five is a wonderful story of a dog who finds his purpose in life. He gets trained as a search dog as well as becoming an emotional support for 1 of his trainers. I loved how this was written from the dog’s perspective. I have read other books from this author and always enjoy them!!
March 9, 2024
Ripley is quite a dog. He has a rough start. He doesn't fit where he was placed. Then firefighter Ben comes along. Ben is determined to help Ripley find his purpose. On the way to getting him ready, Samantha and her mom Lizzy enter the picture. They help train Ripley but Ripley also brings healing to Samantha's issues. I loved this book. The plot and the characters were amazing. I have several of the Dog's Purpose and Puppy Tales in my library but this is the first one I read myself. I will definitely read more.
I received this advanced copy in exchange of writing my review for NetGalley.
I received this advanced copy in exchange of writing my review for NetGalley.
January 21, 2026
This is a Children's/Middle Grade book, and this is the second book in the Dogs with a Purpose series. I have not read the first book in this series before picking up this book. I loved that this book was told from Ripley the dog's point of view. I also loved Ripley so much, and I loved the other characters in this book. I loved the change in Ripley and Samantha throughout this book. This book was so much fun to read. This is a heart warming and cute read. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
November 22, 2025
Very sweet story for upper elementary school/middle school. I read this because my kid did, and we both enjoyed it.
September 7, 2024
It is a well-known fact that we, the collective members of my familial clan, are longtime enthusiastic fans of W. Bruce Cameron’s impressive body of work. (How many books has he published now? 38 or somewhere in the reasonable vicinity thereof? I have lost count.) In any case, we thoroughly enjoy every book he has ever written, and every time he writes a new one, I make sure to tell the world about it.
Bruce Cameron is a brilliant author who pens spirited, profoundly meaningful stories full of heart and adventure. His novels tackle universally compelling topics that are both relevant to today’s issues and timeless in equal measures. The setting is different in every story, but what reliably remains the same is a cast of genuinely likable and relatable characters driving the plot forward and onward, keeping the reader invested and engaged.
Ripley: Fire Station Five, Cameron’s latest installment in his Dogs with a Purpose series, is no exception to this rule! Ripley’s story captures the reader’s attention from the first sentence of the opening paragraph and will keep you riveted all the way through to the novel’s tender concluding scene.
I won’t give away any plot spoilers here, so you will have to read it for yourself to discover the many wonderful moments contained within this magnificent book that is sure to delight readers of all ages.
I will, however, disclose that there are several particularly extra-special, touching, heartwarming elements for me, personally, in Ripley.
Firstly, the main human character in the novel is a 13-year-old girl whose name is Samantha, she is nicknamed Sammie, and she is homeschooled.
I have a 12-and-a-half-year-old daughter named Samantha, who is also nicknamed Sammie and is homeschooled!
Secondly, the Samantha in the novel suffers from an anxiety disorder which she learns to effectively manage throughout the course of the story. Adorable, intelligent blue merle border collie Ripley, the canine character Sammie trains to become a search and rescue dog for Fire Station Five, is an integral part of this process.
My Samantha has also experienced personal struggles with anxiety. Our dog Dexter, a rescue mutt of predominantly Jack Russell lineage, has for many years been an important part of Samantha’s anxiety management.
(* Side note digression of significance: The topics of anxiety disorders and general mental health are extremely important, relevant, current issues for many pre-teens and teenagers in this country and across the globe and are most worthy of our attention and consideration.)
W. Bruce Cameron once again demonstrates the precision of his finger on humanity’s collective pulse with Ripley: Fire Station Five.
Okay, I will now return to my list of serendipitous synchronicities!
Ripley was born on February 14, Valentine’s Day. Our dog, Dexter, was also born on February 14!
Samantha’s mother’s name is Lizzy (which we can reasonably assume is a nickname for or derivative of the fine Biblical name Elizabeth.)
Why, goodness gracious, my name is Elizabeth, and my family members and close friends all call me Lizzy!
This novel has everything a reader could ever want, and now that I’ve devoured its pages on my own, I am reading it for a second time with my Samantha, who cannot help but feel honored by seeing a fictional version of herself immortalized in the pages of a W. Bruce Cameron novel.
Especially since he is her favorite author! Plus, all of the illustrations of Samantha in the novel look just like her.
You won’t want to miss out on this modern-day classic from one of the most prolific and powerful authors of our time.
Bruce Cameron is a brilliant author who pens spirited, profoundly meaningful stories full of heart and adventure. His novels tackle universally compelling topics that are both relevant to today’s issues and timeless in equal measures. The setting is different in every story, but what reliably remains the same is a cast of genuinely likable and relatable characters driving the plot forward and onward, keeping the reader invested and engaged.
Ripley: Fire Station Five, Cameron’s latest installment in his Dogs with a Purpose series, is no exception to this rule! Ripley’s story captures the reader’s attention from the first sentence of the opening paragraph and will keep you riveted all the way through to the novel’s tender concluding scene.
I won’t give away any plot spoilers here, so you will have to read it for yourself to discover the many wonderful moments contained within this magnificent book that is sure to delight readers of all ages.
I will, however, disclose that there are several particularly extra-special, touching, heartwarming elements for me, personally, in Ripley.
Firstly, the main human character in the novel is a 13-year-old girl whose name is Samantha, she is nicknamed Sammie, and she is homeschooled.
I have a 12-and-a-half-year-old daughter named Samantha, who is also nicknamed Sammie and is homeschooled!
Secondly, the Samantha in the novel suffers from an anxiety disorder which she learns to effectively manage throughout the course of the story. Adorable, intelligent blue merle border collie Ripley, the canine character Sammie trains to become a search and rescue dog for Fire Station Five, is an integral part of this process.
My Samantha has also experienced personal struggles with anxiety. Our dog Dexter, a rescue mutt of predominantly Jack Russell lineage, has for many years been an important part of Samantha’s anxiety management.
(* Side note digression of significance: The topics of anxiety disorders and general mental health are extremely important, relevant, current issues for many pre-teens and teenagers in this country and across the globe and are most worthy of our attention and consideration.)
W. Bruce Cameron once again demonstrates the precision of his finger on humanity’s collective pulse with Ripley: Fire Station Five.
Okay, I will now return to my list of serendipitous synchronicities!
Ripley was born on February 14, Valentine’s Day. Our dog, Dexter, was also born on February 14!
Samantha’s mother’s name is Lizzy (which we can reasonably assume is a nickname for or derivative of the fine Biblical name Elizabeth.)
Why, goodness gracious, my name is Elizabeth, and my family members and close friends all call me Lizzy!
This novel has everything a reader could ever want, and now that I’ve devoured its pages on my own, I am reading it for a second time with my Samantha, who cannot help but feel honored by seeing a fictional version of herself immortalized in the pages of a W. Bruce Cameron novel.
Especially since he is her favorite author! Plus, all of the illustrations of Samantha in the novel look just like her.
You won’t want to miss out on this modern-day classic from one of the most prolific and powerful authors of our time.
October 11, 2024
Good golly, I LOVED this book. I love what the author is doing with these books. Ripley’s story was engaging and so fun to read. The puppy antics were fun and relatable. I love that the author brings forward tough subjects (in this case, PTSD/anxiety) and presents them in such a fun way. There are so many teachable moments for kids in these books but in an engaging, fun way that doesn’t feel like teaching. Told from the dogs perspective, I could not get enough of Ripley and his “people”!
April 8, 2025
Great audio version of this middle grade adventure. ripley's voice is just perfect a he learns life lessons, and excels and bein a working dog as well as a loving protector to his girl and his family. Jus perfect.
March 2, 2025
My son and I enjoyed this book about an amazing dog named Ripley. The story is told entirely from Ripley’s perspective. Such a great read for any dog lover. I highly recommend this book!
March 31, 2025
Super cute book! We listened to it in the car on a road trip with my 7yo boy. He really enjoyed it too. It made the road trip so fun!
March 23, 2025
While this book’s target audience is middle-grade readers, there’s plenty for adults to enjoy also. I appreciated learning about dogs involved in search and rescue. I always enjoy Cameron’s signature canine POV, getting into dogs’ psyches to the point where maybe we need to test Cameron’s DNA to see if he’s part pooch; he understands them so well. And while Cameron’s books are always fun, they also often tackle difficult subjects with grace, and this is no exception. And with as many kids who struggle with anxiety these days, this story is a great way to perhaps start a conversation.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the advanced reader ebook.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor for the advanced reader ebook.
October 10, 2025
Dalmatians are my favorite so when this book was first announced on Instagram, that cover was love at first sight. It’s super cute, it makes you want to hug the dog straight out of it.
Ripley loved his Dalmatian family and he had other siblings named Roxie, Reggie, Repo (a nod to the repo madness series), and Rio. He was intended to be a guide dog for the blind but his behavior didn’t let the program accept him, so a fireman named Ben was hoping that he would make a great fire dog since he was very smart. When he came home, he almost shredded up Ben’s furniture because dalmatians are very hyper. Most dalmatians are really shy but Ripley was very brave as he tried to defeat a rabid raccoon. He later tried to get trained, but he just can’t learn to calm down and follow orders. Ripley went to therapy with Samantha and tried to keep her calm. Ben and Izzy talked about Ripley's training and he also discovered his daily routine. Ripley tried to help Samantha save Izzy after she broke a bone while raking leaves on a roof. The gang went to a fake code blue emergency and Ripley was worried that Auntie Emily was replacing Mother Izzy. Samantha took Ripley to the mall because Dalmatians need to be socialized, but it just made her fear of going out worse. Ben and Rosie came to rescue Samantha and Ripley from the strangers, and tried again the next day. Samantha was really worried about Ripley going to the fire department, because she was afraid that he could get hurt. Ripley was off to work and one of the firefighters mistakened him for a German Shorthair Pointer. Butch and Ben were arguing about whether the Dalmatian should stay or go. Ripley went on his very first rescue mission which was a lady trapped in a car at the bottom of a mountain. Ripley was feeling homesick so he took an adventure all the way to Samantha’s house but Ben was pretty mad about it. Ripley and the rescue team tried to look for a missing woman, but had no luck, until the daring dal used his nosy sniffing powers to find the victim deaf. Riley played Search with Sam and even celebrated Halloween. Samantha was rewarded with some firefighting gear at the station while Ripley learns how to use a gas mask for when they go into a smoky building. Ripley did search again but Butch hired someone to spray water at him so he could get kicked out of training. He practiced the gas mask again for when they went into a house infused with carbon monoxide. Ripley celebrates his birthday on Valentine’s Day. There was also a big storm that just kept on getting worse. Ripley almost died in a raging river during a thundering storm, but he ended up getting a little boy back to safety. Captain Bea was retiring, so Ben had to give up Ripley when Butch made new rules. Ever since he got fired, Ripley started to go through depression, so he and his human friends went to a dog park and had a barbecue party, where they played games, ate hotdogs and marshmallows, and even sat under the stars. Ben was also thinking about proposing Izzy and even buying a big mansion so they could all live with each other. Ripley saved Butch from a smoky building that was blown up by illegal fireworks. But he was still feeling under the weather. There was a special presentation that honored Ripley where Samantha told the audience about how he changed her life and deserved to be a fire station dog. Ben and his new family eventually bought a big mansion so that they could all live together and Ripley's daily routine changed forever.
The author actually wrote this story from his own experience. The first job he did out of high school was to work for the fire department. A similar Dalmatian book I have read earlier this year was kind of depressing but this one is not at all, much rather a rollercoaster of emotions. When I was on the last few chapters, I barely wanted to let this book go and move on to my next planned read. If you love Dalmatians as much as I do, then you’re definitely going to love this book.
Ripley loved his Dalmatian family and he had other siblings named Roxie, Reggie, Repo (a nod to the repo madness series), and Rio. He was intended to be a guide dog for the blind but his behavior didn’t let the program accept him, so a fireman named Ben was hoping that he would make a great fire dog since he was very smart. When he came home, he almost shredded up Ben’s furniture because dalmatians are very hyper. Most dalmatians are really shy but Ripley was very brave as he tried to defeat a rabid raccoon. He later tried to get trained, but he just can’t learn to calm down and follow orders. Ripley went to therapy with Samantha and tried to keep her calm. Ben and Izzy talked about Ripley's training and he also discovered his daily routine. Ripley tried to help Samantha save Izzy after she broke a bone while raking leaves on a roof. The gang went to a fake code blue emergency and Ripley was worried that Auntie Emily was replacing Mother Izzy. Samantha took Ripley to the mall because Dalmatians need to be socialized, but it just made her fear of going out worse. Ben and Rosie came to rescue Samantha and Ripley from the strangers, and tried again the next day. Samantha was really worried about Ripley going to the fire department, because she was afraid that he could get hurt. Ripley was off to work and one of the firefighters mistakened him for a German Shorthair Pointer. Butch and Ben were arguing about whether the Dalmatian should stay or go. Ripley went on his very first rescue mission which was a lady trapped in a car at the bottom of a mountain. Ripley was feeling homesick so he took an adventure all the way to Samantha’s house but Ben was pretty mad about it. Ripley and the rescue team tried to look for a missing woman, but had no luck, until the daring dal used his nosy sniffing powers to find the victim deaf. Riley played Search with Sam and even celebrated Halloween. Samantha was rewarded with some firefighting gear at the station while Ripley learns how to use a gas mask for when they go into a smoky building. Ripley did search again but Butch hired someone to spray water at him so he could get kicked out of training. He practiced the gas mask again for when they went into a house infused with carbon monoxide. Ripley celebrates his birthday on Valentine’s Day. There was also a big storm that just kept on getting worse. Ripley almost died in a raging river during a thundering storm, but he ended up getting a little boy back to safety. Captain Bea was retiring, so Ben had to give up Ripley when Butch made new rules. Ever since he got fired, Ripley started to go through depression, so he and his human friends went to a dog park and had a barbecue party, where they played games, ate hotdogs and marshmallows, and even sat under the stars. Ben was also thinking about proposing Izzy and even buying a big mansion so they could all live with each other. Ripley saved Butch from a smoky building that was blown up by illegal fireworks. But he was still feeling under the weather. There was a special presentation that honored Ripley where Samantha told the audience about how he changed her life and deserved to be a fire station dog. Ben and his new family eventually bought a big mansion so that they could all live together and Ripley's daily routine changed forever.
The author actually wrote this story from his own experience. The first job he did out of high school was to work for the fire department. A similar Dalmatian book I have read earlier this year was kind of depressing but this one is not at all, much rather a rollercoaster of emotions. When I was on the last few chapters, I barely wanted to let this book go and move on to my next planned read. If you love Dalmatians as much as I do, then you’re definitely going to love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2025
I want to start off with the ending was amazing!!! I’m not gonna spoil but it really was great. I like books that are from a different perspective than normal and this book was perfect for that. It funny and also sweet what possibly goes through a dog’s mind.
August 3, 2025
Ripley is a border Collie who trains to be a rescue and fire dog. He helps lots of people, including Samantha, Ben, a boy on a rock, Mrs Larson, and Caption Hutch (two times!). Captain Hutch (aka Captain Humdinger) doesn't like dogs in the forest department, but the Chief tells him he has to let Ripley stay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2025
Loved reading this book with my class! Such a great story about a dog who was doubted & finding his purpose in life!
January 14, 2025
Every troubled, fearful person should have access to a Ripley. I loved this dog like I love my own.
August 28, 2024
A border collie puppy named Ripley is slated to become a service dog. However, he's a little too energetic to pass the training program. Instead, he is adopted by a firefighter/paramedic named Ben who thinks Ripley will make a good fire search and rescue dog. Unfortunately, another member of the fire department thinks dogs have no place in a fire station. Can Ripley prove him wrong? Teacher friends, you are going to want this book for your classrooms. Parents, this is great for your middle-grade readers. It deals with the death of a parent and childhood PSTD in gentle ways. This book is the second in W. Bruce Cameron's Dogs with a Purpose series. I can't wait to read more!
Thanks to Tor Publishing Group, Starscape, and NetGalley for a review copy of this title.
Thanks to Tor Publishing Group, Starscape, and NetGalley for a review copy of this title.
January 11, 2025
Excellent. Cameron is a genuis
His story line, character development, and believable perspective from the dog is amazing. I only wish he'd write faster. I need more.
His story line, character development, and believable perspective from the dog is amazing. I only wish he'd write faster. I need more.
April 22, 2025
This book was so good Ridley is an amazing dog and the way he saves people is amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Ripley is a blue marle Border Collie who is meant to be trained as a guide dog like his litter mates, but he is too distractable for that. Ben, a firefighter, thinks that he might be of use to the fire department, since he is an intelligent dog. When Ben is bringing him home, he notices that there is a fire at his neighbor's house. Sammie is a middle school whose father passed away in a car accident and who has been homeschooled because this made her a very anxious individual. Her therapist had suggested that Lizzy, Sammie's mother, leave her home alone for short periods to make her less dependent. The fire, which forced the girl out onto the roof of the house, did not lessen the anxiety, but Ripley does. Lizzy writes about dog training, and since Ben is a volunteer firefighter who also works at his father's business, he needs someone to watch Ripley and help with his training. Having Sammie work with the puppy seems like a solution to everyone's problems. She certainly gets along with him, but the training doesn't quite go as planned, and her social anxiety is so bad that going out to public venue to socialize him is difficult. It's even harder when Lizzy falls off a ladder that Sammie refused to hold, and ends up in a cast. The two get some help from Sammie's Aunt Emily, but since Lizzy is in a cast, it's hard for her to train Ripley and get Sammie out of the house. Ben comes up with the good idea that Sammie could spend time at the fire station training the dog to become accustomed to that environment. This is okay with the chief, but he's retiring, and his heir apparent, Hutch, is not a fan of dogs or children. Ripley gets some practice going out on calls, and Ben tries to take him into different situations to figure out how the dog will react. At the same time, Ben and Lizzy start dating, and Ben works with Sammie on her issues with being in public and being afraid of things. When Ben and several of the firefighters are involved in a water rescue, Ripley is helpful, but Hutch still put an end to Ripley and Sammie's time at the station. What will it take to change his mind?
Strengths: Like the other books in this series, this is told from Ripley's point of view, so much of the book is dog centric, which gives the story a unique perspective. Sammie's anxiety will resonate with today's young readers, and her therapy and behavior at home ring fairly true. The romance between Ben and Lizzy is light, and gives the book a bit of hope. There are good details about how to train a dog, even though I suspect that training a search and rescue dog takes a lot more consistency and rigor than is shown in this book. The search and rescue details are what draw readers to these books.
Weaknesses: I wish that this had centered more on Ripley's involvement with search and rescue. While the information and details about Sammie's anxiety were interesting, my readers who pick up dog books are more interested in action and adventure.
What I really think: Dog books are always popular in my library, and this is a good choice for readers who have delved into Cameron's Dogs with Purpose, as well as Jennifer Li Shotz's working dog books and Mason and Stephens Rescue Dogs series. The covers of Cameron's books always draw in readers with their appealing photos of dogs.
Ripley is a blue marle Border Collie who is meant to be trained as a guide dog like his litter mates, but he is too distractable for that. Ben, a firefighter, thinks that he might be of use to the fire department, since he is an intelligent dog. When Ben is bringing him home, he notices that there is a fire at his neighbor's house. Sammie is a middle school whose father passed away in a car accident and who has been homeschooled because this made her a very anxious individual. Her therapist had suggested that Lizzy, Sammie's mother, leave her home alone for short periods to make her less dependent. The fire, which forced the girl out onto the roof of the house, did not lessen the anxiety, but Ripley does. Lizzy writes about dog training, and since Ben is a volunteer firefighter who also works at his father's business, he needs someone to watch Ripley and help with his training. Having Sammie work with the puppy seems like a solution to everyone's problems. She certainly gets along with him, but the training doesn't quite go as planned, and her social anxiety is so bad that going out to public venue to socialize him is difficult. It's even harder when Lizzy falls off a ladder that Sammie refused to hold, and ends up in a cast. The two get some help from Sammie's Aunt Emily, but since Lizzy is in a cast, it's hard for her to train Ripley and get Sammie out of the house. Ben comes up with the good idea that Sammie could spend time at the fire station training the dog to become accustomed to that environment. This is okay with the chief, but he's retiring, and his heir apparent, Hutch, is not a fan of dogs or children. Ripley gets some practice going out on calls, and Ben tries to take him into different situations to figure out how the dog will react. At the same time, Ben and Lizzy start dating, and Ben works with Sammie on her issues with being in public and being afraid of things. When Ben and several of the firefighters are involved in a water rescue, Ripley is helpful, but Hutch still put an end to Ripley and Sammie's time at the station. What will it take to change his mind?
Strengths: Like the other books in this series, this is told from Ripley's point of view, so much of the book is dog centric, which gives the story a unique perspective. Sammie's anxiety will resonate with today's young readers, and her therapy and behavior at home ring fairly true. The romance between Ben and Lizzy is light, and gives the book a bit of hope. There are good details about how to train a dog, even though I suspect that training a search and rescue dog takes a lot more consistency and rigor than is shown in this book. The search and rescue details are what draw readers to these books.
Weaknesses: I wish that this had centered more on Ripley's involvement with search and rescue. While the information and details about Sammie's anxiety were interesting, my readers who pick up dog books are more interested in action and adventure.
What I really think: Dog books are always popular in my library, and this is a good choice for readers who have delved into Cameron's Dogs with Purpose, as well as Jennifer Li Shotz's working dog books and Mason and Stephens Rescue Dogs series. The covers of Cameron's books always draw in readers with their appealing photos of dogs.
January 2, 2025
There were several things as I was reading that felt off/odd, but this was a print book from the library, so I couldn't mark them. The only one I remember well is the water rescue. They were supposed to be trained in water rescue but Ben doesn't take into account the current when deciding where to put Ripley in the water?? And he doesn't attach a rope to Ripley's harness to pull him back with?? And maybe there's some reason I'm unaware of, but why not have the kid put the rope around HIMSELF & tighten it up, then he can hold the rope & Ripley, & the FD crew can pull back that rope & the one that should've been attached to Ripley.
Another scene that confused me was after they put somebody in the back of the ambulance & closed the back doors, & then Ben called Ripley & attached him to his car harness thing, & then Roxy was driving. Huh? For Ben to call Ripley suggested he was outside the vehicle after the back doors were shut. That would suggest Roxy was in the back with the patient. You wouldn't leave nobody with the patient. Isn't the thing Ripley gets attached to in the front? But then ROXY is driving. Is there a pass-thru door between the front & back areas of this ambulance? That was never clear to me. The movement of the people was just a mish-mash here.
I listened to most of Cameron's middle-grade books in the car with a 4th-grader last year, & we both enjoyed them. (I'm an adult.) This one feels like it's for a younger audience. At the end are reading group topics & questions, & it says this is for grades 3-7. So...it was ok for me, but I've enjoyed other middle-grade books more. I was at least relieved to learn the dog was going to have a mask & oxygen on while in the smoky fires.
Another scene that confused me was after they put somebody in the back of the ambulance & closed the back doors, & then Ben called Ripley & attached him to his car harness thing, & then Roxy was driving. Huh? For Ben to call Ripley suggested he was outside the vehicle after the back doors were shut. That would suggest Roxy was in the back with the patient. You wouldn't leave nobody with the patient. Isn't the thing Ripley gets attached to in the front? But then ROXY is driving. Is there a pass-thru door between the front & back areas of this ambulance? That was never clear to me. The movement of the people was just a mish-mash here.
I listened to most of Cameron's middle-grade books in the car with a 4th-grader last year, & we both enjoyed them. (I'm an adult.) This one feels like it's for a younger audience. At the end are reading group topics & questions, & it says this is for grades 3-7. So...it was ok for me, but I've enjoyed other middle-grade books more. I was at least relieved to learn the dog was going to have a mask & oxygen on while in the smoky fires.
May 28, 2024
This story begins with a litter of puppies, and a Border Collie named Ripley who changes the life of Ben, a firefighter and the man who adopts Ripley, as well.
As he is carried from the only home he has known, leaving his brothers and sisters behind, Ripley begins to fall asleep, but is awakened when he hears Ben tell him that there is a house fire, and they need to get there to help.
Soon after, needing someone to help train Ripley, Samantha, along with her mother Lizzy, become a part of Ripley’s life. Ripley is drawn to Samantha from the start, sensing that she needs him, that he could help her heal from her trauma from the past, and their bond is formed quickly.
A sweet story, at times, this also shares some moments of danger, but there is also a lot of love, in many forms.
Pub Date: 27 Aug 2024
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Tor Publishing Group/Starscape
February 9, 2025
W. Bruce Cameron’s Ripley: Fire Station Five is a heartwarming story told from the perspective of Ripley, a blue merle Border Collie who helps his owner, firefighter Ben, and later Sammie, a young girl with anxiety. Cameron skillfully addresses tough topics like PTSD and anxiety in an engaging and educational way for young readers. The bond between Sammie and Ripley is beautifully portrayed, highlighting the healing power of dogs. Cameron once again delivers a meaningful, emotional tale, making this book a must-read for dog lovers and those seeking well-written, heart-warming stories.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and W. Bruce Cameron for an eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and W. Bruce Cameron for an eARC.
January 11, 2025
This was the first of his books that I’ve read.
Not too impressed. Plot gaps. Assumptions. Incorrect information about rescue scenarios.
Even though the audience would typically be juvenile readers, some of these things should be improved.
I did appreciate that adolescent anxiety was brought to light.
Not too impressed. Plot gaps. Assumptions. Incorrect information about rescue scenarios.
Even though the audience would typically be juvenile readers, some of these things should be improved.
I did appreciate that adolescent anxiety was brought to light.
July 23, 2025
My wife has been reading books to our grandchildren, 11 and 9, "forever". Recently she read A Dog's Purpose by W Bruce Cameron, looked up other books he wrote, and saw the Dog's With A Purpose series of Junior Fiction books. This is the first one in the series they have read together. Both kids say "10 out of 10". They have already selected the next one to read.
April 28, 2025
Really cute book! Been a dog owner my whole life and seen countless dog movies but never from this perspective. It’s obviously fiction but the author definitely knows its breeds and their behaviors. Two thumbs up!
October 24, 2024
Not as good as the other ones but still a good book
January 6, 2025
I'm not a fan of the main books thisbseries is based off if but I do love these
February 16, 2025
Told from the dog’s perspective, Ripley describes his training and purpose as a fire station and trauma support dog.
May 9, 2025
Little to no excitement in the book. I give at most 3 stars because it’s about a dog. That’s the positive out of it!
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