Penny: The Story of a Free-Soul Basset Hound

by Hal Borland

“Some dogs, like some people, just can’t abide a quiet life,” writes Hal Borland, author of The Dog Who Came to Stay, in this warm and touching memoir.
 
Penny the basset shows up at the Borlands’ Connecticut farmhouse on a cold, snowy day—head held high, tail wagging, as if she were a long-awaited guest. Hal and Barbara Borland were no strangers to strays. Pat, the rabbit hound thousands of readers came to know in The Dog Who Came to Stay, had also appeared one winter, staying to become the family’s dear companion. Now, Pat is gone, and Hal and Barbara are bereft without canine company. They fall in love with Penny—and she seems to fit right in.
 
Penny is a delightful dog—short-legged, flop-eared, full of fun and curiosity. And she loves people, so much so that she leaves the Borlands to go visiting elsewhere, often settling in with a different family for days on end. Indeed, Hal and Barbara admire her for her spirit of individuality and independence.
 
Though she never truly belonged to them, the Borlands agreed that Penny was a dog well worth loving—and so will readers.
 

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals, Nature

Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 1972

About the author

Harold Glen Borland was a nature journalist. During World War II he wrote radio programs for the government and served as special magazine correspondent. He had written several documentary movies, two volumes of poetry, a volume of essays, has collaborated on a play, and has contributed many non-fiction articles, short stories and novelettes to leading magazines here and abroad.

Mr. Borland was graduated from the Columbia School of Journalism. He also attended the University of Colorado and received a Litt.D. from there in 1944.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

One day a nice-looking, well-mannered basset hound shows up at Hal and Barbara Borland's Connecticut farmhouse and makes herself at home. The Borlands name her Penny but soon learn that the dog lives elsewhere and is named Pokey. Pokey-Penny (as Hal calls her) is brought back to her original family but starts nipping at the local kids and is returned to the Borlands permanently.

Penny is a quirky gal with a mind of her own. She enjoys walks with the Borlands but also likes to take off by herself, returning tired and mud-spattered.



The basset hound visits local families to cadge treats and has her own 'charge account' at the butcher shop - where she's given bones.



Penny almost wrecks the living room chasing a ball and chews up Hal's hat. She hangs out with Hal when he's writing and shelters with Barbara during thunderstorms. When the basset hound is hungry she stands at the fridge.....and she can put away an ENORMOUS amount of food. The book has lots of stories like this about Penny, many of which will be familiar to dog owners.





In one of my favorite anecdotes Penny refuses her kibble, only deigning to eat canned dog food or cereal and milk. Wanting to use up the kibble they bought, the Borlands crush it and put it in the bird feeder. The birds don't like the kibble either and toss it on the ground....where Penny happily consumes it all (ha ha ha).



In another amusing tale, Hal relates that Penny has her own 'bus pass.' During the pooch's lone perambulations she sometimes waits at school bus stops to hitch a ride home. That's one smart dog!!



Unfortunately Penny has some bad habits as well. She chases trucks on the road and harasses the neighbor's cows - a big no no. When Penny can't be broken of these behaviors she's given away to a dog-loving family that lives in a safer environment...and one day Penny disappears.



In addition to stories about Penny Hal writes A LOT about nature: the changing seasons; flowers; trees; birds; rabbits, woodchucks; other animals; weather; temperature; rain; snow; thunder; lightning; etc. The descriptions are picturesque, but I didn't find these parts very interesting.





The last part of the book is composed of two rather long, fanciful stories - one by Hal and one by Barbara - of what may have happened to Penny. These two yarns read like children's tales and might make good bedtime stories....but again, not that interesting to me.

My favorite parts of the book are about Penny and I hope - wherever she went- that Penny had a good life. If you're a dog lover, you'll probably enjoy this book. It will make you smile.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author's estate for a copy of this book.

Your can follow my reviews at: http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/

[Jessaka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Penny, A Free Soul Dog by Hal

A Free-Range Bassett Hound

I have always liked the idea of a dog being allowed to roam. They could visit your neighbors and go downtown to visit the merchants, go swim in someone’s pool, or the city pool, go to river if you have one, and so on. But dogs, unlike people, also roam in packs and get into trouble. Well, that is not unlike people when I think of it. If ther are farm dogs that sometimes roam in packs, and they sometimes kill calves, sheep, cats and free-range chickens, just like some people. Still, I like the idea. Good dogs should be allowed to roam.

Hal and his wife Barbara live on the country, and one day when Hal opened his front dog a dog walked in, a basset hound, which we soon learn is a breed of dog that loves to roam.

They fed her corn flakes with milk. They made phone calls. No one had lost a dog, much less a basset hound. They decide to keep her and named her Penny. will claim Penny, I know I wouldn’t have, they named her Penny.

Then one day Hal wrote an article about her for the newspaper, and Penny’s owners contacted him. Penny went home and lost her new name on the way. But Penny would not stay home. She continued to roam, get lost and not return. Soon, she found her way to Hal and Barbar’s home. They returned her to her rightful owner, again. But the story doesn’t end here, and I didn’t wish it to either because it was helping me get to sleep every night for three nights.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever owned a dog with a mind all her own? A dog that loves to be with you but loves to explore, wander, and have you pick her up a few miles away?

We found one of our Labs when I was kid swimming at a nearby pond. He was swimming too, and he seemed to like us and wanted to be with us. We took him home and called his owner who lives in several towns away from ours. He didn’t want the Lab, and was willing to throw in a doghouse as well.

And so I soon had one of the best friends I had growing up. Our dog – my sister gave him the cutsy name, Pepi – with an ‘i’ – and Pepi didn’t spend many nights in his doghouse; instead, he slept at the foot of my bed – he kept my feet toasty through those cold winter nights, ran with me on my English 3-speed Racer; explored the many acre woods behind our house; hunted woodchucks even cornered one in our garage (I roped the woodchuck, dragged him out, and, much to Pepi’s disgust, set that one free), one skunk (tomato juice really does work!) and explored other homes miles from ours – we would get the phone calls and go pick him up.

That’s what this book is about – Hal Borland’s wandering Basset, Penny, who adopted them one day only to be discovered belonging to a family some miles away; how, heartbroken, they returned Penny, only to find her back on their doorstep. Finally the family kept her chained most of the time till they decided to give her to the Borlands.

But the Borlands couldn’t keep her either. Why?

You will have to read this marvelous tale by one of our greatest outdoor and writers about dogs we have had – I guarantee this will be one you will remember and want to give to your friends and family

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
This is a great read if you love dogs.
A true story of a dogs tale.

[Lis Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Previously, Hal Borland told us the story of Pat, The Dog Who Came to Stay. Penny is more, "the dog who came to visit."

Hal and his wife Barbara are outside their home in Connecticut in a still cold and snowy late winter when a basset hound neither of them knows turns up. She comes and goes, and then seems to settle in. They can't find an owner. And while they say they don't want another dog, they name her Penny, buy her a collar and leash license and dog food, and start teaching her the rules of their house.

Then a neighbor in their little town writes a story for the local paper about "the new dog who came to stay" with the Borlands. And now, they get a phone call from a family that thinks Penny may be their own missing Pokey.

She is, and Pokey-Penny returns to her owners. For a while. But she's a wanderer, and wanders again. And when her owners chain her in the garage, well, that doesn't work out well.

So she returns to the Borlands, who allow more wandering, and don't chain her, and don't have little kids who behave badly around dogs.

But she remains a wanderer, and she chases cows, goes nuts at the sight of streetsweepers, or horses, or pavers. It's a stress on everyone, and a dog who chases cattle risks getting shot.

The Borlands turn to Sylvia, a basset-loving acquaintance over the state line in Massachusetts, who has advised them on Penny before.

Penny is a sweet, but definitely free-spirited dog, who will only ever be a guest in any home. You'll enjoy getting to know her.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this one up on kindle because of the picture of the beautiful basset hound on the cover. This one left me a little bit flat, though.

Hounds are, and have always been, my favorite. I was the former owner of a beautiful female basset hound that left too soon. Basset's are my favorite of all the hounds. The drool, the long ears, the baying bark, they are too good for this world.

Although the connection between Borland and Penny/Pokey was there, it didn't seem to be the connection that I might have hoped for. I guess that in the 1960s, or whenever Penny lived with the Borland's, it was custom for dogs to be less confined? Either way, Penny was a free spirit and there was no confining her. (In this, she reminded me of my basset who always wanted to lead a life of wandering.)

My favorite scene was Penny in the water, which reminded me much of a time when my basset thought it would be a good idea to jump in the pool - she soon discovered that bassets are not really water dogs.

[Dawn-Lorraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though it's well written and gives a good sense about a dog's character, this book is disappointing. It feels very dated (it was written in the 70s and is being re-released) - something in the same vein but written within the past few years would probably be more enjoyable. Also, the way the author treated dogs is pretty irresponsible. Letting your dog just roam free, not caring what happens, passing it back and forth between different owners - again, a lot of this was due to the time it was written. But it's not enjoyable to read about how little they actually seemed to care about the well being of Penny, even though they claimed they liked her. This is not a book I would recommend.

(Complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for review.)

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have rated this four stars but for the end of the book in which the author and his wife speculate about what might have happened to her. I did not find that particularly interesting. Having shared our home with three bassets, I really enjoyed the rest of the book.

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever had a Basset Hound, this book will give you many chuckles. Penny, incorrigible, independent, and blessed with the incurable wanderlust, was the queen of adventure. Once again, Hal Borland can bring any story to life.

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the true story of Penny, the basset hound. Hal and Barbara Borland were authors who lived on a farm in Connecticut. One day a basset hound arrived at their door. They fed the dog and let her stay with them while they tried to find out the owner. Not able to find the owner, they decided to keep her and named her Penny.

Being a basset hound, Penny liked to wander and was welcomed in the community. Sometimes she'd be gone for a couple hours ... sometimes she'd be gone for days. They considered her a "free-soul" ... rather than keeping her contained, they let her roam free. Personally I wouldn't have because it didn't sound safe ... she could have been hurt in the woods, run down by cars, etc. but it was a different time and a different place. Penny could be frustrating when she caught the scent of a rabbit or chased the nearby cows. But deep down, Hal and Barbara loved Penny and she loved them in her own way (and she loved everyone else too).

This book was originally published in 1972 (Hal and Barbara are long gone). It was a simpler time ... Hal and Barbara played records, there was no Internet and people actually called each other on the phone and/or wrote letters. Despite being written more than 40 years ago, I liked this book ... I enjoy stories about dogs and animals.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2016/08...

[RiffRaffAK · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part real life, part fiction

This is a very slow-paced story, like the life of the author. It is a relaxing read about a basset who sought food, shelter and companionship from the author and his wife on her birthday. Penny, the name the author chose for her, gets into dog mischief. But not like Marley. Penny's stories develop as the changing of the seasons. Hal Borland paints a lovely picture of his Connecticut farm as spring turns to summer, then fall and eventually winter.

(Spoiler Alert) The section that I found difficult were the 2 chapters of Penny's fictional life after she had gone missing from even the lady the author had given the basset. I wondered how the author was going to finish a story when he didn't know the ending. Some readers will like the two chapters of fantasy. I found them incongruent with the rest of the book.

[Dicey100 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the telling of the impact this dog had on so many people!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book about a Basset Hound that was owned by everyone and no one. She breezed in and out of the lives of the writer and his neighbors. I like how in the end the writer and his wife write their on speculative chapter on where Penny disappeared to and what became of her. If you are a dog lover, this is a must read.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED Penny's personality and her random zaniness, especially her habit of tossing and flipping rawhide bones in the air. I did not love how the story ends, dangling and unfinished, with Penny's random disappearance. I suspect that her story did not end happily, but we'll never know, and now it's going to bother me forever.

[Kim Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some dogs, like some people, just can't abide a quiet life,” writes Hal Borland Author of Penny. A well written book that takes the reader back to a simpler life and time. I found myself laughing at the antics of Penny and Hal. Then wondering and crying over Penny's fate. Hoping she finally found a home and place she didn't feel like leaving.

[Cdnkiwi80 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book, but disappointed at how abruptly it ended. I also found that there was no resolution to the story of Penny, so I have been left wondering.

[Roger Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

Started very well and generally a good story. Crashed at the end in a very unexpected way. Had higher hopes.

[Classic reverie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hal Borland's "Penny: The Story of a Free-Soul Basket Hound" is a deliciously wonderful dog read which is quite funny. It seems to be a true story by writer, Borland who had prior written a dog story.

Story in short- The Borland had a visitor that wagged her tail into their life but is she too much of a free spirit.

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I said, “I canceled her license in Salisbury, so I think we’d better take the Salisbury tag off.” “Yeah,” Tom said. “Yeah. I’ve been meaning to get her a license over
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here, but—well, you know, you put things off.” He got a pair of pliers and took the tag off Penny’s collar and handed it to me. “Tomorrow. I’ll try to get the license tomorrow. If you’re sure you don’t want her now.” “No,” I said. “She’s yours, and your wife says she loves her, and you obviously do.” I laughed. “She’s your problem child.” “That’s for sure,” Tom said, shaking his head.
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Two days later Penny arrived again. I had gone to the village to mail some urgent letters, and when I came home I saw two dogs coming down the road. One looked familiar.
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Sure enough, it was Penny-Pokey, looking sleek and self-satisfied and thoroughly independent. With her was a nondescript white mongrel, one of those skittish dogs that are constantly on the dodge, expecting a kick or a thrown stone. They came past the garage just as I stopped at the mailbox, and Penny hesitated, looked at me, wagged her tail, obviously wanted to be greeted and welcomed. I ignored her, took the mail on into the house, then went back to put the car away. The dogs had vanished, absolutely vanished
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as though they had disappeared into thin air. I decided not to tell Barbara that Penny had been here. We went through the mail. One letter required an immediate answer, a business matter, so I went to the upstairs telephone and called New York. While I was talking I heard Barbara at the front door, then heard her shout, “Here is Pokey-Penny!”

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“Where’s the white mongrel?” “What white mongrel?” “I saw the two of them, coming down the road together, when I came in the driveway.” Barbara shook her head. “She was all alone when I went to the door.”
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Fifteen minutes later Carol arrived. “I just don’t know what to do if she keeps on like this,” she said. “We’ll have to do something.” “Let us know,” Barbara said, “if you have to get rid of her. Meanwhile, if she shows up here we’ll feed her and treat her kindly and either take her home or call you to come and get her.”
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yellow lady’s slipper
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I came home, and I was barely in the door when Barbara said, “We’ve got a dog.” “What? Again?” “For good this time. Carol phoned about an hour ago, said they have to get rid of her and would we please take her. I said yes.” “Of course.” “I said you were down at the lake and we would be over and get her as soon as you got home.” “All right, put on a jacket and come on.” She hesitated. “Are you sure?”

❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert


Penny had started at Tom and Carol's home and then she started to wander around town and showed up at the Borlands who later adopted her but Penny started to wander once more, also chasing trucks and cows on the farm. Penny loved causing trouble, so the Borlands found another home away from farm animals, the free spirit eventually left that home looking for something and never been heard of again. Penny seemed to disappear and the Borlands think she might be in heaven with Pat, their beloved dog.

[Christie B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different time for a dog

Fun to read and think of the time, not all that long ago, but in some ways, light years away. When a dog was free to run wild and visit various sites and get into mischief without much worry. But at the same time, while still well loved, a dog was not as integrated into the family and very likely to live a much shorter life. A good tale of one special dog, penny, who was of that time who was more making an appearance in whatever households happened upon than she was a dog who was owned.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free copy from Netgalley and sadly did not post a review when I was suppose too. I was overwhelmed with caring for my mom. I am so sorry to the Hal!

This is such a cute story about a neighborhood dog! Everybody thinks they own the dog, but she has a mind of his own! It tells you how much I liked the book that it stuck in my mind two years later!! ❤️

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Penny *was* a free soul. I wish the book had been written more from her perspective, but in real life we have to guess what our dogs are thinking, so I guess this is OK. Worth reading, but not a keeper to read again later.

[emily ☁️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐
this book is really a cute little read about a dog. i wish the book would've been fiction instead of hal's story with penny, but it was still a cute story. also, the last couple chapters really confused me until they were explained.

[Marylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking...

[Sherrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was a stretch, telling the story of a dog they owned for a few months. Felt as though the author was making up stories to fill the space.

[Jennifer Hoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this true story of a free-spirited Basset Hound named Penny that belonged to everybody and nobody at the same time! I highly recommend this to dog lovers!

[Calisto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a lovely read... Hal Borland brings to life............... Penny .....The basset Hound

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quaint book about a wandering basset.

[Alice Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't explain it. Penny just owned my heart...and then she broke it!

[Don Paske · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable little book. A quick read with good descriptions and enjoyable characters, especially Penny!

[Dixie Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book. I bought it mainly because my new grandpuppy is a Basset Hound named Penny!