About This Book
Reach for this book when your child expresses a desire for a pet or wants to volunteer with animals, but needs to understand that care is more than just cuddles. It is a perfect choice for middle grade readers who are beginning to navigate the complicated space between good intentions and actual responsibility. The story follows Jody, who helps his mother with animal rescues, as he works to rehabilitate a sheep dog named Moss who has been physically and emotionally scarred by a coyote attack and a previous failed rescue. Through Jody's journey, the book explores the patience and grit required to earn the trust of a creature in pain. It offers a realistic look at the hard work of farming and animal care, moving beyond the idealized version of pet ownership. This is a quiet, contemplative story that validates a child's capacity for deep empathy while teaching that true compassion requires accountability and a willingness to stay through the difficult moments.
