Stella: Ranch Patrol: Dogs with a Purpose, by W Bruce Cameron

 

Publication August 26, 2025

I've been looking forward to this one ever since I saw Cameron post that it would feature a corgi. Although my own fur girl is only a corgi mix, she definitely exhibited the herding tendency that any working ranch dog probably needs, so I was definitely curious to read Stella's story. It didn't disappoint.

While I won't share the plot here, I will say it was a heartwarming mix of both canine and human emotion and love. While Stella is certainly the star, the human family she must fit into is complicated and dare I say it, well, seems genuinely human. They're hard working, face difficulty, disagree, but ultimately want the best for everyone. Stella finds her place, exhibiting the courage I've seen in my own dog as it faced down a dog four times its size that came at us while walking, and showed that you don't have to be big to be brave and strong. In the process, her human family finds unity and while they may not always be on the same page, they show genuine love for one another and the ranch life that Mateo has. 

Bottom line, I can see this one being a hit with not just corgi fans but fans of dogs period. Mateo's family may be complicated, disagree, and occasionally seem ready to give up on their dreams, but hold together. Thanks #Tor - #Forge for introducing me to Stella, Mateo, and the rest a bit early. I thoroughly enjoyed the read, especially with my own sometimes brave, other times couch-potato corgi at my side as I read. It cares the message that even the least likely of us can rise to a challenge when push comes to shove and, oh, boy, what a challenge Stella faces to help/survive. 

For Duck's Sake, by Donna Andrews

 

Publication August 5, 2025

First, an admission. This is one of those books I'll grab to read based entirely on the author's name. Well, that and the always cute covers. I don't read the blurb. Don't check the number of pages. Don't even check publication date, all things that can bite any reviewer. So far, however, Donna Andrews hasn't disappointed me. Mystery, mayhem, fun and quirky characters, lots of animals, frequently running amuck, and a well written, humorous read. This one was unique from most in that the murder main character Meg winds up focused on didn't just happen. In fact, it's decades old. As usual, Meg manages to stay cool and calm, even when she tumbles into danger. 

Long time readers will enjoy catching up with the family and pets, especially the evil one, Spike, who manages to get into all sorts of mischief despite efforts to keep him away from the flurry of activity on the home front. Seems a couple hundred homeless dogs and assorted other critters are being groomed and sheltered at Meg's in preparation of a Mutt March meant to find them homes. The organization behind the effort will blow your mind and, no, Meg's good, but she's not in charge. Did I mention rumors of dog nappers by dog fighting rings? In any cace, ducks are involved, too, as you've probably deduced from the title, but you'll find yourself more of a duck expert after reading this than you might imagine. You'll even learn a bit about not just scanner chips and DNA and its uses in identifying bodies, even skeletons, but the general procedures and care taken by archaeologists investigating a bone find where poor Rob and Delaney wanted their duck pond to be located. You'll also know more about the Tasseled Wobbegong than you ever imagined you'd want to know or, if you're like me, you'd never heard of before. Oh, and the bomb shelters that were erected largely in the 60s. What is Vern's secret? And, oh, yes, where did Iris disappear to and why? 

Of course, there's more, much more, but you can rest assured it'll be a fun, entertaining visit. You'd think cousin Kevin would run out of surveillance cameras. He's sure a busy young man. In any case, seriously, if you're in the need of a fun, feel good read that will have you chuckling most of the time, give this one a read. This series is a DO NOT MISS on my list. Thanks #StMartinsPress - #Minotaur for providing me this early look and lots of chuckles. I'm already looking forward to my next visit with Meg, Michael, Chief Burke, and the rest, ducks, llamas, and who knows what else.

Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero, by Carol A. Foote, Larry Day (illustrator)

 

Publication Feb. 26, 2925

While I knew what a scent dog was, I wasn't familiar with the term conservation dog. Not to mention the countless miles they may travel to do their job. Pretty amazing to think a shelter dog, one returned for being destructive and just too much to handle, could thrive in such a position. Tucker, the star of this story, is actually based on two real dogs, so be sure to read the after matter that discusses conservation dogs in greater detail. There are even real photos there. 

Given a second-chance by Laura, who not only has a goal but seemingly the patience of a saint, Tucker takes to the training and is pictured on several trial runs during training as well on real missions. His energy (not to mention the destruction he left in his wake early on) is nicely portrayed in the colorful illustrations. Kudos the Larry Day, the illustrator. I liked that Tucker was shown working in various sites in different ways. This helps illustrate the diverse set of skills such a dog must learn as well as the diverse cast of humans around the world they may work with. Tucker definitely proved his skill more than once. 

There's much to take away from this book aside from learning something about conservation dogs. Maybe most importantly it shows us not to cast a dog aside because it isn't the right fit for a situation, whether that be simply as a loving pet or a working dog who travels the world. Let's face it, some dogs have way more energy than others, hence usually subtle hints to potential adopters to consider their situation before adopting a dog simply because it's cute or reminds you of another pet or whatever. We can all learn a great deal from how Laura handles a difficult but lovable dog. 

The book is well written and flows nicely, with the illustrations adding greatly to our understanding. The addition of the true stories of the dogs Tucker is based on at the end with ample info on not just conservation dogs but how smell is used and what might make a dog a good fit for the position was a bonus. Thanks #WmBEardmansPublishingCompany for allowing me this sneak peek at how some dogs' natural abilities are being used for the good of all. I loved the illustration used at the top of the selected reading suggestions, too, of Laura curled up with a book with Tucker sprawled on her lap. My rescue corgi mix gives this one four paws up and many tail wags.