TOO MUCH DOG

Another boy-dog story, set now in Ladrusa, New Mexico. Fidel was American born but his family followed Spanish customs. The handling of dialogue slows narrative interest here, for Fidel's family belabor English -- usually with fairly difficult vocabulary. Brother Mateo, a Marine taught little Fidel judo. Fidel wanted a dog desperately. When a Dalmation appeared in the little village, Fidel took care of him. But a bandido stole a march on Fidel and claimed a reward by turning the dog over to its owner. Later when Fidel went with Grandfather to work in Colorado orchards, the bandido stole from the boy again. Still later Fidel puts judo to use to capture the bandido. Ultimately Fidel has his heart's desire -- a collie -- and his family looks to a bright future on a ranch. Plotting is somewhat disorganized: the reader identifies himself first with the Dalmatian, so that the collie seems anticlimactic. Of regional interest.