A service dog comes face to face with ghosts and legends while he explores the Grand Canyon with his new owner.
After losing his previous owner, Edmund the goldendoodle finds himself in the care of Willy, a white veteran with aspirations of ghost-hunting. And Willy is in Edmund’s care, too, because someone needs to warn Willy of any impending seizures and seek help when he needs it. Their first paranormal mystery: investigating what happened to Bessie and Glen Hyde, who went missing in the Grand Canyon years ago. Like all dogs, Edmund can see ghosts, but while none of the spirits he encounters are the elusive Hydes, other creatures lurking in the canyon might be able to provide answers. Edmund’s pompous attitude is frequently humorous, and occasional illustrations bring in a further cartoonish element, but the highlights of this story are the sweet moments when Edmund realizes the extent of Willy’s need for him and the two grow closer. Combined with historical facts about the Grand Canyon and Edmund demonstrating the skills a service dog is capable of, this book delivers an appealing blend of topics and genres.
A delight for dog lovers with some wonderfully tender moments.
(author’s note, sources) (Fiction. 7-9)