A HOME FOR SPOOKY

In this tender but slim story, Annie saves a starving stray dog's life. She is riding home from school when she notices the dog, whom she starts to call Spooky, picking through garbage. Every day thereafter, Annie seeks out the emaciated dog, hoping to feed him and help him get well, but the dog runs away. One day, when Annie finds Spooky by the side of the road, she realizes that the dog needs professional care, and her family pitches in to help her help the hound. The doctor's news is that the stray should be put to sleep, but with Annie's hope and love, Spooky miraculously recovers and becomes her new pet. This story is based on a real incident, but it isn't very interesting. Although Annie wears a modern bike helmet and her brother uses the ubiquitous ""Whatever,"" as a response, both text and art have an old-fashioned feeling; this heartwarming tale is given a flat-footed treatment.