DINGO

Waterworth remembered his former existence as a dog and told it to the author while in the prep school infirmary; years later the latter rooted out his journal and began to investigate the facts of the case. Dingo is the dog that Waterworth Was, a majestic yellow animal with human intelligence, a knowledge of the English language that saves his life more than once. This book is a record of his life, his feelings, his humor:he was Don Mellish's pet, then a game retriever, a politician's pet, arctic sleigh-dog, police dog, poacher's helper, spinster's pet, farmer's companion, and at last reunited with Don, now Doctor Mellish. Some of the fun is gamy--he publically expresses his disapproval by using his master for a hydrant, and the consummation of his one great love comes in the middle of an important military review as the General is passing--and he is more than a little critical of such human types as pompous politicians and decadent young swingers. When his spirit passes on (while Dr. Mellish is delivering baby Waterworth) the Oriental cycle continues and so does the reader's suspension of disbelief. Intriguing, especially for the teenager looking East for spiritual growth, and written in the dryly detached tone of a detective's report to win wider credence.