Bobbie the Wonder Dog - by Tricia Brown (Paperback)

About the Book

Originally published in hardcover in 2016.

Book Synopsis

This is the amazing true story of Bobbie the Wonder Dog, a legend in his own time who warmed the hearts of a nation. The Scotch collie mix was lost on a family trip from Oregon to Indiana in 1923 and walked all the way home, a six-month and almost 2,800-mile journey, to return to the people he loved.

"Brown takes a sensational news story and focuses on the devotion of one remarkable dog to bring this amazing story to young readers for the first time. Porter's illustrations combine rich colors and vintage details to bring Bobbie to life on the pages through all of his adventures and hardships. A dog story as incredible now as it was nearly a century ago, gives Bobbie the Wonder Dog all the makings of a timeless classic."
-Midwest Book Review

"Porter's detailed and dramatically lit paintings trace Bobbie's difficult solo trip back to Oregon, crossing through snowy forests and rain-soaked fields. An end note reveals additional details about Bobbie's remarkable life, fleshing out a quietly inspiring story that's just as engrossing now as it was some 90 years ago."
--Publishers Weekly

Bob was an average-looking collie puppy in every way, except for his bobbed tail . . . and maybe that's why the Brazier family named him Bob, or Bobbie. But he was average in no other way. In 1923, Bobbie joined Frank and Elizabeth Brazier for a cross-country drive from Silverton, Oregon, to Indiana, Frank's home state, where they planned to visit family. During a stop in Indiana, Bobbie was chased off by loose dogs, and after a week of searching and placing newspaper ads, the broken-hearted Braziers had to give up and start the drive home.

Six months to the day after he was lost in Indiana, a very thin Bobbie was spotted on a Silverton sidewalk, his coat matted, his paws raw from wear. Unbelievable as it seemed, the three-year-old dog had WALKED almost 2,800 miles to get back home.

Though weak and tired, Bobbie went berserk with joy when he was reunited with his family, and from that day, all of their lives changed. In the weeks and months that followed, his story tore across the country in newspapers and even in a hardcover collection of pet stories. He was the main attraction at an Oregon home-builders convention in Portland, where thousands lined up to pet him, and he starred in a short feature film. Also, the Braziers eventually heard from people along Bobbie's homeward-bound route, places where he'd stopped long enough to recoup, and then he was gone again. These stories verified their thinking. Bobbie had done the impossible.

When Bobbie died, he was buried in Portland, Oregon, by the Oregon Humane Society. Rin Tin-Tin was there to lay a wreath at his funeral, which was officiated by the mayor of Portland. This incredible story is all true, and the origins of Lassie Come Home are said to be traced to the story of Bob of Silverton, also known as Bobbie, the Wonder Dog.

Review Quotes

Featured in Children Book Council's Summer 2022 Showcase: Love Makes the World Go Round

"This story is both interesting and informative, with a good deal of well-researched period details and skillful inclusion of both emotions and drama in the unfolding story. Finely detailed, soft-focus illustrations with a period feel capture Bobbie's personality and his difficult journey through a variety of perspectives. Thoughtful art direction shows the owners and Bobbie moving from left to right as they head east, but Bobbie then moves from right to left in the illustrations showing his return trip to the west. A helpful map and an extensive author's note are pleasing additions, including a photograph of the real Bobbie and his owner. This touching tale has a wide audience, from preschoolers to young readers who like true animal stories to older, reluctant readers who need a strong story with an emotional hook. Dog lovers of any age will find Bobbie and his amazing journey irresistible."
-Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Tricia Brown is an author, editor, and book developer. She travels often and is a popular speaker in schools, libraries, and events in Alaska as well as the Lower 48. Her multimedia presentations, which include lessons on Alaska natural history and culture, regularly receive high praise from educators and parents. She loves to get kids excited about reading, writing, and art. www.triciabrownbooks.com

Cary Porter is a fine artist living in Portland, Oregon, where he grew up. His painting style reflects his love for the deep forest and the fairy tales that they naturally inspire. While painting is Cary's primary focus, illustration has been a large part of his life and career, working with a variety of clients on a wide range of projects. He realizes a great deal of satisfaction and joy from bringing to life the visions of others through collaboration.