Synopsis
Why do bad things happen to good dogs?
It's a dog's life for Anthony. Not only is he lacking the respect he deserves from the neighborhood dogs and cats, but an skin condition has him frantic and frazzled. And just when Anthony thinks things can't get worse, he finds himself on vet's table. What she has in mind for him involves an electric hair trimmer and is likely to cut away any shred of street credibility he has left.
Accented with antic illustrations, this wickedly funny fable about embarrassment will have young readers flinching and laughing out loud at the same time.
Children's Literature
A fastidious dog named Anthony tells this story. He speaks in British—sounding phrases such as: "Oh, dear me!" "Good Heavens!" and "A peachy plan." When he begins scratching, Joshua, his owner, and Joshua's mother do not immediately respond. Anthony is distressed as mange develops with flaking, oozing, and hair loss. When he is taken to the vet, he is shaved, except around the head and a tuft at the end of his tail. The vet then covers him with yellow salve. Humiliated, Anthony tries to hide until he realizes that he looks like a lion and can frighten the cat next door, people, and other dogs. His new persona is rewarded with a special bone, a girl friend, and mention in the newspapers. The humorous, shaded black-and-white drawings will attract children.