Running the Dogs

Children's Literature - Mary Jo Edwards

This coming-of-age story is about a ten-year-old boy named Tal who has only one Christmas wish. Tal asks his daddy if he can run the hunting dogs by himself in the nearby woods. Tal's daddy will give him an answer when he returns home on Christmas Eve after working a two-week stint on an oil rig. Two days before Christmas, a rare snowstorm hits Tal's northern Louisiana town. Tal lets the beagles out of their pen that night and they wander off into the darkness. Tal's mama cautions him not to search in the woods but he disregards her warning, gets spooked, and runs back home. The next day, on Christmas Eve, two of the three dogs return home and Tal learns that the treacherous road conditions have stranded his daddy. Tal goes to bed feeling sad, but he is relieved on Christmas morning when he discovers that his daddy and his favorite beagle are home. When the family opens their presents, Tal's daddy gives him his answer—insulated boots. Cochran's endearing story is sure to touch the heart of all who read it. It will inspire the reader to maintain a positive mindset, even if their situation appears bleak. Although this well-written story contains some predictable material, it remains a worthwhile read. This title is an excellent choice for any library shelf or middle reader's bedside table. Reviewer: Mary Jo Edwards

Kirkus Reviews

In this predictable but earnest and gentle story set in fictitious Oil Camp, La., ten-year-old Talmidge Cotton wants nothing more for Christmas than the chance to run his three beagles in the woods at night all by himself. For Tal, this represents acknowledgement from his father that he is grown-up and responsible. Tal's noncommittal father promises to consider it and give his son a decision when he returns from working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. But when a freak winter storm dumps six inches of snow and thick ice, it looks as though Tal's dad will not make it home for the holiday. Tal has more to worry about when he lets the dogs out to feed them and they disappear into the woods. All ends well when Tal's father and the dogs return home for Christmas, and Tal gets to take the dogs out on his own to hunt rabbits. Cochran's thoughtful, coming-of-age novel has few surprises, but it makes for pleasant reading. (Fiction. 8-11)