In this fascinating picture book filled with energetic illustrations, children are introduced to a fictional dog named Tucker, whose story is based on the lives and true adventures of two conservation dogs—Pepin and Wicket.
In an author note, Carol Foote explains what conservation dogs do: “Conservation dogs help biologists find and learn about rare, hard-to-find, or endangered species that need protecting, but they also seek out invasive plants and animals that need to be eliminated. Scientists learned recently that dogs could even smell snares—loops of wire that poachers use to illegally trap wildlife. … One of the most important targets for conservation dogs is wildlife poop, which researchers call scat. By studying scat, scientists learn about an animal’s diet, health, population size, movements, and more.”
Tucker “never meant to be trouble. He just loved to play.” Sadly, because of his relentless energy and intense focus on one object, Tucker caused chaos in every home that welcomed him. So several families returned him to the shelter. The shelter attendant started telling visiting families looking for a dog that they shouldn’t pick Tucker because he was nothing but trouble.
One day, Laura visits the shelter and learns about the dog who is trouble. Recognizing Tucker’s potential to become a conservation dog, she says, “Maybe he’s the right kind of trouble.”
At home, Laura begins to train Tucker to use his intense focus and incredible sense of smell to recognize certain odors and search for their sources. Combining work and play, Laura wins Tucker’s affection and loyalty and teaches him the required skills for his new work as a conservation dog.
Tucker’s first assignment is to find invasive rosy wolf snails in Hawaii. Laura knows it will be no problem for her amazing dog. She’s right! Tucker sniffs and searches till he finds what he’s looking for. Soon, Tucker is traveling the world with Laura, leading researchers to find the scat of wild animals in China, Chile, and Myanmar. Now, in Laura’s eyes, Tucker isn’t trouble at all—he’s a conservation hero!
Children will be sure to delight in Tucker’s hijinks, intelligence, and growing capabilities as a conservation dog. They can learn more about Pepin and Wicket, the real-life conservation dogs, in the extensive notes at the end of the book where the author answers questions such as these: What traits make a great conservation dog? How are conservation dogs trained? What makes a dog’s sense of smell so special? What other jobs do dogs do?
After reading Trouble Dog, one can’t help but be amazed at God’s marvelous and varied creation of dogs! (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.