by Teresa Rhyne
First published 2022
Teresa Rhyne has thrown herself into fostering dogs after losing her beagle Daphne to lymphoma. One of her rescues is Poppy, a small beagle saved from China's dog meat trade who remains deeply frightened. During a thunderstorm, Poppy bolts from a potential adopter and vanishes into a vast wilderness park surrounded by dangerous roads. Teresa camps out at dawn and dusk with roasted chicken and her dirty socks, hoping to lure the terrified dog back while coyotes howl nearby. She works with rescue specialists, volunteers, psychics, and a Native American who talks to owls. Meanwhile, Poppy navigates rain, encounters a homeless camp, meets the Sheriff and his wife, dodges traffic and hawks, and discovers strangers who want to help rather than hurt her. The search stretches Teresa to her breaking point as dead ends pile up alongside moments of hope. Through a late night encounter, Poppy is finally captured. The dog who emerges from the wilderness surprises everyone. No longer the frightened creature who disappeared, Poppy returns confident and brave, ready for her permanent home.
Genres: animals, family-life, contemporary, dogs, non-fiction
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, overcoming-adversity
Setting: China, Wilderness Park
304 pages · Paperback · Pegasus Books