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WRONG DOG, THE
by Carol Lea Benjamin
Walker & Co., October 2000
256 pages
$23.95
ISBN: 0802733484


Buy in the UK | Buy in Canada

Rachel Alexander, P.I., and her dog, Dash, have a client named Sophie Gordon. Even though Rachel is recovering from a broken arm, she wants to help this lady because this case involves the out of the ordinary world of dogs. Sophie teaches deaf children and owns a service dog. This dog, Blanche, is special because she detects the epileptic seizures that her owner experiences. Good service dogs are invaluable because they can truly save their owners life. Often they can retrieve medications or in some way warn their owner so they can become safe. As Blanche begins to age, Sophie becomes worried and concerned. What will happen when Blanche is no longer able to be of assistance to her?

She knows that she should have a replacement. Through some investigation, Sophie learns there is an agency that promises to clone Blanche and guarantee a puppy from this cloning. She is cautioned to keep this information quiet, but is told there will be three puppies and that the other two animals will be given to people who also need seizure alert dogs. The secrecy of this procedure is due to the fact that there is such negativity about cloning. An explanation is given to Sophie that a blood sample and cells from inside of Blanche's cheek are necessary for the agency to complete the procedure. Later, an informed Sophie receives Bianca, the puppy. Bianca is not able to respond to Sophie and she becomes terribly concerned and wants the prospective puppy owners notified. Perhaps their animals will not respond to their needs either. She wants Rachel to find the vet and the agency that cloned Blanche.

Shortly after Rachel and Sophie meet, there is a murder. You need to read this story to answer your questions. Who is murdered and why? Is it possible to clone Blanche? Is the agency legitimate?

If you love dogs, you will gravitate to the creatures in this book. I learned about a subject of which I know little. The author is a professional dog trainer and has extensive animal experiences that come through stronger to me than the story itself. After reading this, I did give my puppy a double hug! One of the best aspects of this story is the relationship and understanding that special dogs bring to the people they assist. Blanche brought euphoria to Sophie's life. Before Blanche, Sophie had stayed inside with constant fear of having a seizure. Her wonderful Blanche had opened up doors of opportunity. Sophie's dreams of having a garden and being a teacher have been realized. How important it is for all of us to realize what a unique gift these animals are! I am glad that I read this book.

This is the fifth book in the Rachel Alexander and Dash series. Prior books are This Dog for Hire, The Dog Who Knew Too Much, A Hell of a Dog and Lady Vanishes.

Reviewed by Rita Ratacheck, August 2001

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