The Last Dog: A 'tail' of adoption for a dog and a boy
What’s inside...
A recently adopted boy from foster care uses what he's learned from his adoptive parents to teach his new dog, Buster, to love and trust again. Buster, having had a rough start in life, is chosen by the boy who relates to Buster's past. The boy, after enduring multiple foster homes and finally finding happiness with his adoptive family, aims to provide the same love and stability for Buster. As the boy imparts lessons of love, patience, and understanding, he helps Buster overcome his fears and insecurities, leading to a hopeful future together. This heartfelt story highlights the challenges of loneliness and adapting to new environments, while emphasizing the power of perseverance in finding happiness and trust.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
25 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel when the boy finally found the last dog?
What do you think makes a family?
Why do you think the dog was the last one left?
How do you think the boy and the dog felt when they found each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your feelings about the story to create a comfortable environment for your child to open up.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings for the story or how they would feel in the boy's situation.
Highlight the importance of love and companionship in forming a family, and relate it to your child’s own experiences with friends and family.
Encourage your child to think about what qualities make a good friend, paralleling the boy’s search for the perfect companion in the dog.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of empathy and compassion
Explanation: The story illustrates empathy and compassion through the boy's understanding and feelings towards the dog's situation of needing a home.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize the feelings of others and show kindness in their interactions with both pets and peers.
Example Lesson: The importance of adoption and giving second chances
Explanation: The narrative promotes the concept of adoption by showing the positive change in the dog's life once adopted by the boy.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the significance of supporting adoption and fostering for animals and people who need a new home or a second chance in life.
Example Lesson: Building lasting bonds
Explanation: The book depicts the development of a strong, loving relationship between the boy and the dog as they grow together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to their own lives by valuing and nurturing relationships with their friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Responsibility of caring for a pet
Explanation: The boy learns and demonstrates the responsibilities involved in caring for a pet, such as feeding, grooming, and providing companionship.
Real-World Application: This can educate children on the responsibilities involved in pet care, encouraging them to be more accountable and proactive in their daily duties.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenging times
Explanation: Both the boy and the dog show resilience in overcoming their initial difficulties and fears of the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with courage, understanding that perseverance can lead to positive outcomes.