A wonderful book to use with young children. Told from the dog's perspective. His family has had to leave him with a neighbor while they were away but circumstances changed and the dog was taken to the P-O-U-N-D. Thankfully he was adopted by a very nice woman and her son Connor, the boy, and King, the dog both have problems. Connor isn't happy about his parent's divorce that left his father in California as his mother has accepted a job across the miles as a school principal. King isn't happy that his owners have seemed to just disappear. The mystery deepens when Connor disappears while King is searching his old house for clues. Connor is happily reunited with his mother with the help of Buddy (King's new name) who is adjusting to the fact that this new family needs him. Dog lovers of all ages will take great delight in Buddy - a dog who solves mysteries and doesn't die in the end.