SOLVED. Fantasy - little girl kept safe in forest by big dog. Spoiler ahead. [s]

[Carol]

SOLVED! I found it. The Little White Horse, by Elizabeth Goudge.
This book was published before 1983. I found it in a small town library in the fiction section, so probably adult, YA, or middle grade. It was thick, with small typeset and no pictures, and a solid colored cover. Written in English, perhaps taking place in England or eastern USA. The plot: a little girl walks home through a forest every day, accompanied by an enormous dog that keeps her safe. When they get to her house (a beautiful big house) she has a meal or snack, and the dog lies on the rug by the fire for a while, and then leaves. She is very lonely and loves the dog. Bad people try to attack or hurt her, but the dog drives them away.
SPOILER:

At the end of the book, she discovers that the dog was a lion.
(No, it's not a Narnia book.)
Thanks for anyone's help in finding this book.

[Ann aka Iftcan]

Could others see the lion--besides the bad guys? Or was there something Paranormal about the book?

I can't believe that I didn't read this one. But once it's found, it will be added to the Kid's Corner of my personal library. I'm sure I can fit another book in there--somehow. . . Maybe a new bookshelf? Or I know, a brand new house devoted to nothing but my books!! (right all?)

[Kris]

Carol, can you tell us more about the girl - who does she live with, her family/friends, interests/skills, etc.?

[Carol]

I think she lives with distant relatives, but really can't remember much more than that. But if I do, I will post it.

[Kris]

What are the fantasy elements in this story?

[Kym]

Thanks for the update Carol. The Little White Horse for the link.