Kavik the Wolf Dog

Title: Kavik the Wolf Dog
Author: Walt Morey
Major Themes: Dogs, Alaska, Survival
Synopsis: Kavik, a sled dog who is a throw-back to a wolf ancestor, finds himself fighting for his life over and over, and faces a 2,000-mile journey on foot if he is to return to the boy he loves.

One of my sons has a new favorite author. The last two times he has had the privilege of choosing a story for me to read aloud, he chose a book by Walt Morey. This time, we read Kavik the Wolf Dog. Everyone enjoyed it very much! In some ways, this story reminded us of Lassie Come-Home, but in other ways, it was quite different.

Kavik was born to be a sled dog in Alaska, but his master recognized that this animal was a throwback to wolf ancestors and had the potential to become a leader. He trained Kavik to be ruthless and to think for himself, and never gave him any kindness. Sure enough, Kavik won a race—and a man from Seattle immediately bought him to show off back home. Catastrophe struck the airplane in which Kavik was being transported, and the dog found himself fighting for his life. He also experienced the first kindness he had ever felt in his life.

Soon, Kavik was well, and the man from Seattle came back to claim him from the boy who had saved the wolf-dog’s life. Kavik was soon confined in a small kennel in the city, far from his home—and then the man decided his expensive dog was worthless and was going to dispose of him. However, Kavik saw a chance to run, and he took it. How could he possibly get across the wide stretch of water on the north edge of Seattle, and get back to the family he loved in Alaska? Two thousand miles of mountains, glaciers, and icy rivers were between! Was it even possible?

Kavik the Wolf Dog had us on the edge of our seats at times. This is an exciting story! Kavik found himself in one dangerous situation after another. No one really wanted me to stop reading this book when our time was up each day. It’s not just a story about an animal, either; human nature, both the pleasant and unpleasant sides, plays a large part in this book as well. I felt like I knew more about Alaska after reading this book, too; Walt Morey does a good job with his descriptions of the landscape. If you want a book that boys will enjoy, this would be a good choice!

WARNING: Chapter 6: holy mackerel. Chapter 13: for Pete’s sake, holy mackerel twice