"11-year-old Marty Preston knows enough about dogs—and
people—to know there's something unusual about the shy
beagle pup he finds running loose in the woods near his
home in rural West Virginia.
The pup has been abused, and the abusive owner is none
other than Marty's hard-hearted neighbor, Judd Travers.
Though Marty reluctantly returns the lost dog to Judd, he
can't help but wonder why doing the “right” thing feels so
wrong.
It isn't long before the beagle escapes again, but Marty can't
bear the thought of giving Judd another opportunity to kick,
beat, and starve his new best bud.
This time, Marty decides to keep the dog as his own secret
pet. He names the pup Shiloh, and keeps him in a pen on
the hilly edge of the Preston property. Marty hates having to
tell lies in order to keep Shiloh safe, but he hates the
thought of Judd Travers' heavy-handed ways much more.
Judd learns that Marty has been caring for his runaway
beagle, and demands that the Petersons return Shiloh.
"Marty Preston wants to buy and rescue an abused dog from
his neighbor. The trouble is his neighbor is the abuser and
does little to entertain the thought of selling his hunting dog
to Marty. Marty goes through great lengths to keep Shiloh
away from Judd. He hides him out in the woods and sneaks
out of the house to spend time and bring him food.
A German Shepherd gets loose and tears up the little beagle.
Now Marty has to get help and he is forced to come forward
with the truth and untangle his web of lies. Judd agrees that
Marty can do work around his house in exchange for Shiloh.
Disappointment begins to settle in when Judd tells him that
despite his hard work there is no deal because Marty did not
have a witness. Marty is determined and he continues to do
physical labor in exchange for Shiloh. Somehow Judd in won
over by Marty's willpower and hands him a collar telling
him he has earned himself a dog. "
This book deserves an award because it was interesting and
action is always taking place. This book shows how much
Marty had cared for him, and if he had him then he would
take care of him.