This story depicts a stray dog named Cookie as she searches for food, shelter and comfort. The compelling story, as well as illustrations, help elicit feelings of empathy and compassion towards Cookie and will have readers cheering for a happy ending.
Why use this book?
- Showcases what life is like for a stray dog and the importance of animal shelters in our community. Dogs are a common pet for students so understanding the value of identification (collar, tag, chip) as well as registering their pet, is very important. This story shows what could happen if precautions are not taken and pets go missing.
Ask your students:
- Have you ever been lost? What was that like?
- Do you think being lost would be scary for a pet?
- What would you do if you were lost? Can animals do the same thing as you? What can we do to help lost pets find their way home? Identification including microchips, tags, licenses.
- What should you do if you see a lost dog? Tell an adult!The adult can thencheck for identification, call animal control/shelters, take dog to vet, etc.
Activities:
- Peace Officer Podcast – As a class, listen to the podcast ‘Interviewing an Alberta SPCA Peace Officer’ (5:34). Ask you students:
- What does an Alberta SPCA Peace Officer do? How do they help their community?
- What kind of animals do they help?
- What advice does Peace Officer Ryan-Ann give students on how they can help animals in their community?
- Dog Body Language – This book features great illustrations that could be used as a discussion starter around dog body language. Go over the book again with students and ask them to watch how Cookie’s body language changes throughout the story. In some illustrations Cookie’s ears are back and tail is up, but in others she is cowering with her tail between her legs. Ask students why they think Cookie was illustrated in particular ways throughout the story. What emotions was the illustrator trying to portray?
Additional Resources Related to Book:
- For additional information on dog behaviour and a reading dog body language video, visit the Family Dog website.
- For additional information on what to do if you see a stray cat or dog in Alberta visit the Alberta SPCA website.
- For additional information on how to help a stray animal visit the Humane Society of the United States website.
