Buff: A Collie, and Other Dog-Stories

There is a particular kind of magic in stories where dogs are not merely pets but souls we are privileged to know. Albert Payson Terhune captured this magic with extraordinary precision, and this collection of dog stories remains a testament to the profound bond between humans and their canine companions. The centerpiece, Buff, follows a remarkable collie-pit bull mix born on a quiet farm, whose exceptional intelligence, loyalty, and courage set him apart from puppyhood. Through his adventures and those of his canine companions, Terhune weaves narratives that are simultaneously tender and thrilling, portraying dogs not as animals performing tricks but as beings of deep feeling and fierce devotion. The stories crackle with life: the farm setting, the characters who love and are loved by these animals, the small heroisms and great loyalties that define each tale. What endures is Terhune's genuine understanding of canine nature, rendered in prose that honors the complexity and nobility of dogs. These are stories for anyone who has ever looked into a dog's eyes and seen something that needed no translation.