by Harry Allard.
Doubleday, 1977
The wolf in this tale is a fully humanized character. He has made some grave mistakes in his life that have put him "on the wrong side of the law." As the story begins, the wolf falsely presents himself as a German shepard to a kindly vulnerable Old Man who has advertised for a companion to care for himself and his pets. The wolf behaves well and becomes a trusted friend. Then comes the revelation of the wolf's criminal past through an article in the newspaper. The wolf is devastated. There is a touching scene with the Old Man. "I'm no good," sobs the wolf. "No good at all. But I can't help it--I've never had a chance. I always wanted to be good, but everyone expected me to be bad because I'm a wolf." The wolf admits his guilt and is forgiven because of his kindness to the Old Man and his pets. The story is humorous despite its serious message about overcoming stereotypes people create and redemption through good works.
