Sable by Karen Hesse; 1994; 81 pages; 1994; Henry Holt and Company, New York, NY; 01-8050–2416-6; recommended by Lucy of Dinged Corners; 7/16/09-7/16/09

One day a stray dog wanders into the life of Tate, Mam and Pap.  Tate takes care of the dog and tries to convince her parents to let her keep the dog she names Sable.  But Sable keeps bringing things home from the neighbors, so the parents make her give Sable away to a doctor in the next town.  Tate goes to visit but Sable has run away, Tate mourns but then several months later turns up.  Sable becomes part of the family in this great little story.  Thanks Lucy.  RRRR