Bruce

"Bruce" by Albert Payson Terhune is a tale set in a time when female dogs faced prejudice, focusing on Rothsay Lass, a remarkable collie, and her struggles to win affection. The narrative begins in a kennel where Lass is ignored because she is not a male dog and quickly moves to a lonely boy, Dick Hazen, choosing her as his birthday gift. They form a quick bond. However, Dick's mother creates conflict when she declines to accept Lass because she is female, leading to Lass bravely defending Dick. Through these events, the true depth and complexities of Lass and Dick's relationship are established and foreshadowed in their future travels and ordeals.