Dog Days

The scene is England in 1753 when a dog tax of two shillings was introduced. Although it was of little concern to the rich, many less well-off people were obliged to abandon or kill their dogs. Gloria, an enormous golden coloured hound, was one such animal. Thrown into the Thames by her master, she is rescued by Clay and Hal, but upon hearing of the new tax, their father refuses to keep this addition to the household.

The only course of action for the boys is to run away with Gloria and try to earn enough to pay the tax. After an episode with a swindling farmer, and many narrow escapes from the horrible Skinner Hackett who sells dog pelts for jackets and waistcoats, they end up back in London where Gloria’s reward for bravery earns her a reprieve and enough to pay the dog tax. Dog Days is fast-moving and at times farcical but it will provide an entertaining read and some insights into old London for younger readers.