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Tails of the Collie Lama

by

Published by
Blythe Spirit Publishing, Tyrone, GA, USA

A review (©, 2008) by the author
Used by permission of the author. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission of the author.

Tails of the Collie Lama is a children's book for ages 8 and above.  Through the use of dogs this story, about a very wise border collie, helps children think for themselves, take care of themselves, and be true to themselves.

It was morning.  The fog had lifted.  The sun was barely peeking through the clouds.  Jinty slowly arose.  Beside her was the ruin of a castle.  Beyond the castle was a huge lake.  She remembered drinking from this lake the night before.  Her mind was not yet clear, but her sense of direction was.  She felt as if she were leaving her past behind and stepping further into an unknown, but directed future.  She went to the door of the castle and followed the path leading away from the door.  Step by step, Jinty felt guided.  She saw a beautiful white Highland pony in the distance.  As she continued, she saw this striking creature, raise and lower her head as if approving of Jinty's movements.

Jinty looked up and was drawn to a huge mountain ahead of her to the northwest.  This mountain seemed to call to her.  She came upon some railroad tracks in front of her.  She did not like railroad tracks.  She did not understand why she felt this way but did know that she had to cross them.  She then came to a road.  Cars flew by her creating their own kind of wind and weather.  Looking both ways, to the right first, she crossed the road.  Jinty finally came to the bottom of the mountain.  She was glad she had rested the night before.  She needed all her energy.  She had to keep climbing and climbing and climbing up the side of the mountain.  Jinty finally found a path.  Its well-worn appearance made it easy to follow.  There must be a reason for the path to look this way.  Who or what had traveled before her?  She did not stop to ponder or question.  She just kept following t! he path upward.

Although the trail seemed to continue, she felt compelled to stop in front of a small opening in the mountain side.  This particular opening could only be spotted by creatures Jinty's size since it was at her height and was partially concealed by fallen rocks, underbrush, and other debris.  She ducked under the rubble and entered slowly.  She was cautious, but unafraid.  Yet, shouldn't she be afraid? She felt a warmth from inside the mountain as if it were someone's home beckoning her inside for a welcomed visit.  She saw a glowing fire, heard soft voices, and could hardly believe what she beheld.

Dogs of all breeds were lined up in front of a border collie whose white chest looked like an old man's beard.  He sat regally and sphinx-like, but exhibited a welcoming and generous spirit.  His arched, grizzled eyebrows gave him a sense of wisdom brought on by years of life experiences.  He had a distinguished and all-knowing look.  His ears were askew, but he was listening closely.  His golden eyes gazed upon his audience with a genuine warmth and caring as if he knew everything they had been through in their entire lives without a word being spoken.  Then his eyes totally focused on the dog that was before him as if that dog were the only dog in the cave.

Jinty moved closer so she could hear what the dog before this mesmerizing border collie was saying.  She hid behind some rocks in the cave.

The author may be reached via e-mail:

ISBN: 987-0-9740959-0-5
80 pages
Price: US$19.95
Order securely from Blythe Spirit Publishing PayPal

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