Blue Ribbons for Juliet

Whispering Pines Kennel in Hollywood Hills, California, breeds toy dogs, Pekingese and English Spaniels. It is in financial trouble because Flashfields, a new kennel, is taking its puppy sale business. Flashfields dogs are winning ribbons, even though its dogs are using dirty methods in the show ring. And show winners mean puppy sales for the kennel.

Young Tristans parents are divorcing and he is sent to live with his uncle, who owns Whispering Pines, until his mother gets resettled. The boy is in the throes of feeling guilty about the divorce and his self-esteem is at rock bottom. Grudgingly, at first, he accepts his assignment of grooming a puppy for her first show.

Blue Ribbons For Juliet takes the young reader behind the scenes of the show ring through the eyes of the experienced show dogs and through apprentice Tristans views. Amazingly, Tristan is granted the ability to hear and speak to the dogs for a short time, the time it takes him to understand that he and the English Toy Spaniel puppy share a similar quest-the search for the secret to winning. Juliet must win to keep the kennel solvent and insure its reputation. Tristan must discover his own inner strengths.

Together they find out about character, making mistakes, spirit and heart. Juliet wins her ribbons, and Tristan gains insight and plans about who he really is. Along the way, there is a whole cast of vocal and active canine characters ready to support or defeat them.

This is a wonderful book about winning, and values for young people. That it plays against the accurate detail of the dog show ring, arena and kennel, enhances its appeal for most juveniles who simply love dogs.