One dark and stormy winter night, outside his remote New England farmhouse, Hal Borland heard howling. At the door were a half-starved black-and-white mutt and his puppy companion. While reluctant to welcome these uninvited guests into their home, Hal and his wife gave them refuge, finally naming them Pat and Mike. When a local boy lost his dog, and the Borland's gave Mike to him, Pat's strong personality blossomed, and he becomes a treasured companion and member of the family.



Accompanying Hal on hunts (and himself proving a formidable threat to local wildlife), Pat is the ideal touchstone for insights into the natural world. The Borlands learn valuable lessons from Pat—trust, relationships, and harmony with nature—the same values that led their move from city to country. Through this process, they develop a deeper appreciation for the place they call home. The Dog Who Came to Stay is a first-rate memoir detailing the immeasurable bond between humans and their beloved companions. With touching insight and wry humor free from sentimentality, it's a compelling tale for all ages!