The Last Dog on Earth

The Last Dog on Earth. By Daniel Ehrenhaft. Turtleback, 2004. 240 pages. Tr. $16.00 ISBN 978-1417698066

Summary: Logan Moore detests life with his new stepfather, Robert, When Robert tells Logan that he would like him to have a golden retriever to teach him some responsibility, Logan is positive he wants to have nothing to do with his step-father’s plan. Instead of having a pampered pooch, Logan opts for a rescue from the local shelter. Perhaps then he would be able to train his dog to attack his stepfather? As time passes Logan bonds with his dog, Jack. Unfortunately a virile outbreak of “Psychotic Outburst Syndrome” is now spreading, and all dogs are to be exterminated before the syndrome passes to humans. Can Logan save Jack from extermination? 

Critical Review: Ehrenhaft’s Logan is initially a tough boy. Growing up Logan believed that his father abandoned him. However, he learns that his mother has been lying to him and that she was the party that asked for a divorce. Finding his biological father and bonding with Jack is highly therapeutic for Logan. He develops a stronger relationship with his stepfather and resolves issues with Devon Wallace, who lost his dog from Psychotic Outbreak Syndrome.

Genre: Science Fiction

Reading/Interest Level: 9-12 years

Awards: Mark Twain Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2006
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (NOMINATED FOR AN AWARD) 2007

Reviews: Voice of Youth Advocates (2003, April 1); School Library Journal (2003, February 1); Publishers Weekly (2003, January 27)

Similar Materials: Peg Kehret’s Ghost Dog Secrets; Katherine Paterson’s The Field of the Dogs; K. M. Peyton’s Blind Beauty

Subjects/Themes: divorce; remarriage; stepfathers; dogs; violence; biological fathers; forgiveness

Character Names: Logan Moore; Marianne Moore; Robert Moore; Jack; Dr. Craig Westerly; Rudy Stagg; Devon Wallace

Author Website: http://www.danielehrenhaft.com/

Brief Annotation: With Psychotic Outburst Syndrome, a friendship between a troubled adolescent boy and his dog is in jeopardy.