About the Book

Book: A Dog Named Speed

Author: Larry Fitzgerald

Genre: Fiction

Release date: December 4, 2023

Join Speed, the most adventurous pup ever, in “A Dog Named Speed” by Larry Fitzgerald! Speed had a rocky start in life, living in a cave beneath the Blue Mountains of Oregon, battling freezing winters, sneaky coyotes, and even a junkyard keeper with a trigger-happy finger. But Speed’s luck takes a turn when he’s rescued from a watery disaster and adopted by Babe, a young newspaper boy.

As Speed and Babe grow up together, they embark on thrilling adventures in the wilds of Oregon, discovering secret fishing spots and having daring encounters. Speed becomes Babe’s trusty sidekick, and together, they form an unbreakable team.

But it’s not just about Speed and Babe; this story is packed with excitement and surprises! Speed meets Kate, a lively Australian shepherd, and their connection adds even more adventure to the mix. Plus, there’s a deeper message about faith and friendship that will make you think.

If you’re ready for action, friendship, and a heartwarming tale, “A Dog Named Speed” is the book for you. Get ready to cheer for Speed and Babe as they navigate life’s ups and downs and discover the true meaning of loyalty and love. This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and warm your heart at the same time!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Larry Fitzgerald, a retired businessman turned youth soccer coach, infuses his writing, managing, and coaching with an unwavering commitment to Christ’s Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Concerned for today’s youth growing up without spiritual guidance, Larry took to writing. Larry’s impactful short fiction is showcased in anthologies like “Stories from the Attic” (2022) and “Fortunes” (2023) by AA Inc. Publishing. His stories transcend pages, offering beacons of spiritual enlightenment for a generation navigating a world where God’s presence is often obscured.

More from Larry

Writing the story about Speed and the newspaper boy should have been a slam dunk. All I had to do was remember the years between my ninth and eighteenth birthdays—not all of it, of course, just the time my dog Speed and I spent together, which was, basically, all of it. Getting the story into my computer was easy. The hard part was getting it out of my computer and into the format(s) required for publishing and marketing. That was and continues to be a challenging learning experience. Someday, I may write a book about that.

The great thing about my book, A Dog Named Speed, is that it’s a true story except for the parts where Speed is not with me, alone, or with other animals. Those were imagined but very plausible. The story is told from the dog’s point of view, from heaven, as he awaits his master to join him.

Speed was a stray dog who started following me as I delivered newspapers in a small town in Eastern Oregon. He would not come near me despite my enthusiastic efforts to win his favor. He was afraid of all humans, which I assume came from having been mistreated as a young dog. Our coming together happened only when Speed was desperate and had no choice but to reach out to me.

After that, Speed and I were rarely apart. We shared many exciting times centered on fishing adventures, camping trips, and ball games. Speed and I slept together every night. He followed me to school each day and waited faithfully for me to get home so he could join in whatever was in store for the evening.

The most important thing I observed about Speed was how he treated his master. I knew Speed loved me unconditionally. As the story affirms, there was nothing he wouldn’t do to come to my aid. As this became clear, I began to think about how I treat my Master, Jesus Christ. Was I faithful? Was my every thought about Him? Were my first thoughts when I woke up every morning about Jesus? I am certain Speed’s were of me.

My book was written for young people, but it has found a broader audience as well. Any reader who has ever owned a dog can relate to this story. I am blessed to have owned A Dog Named Speed.

My Impressions

“I want to learn to love my Master like you love me, Speed. With you, it’s so natural.”

Dog lovers and lovers of small-town mid-twentieth century historical fiction will especially enjoy A Dog Named Speed. It’s a semi-autobiographical fictionalized account of the author, Larry Fitzgerald, and the dog he had growing up.

With Speed’s example, we learn about loyalty, trust, and turning from hate to love. “The hate I used to carry was gone…Love for my master had overcome all the hate I once had.” As Speed, the narrator shares many poignant, endearing anecdotes, then often relates them to how we as humans should view our Master, Jesus, or how we need to trust Him and let His love change us. At these points, the story slows a bit to get the points across. I especially enjoyed Hootie, who occasionally appeared with very short messages of faith or encouragement.

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Don’t you want to put everything in God’s hands and let Him direct your steps?”

“Hatred destroys. Learn to love.”

“I wanted to make him like me, something he could not ever be. God makes us all unique to serve his purposes, even animals.”