A deeply personal middle-grade novel by award-winning author McCall Hoyle affirms the powerful and enduring relationship between dogs and humans.Ripley, an old German Shepherd Dog, has been trained to guard ever since she was a pup. For years, she helped protect the wildlife refuge with Max, the best man she has ever known. That was before the accident. And before his last words: "Take care of the girls, Ripley."
Ripley adores her girls, especially Charlie, more than anything, even peanut butter and watches over her, even in the face of bullies and trespassers who threaten the wildlife refuge. But Ripley has been tiring more easily and experiencing more aches and pains. She knows she will not live forever. Dogs do not have forever.
As Ripley's strength declines, Charlie decides to celebrate Ripley's friendship with the things Ripley loves most--ice cream in Nags Head, fried chicken from the Golden Skillet, sandpiper chasing at the beach, and more. On one last adventure together, the two must learn true love is more about lifting each other up than it is about holding on.
Eventually, Ripley also discovers there's something more important than protecting--it's teaching Charlie to be independent. And when the time comes, Ripley will be ready to move on because she has done everything a good dog should. She didn't just take care of her girl. She taught Charlie to take care of herself.
Forever Ripley is a heartwarming tribute to love, resilience, and the joy of a life well lived--proving that even in goodbye, there is beauty, courage, and the promise of new beginnings.
