Saving Zasha

Saving Zasha by Barrow, Randi. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780545206327.

World War II has just ended when thirteen-year-old Mikhail finds a dying man and his German shepherd, Zasha, in the woods. Its dangerous-some say traitorous-to own a German dog after Germany attacked Russia, so Mikhail must keep Zasha a secret to keep her alive. But Mikhails rival, Katia, is determined to find the dog she is sure hes hiding. At the same time, a soldier named Dimitri is breeding a new Russian dog at a nearby farm. So many dogs were lost to starvation and in combat that the country is in dire need of every kind of dog. Dimitri, too, has suspicions of Zashas existence, and would like nothing more than to add her to his breeding program. Mikhails inspiring journey to save his best friend, the last German shepherd in Russia, forces him to face some of lifes hardest lessons about war, hate, forgiveness, hope, love, and mans best friend.