Salty Takes Off by Gloria Rand & Illus by Ted Rand

When we were up in Alaska last summer, I maxed out my sister's library card at Loussac and got ALL the Alaska books out. 

This one caught my eye because it is based on a true story. And who doesn't love a good dog story? 

Salty.

I think I have mentioned my love for Ted Rand. Several times. 

In this story, Salty and Zack get off their boat and spend the winter on land. 

Salty makes friends with the locals

And life is pretty good. Even with a potentially deadly bear rug. 

Zach gets a job at the local airfield. So Salty hangs out there too, making friends with the pilots. 

On of the pilots, Jarman would take Salty with him on his flights to deliver the mail.

The children loved to see Salty hopping off the plane while Jarman handed over the mail and freight. 

But one trip, the turbulence was so bad, Salty got antsy and began to hop over Jarman. On one of his hops, he hit the door handle and flew out before Jarman could react. 

Salty was completely shocked by the fall, but the snow cushioned him and he huddled up for the night. 

The next morning, Jarman and Zack headed back to see if they could find any trace of Salty. 

And there he was! 

Oh the joy!

And of course, Salty was a local hero. 

Until finally, Salty and Zack could head out on their boat again.