In the Depression ravished 30's did a poor farm boy or girl have a greater love than their pony or dog? The author recounts his experiences and those of his neighbors in and around Manning, Iowa, the author's hometown. In carefully crafted fiction, boys attempt to win a race with plow horses. In a true story, hear the words of his father instilling a horse-trading reality in him and how his father managed to keep his cool when a team proves smarter than his son, an honor student. In larger-than-life stories, a plodding horse halts a runaway boy; a colorful team of horses promotes romance and a dog saves a marriage. Share in the exploits of the mischievous apprentice dog that creates confusion and attempts to take credit for the entire evening roundup. Or learn of the lovable dog too scared to hunt; how a dog saves a boy's life, and another saves a girl. Meet the boy who enjoys dining with the President's dog. The author retells the tales of true animal heroes for "children" of all ages, recalling the time in rural America where 'making do' was the only way there was.