Dexter: The Stand Up Dog

Gr 1-4–This is the story of social media sensation and TV personality, Dexter the Brittany spaniel who learned to walk on his hind legs. Dexter was a typical quadruped until the day he slipped out the front door and was hit by a car. Saved by surgery that amputated his right front leg, Dexter was able to return to his family who fitted him with a harness with wheels to help him get around. This was ok, but Dexter wanted more. He was determined to go places his wheels wouldn’t allow, like up his porch stairs. He discovered on his own how to balance and walk on his hind legs and soon that was his only method of mobility much to the delight of his family and neighbors. When COVID hit, Dexter’s online presence brought welcome smiles to many during lockdown. Later when he was able to travel, Dexter went all over the country meeting children and celebrities. Kelso’s realistic illustrations give life to the ample and serviceable text while variety in the illustrations and text placement helps keep the story moving forward.