Sheila Burnford · 1961 · overland

Sheila Burnford's 1961 novel, the story of three animals, a young Labrador, an old bull terrier and a Siamese cat, left in the care of a friend while their family is away, who set off together across the wilderness of northwestern Ontario to find their way home. Through forests, rivers and danger they travel some 250 miles, devoted to one another and to the home they remember. The route runs east across the Canadian Shield.

1. 1
   The Boarding Home

   Left with a family friend in the bush of northwestern Ontario, the three animals slip away one autumn day and turn instinctively toward home in the east.

2. 2
   The Wilderness

   Across the lakes, rivers and forests of the Canadian Shield, the old dog, the young dog and the cat face hunger, cold and wild animals, each saving the others in turn.

3. 3
   Home

   After weeks in the wild, footsore and changed, they come down at last to the house and the family they had never stopped trying to reach.