Rin Tin Tin's Rinty: 11/25/13

Rin Tin Tin's Rinty by Julie Campbell was published as a companion piece to the Adventures of Rin Tin Tin television series which ran from 1954-1959. The original Rin Tin Tin adventures were silent films but people my parents' age grew up with this television series.

In fact, the book I have in my collection is actually my mothers. My grandmother bought it for her as a gift when they were moving to a new house. My grandmother was one to give a book for any occasion (or no occasion at all).

It's difficult to write about Rinty without the memories of previous reads. Since this book is 60 years old, there's no need to make this post a more serious, on-point review.

When I was about ten, my grandmother — during one of her decluttering binges, found a box of my mother's old books. Among the books was Rin Tin Tin's Rinty by Julie Campbell, an author I recognized from the Trixie Belden series I was tearing through. I also knew who Rin Tin Tin was because the Disney channel (oh joys of cable at Grandmother's house!) had been showing them.

Now seriously, how can any kid not open up a book with the photograph of an adorable German shepherd on the cover? Not me, that's for sure! Rin Tin Tin's Rinty became one of my few but beloved re-reads when I needed a quick fix as a kid.

Rinty, it turns out, is the runt of a litter of dogs descended from Rin Tin Tin. His siblings will fetch big money but he's too small and sickly to be worth keeping. The brother and sister who help out at the kennels make a deal with the owner that they can buy Rinty at a reduced rate if they can keep him alive to weaning age. In the meanwhile, the eldest and largest dog of the litter dies, making the owner regret his promise as Rinty thrives under their care, leaving him out two potential sales.

The kennel owner is an honest man and gives Rinty to the children. They are allowed to keep their hard earned money for Rinty's upkeep. But — his assistant who also wanted the dog, decides to take matters into his own hands and steal the puppy!

Most of Rinty centers on the dog's journey to New Jersey, from California, and back again. Rinty, being of extraordinary dog stock, is loyal to his owners (no matter how briefly he lived at their home) and can find his way home no matter the distance or the obstacles.

Rinty has numerous adventures along the way and meets many potential new owners and new homes. It's a straightforward lost dog adventure and still a fun and easy read all these years later.

Four stars

Comments (0)