Kävik the Wolf Dog facts for kids
Kävik the Wolf Dog is an exciting adventure novel written by Walt Morey in 1968. This book tells the story of a brave wolf dog. It was so good that it won the Dutton Animal Book Award even before it was officially published!
Contents
Kavik's TV Adventure
The exciting story of Kävik was even made into a TV movie! It was called The Courage of Kavik the Wolf Dog. This movie was shown on NBC in 1979 as part of their 'Sunday Big Event' series. It brought Kävik's amazing journey to life on screen.
Kavik's Amazing Journey
A Champion Dog's New Home
Kävik is a strong Alaskan malamute sled dog. He was a true champion, winning the big North American Sled-dog race! After his victory, Kävik was sold to a man named Mr. Hunter for $2,000. He was then put into a strong iron cage and loaded onto an airplane.
A Dangerous Plane Crash
During the flight, something went terribly wrong. The plane crashed into the ground during a big storm. The pilot, Smiley Johnson, sadly did not survive the crash. Kävik's cage broke through the side of the plane as it hit the ground.
Lost and Found in the Wild
Kävik was trapped in his cage for three days. He was starving, freezing, and got hurt by other animals nearby. Luckily, a teenage boy named Andy Evans found him. Andy was checking his animal traps when he discovered the plane wreck.
Andy used a piece of the plane's wing to open Kävik's cage. He then made a simple sled to carry the injured dog. They traveled until they found a cave where they could spend the night.
Help Arrives for Kävik
The next morning, Andy's father, Kurt Evans, found them. They quickly took Kävik back to their house. Andy's mother, Laura Evans, suggested they get a doctor to help Kävik.
When Dr. Walker arrived, Andy first made him think Laura was sick. But the doctor soon learned that Kävik was the one who needed help. Dr. Walker was a people doctor, not a vet, so he didn't want to operate on an animal. However, Laura cleverly convinced him to do his best to help Kävik.
Kävik's Recovery and Escape
Over several weeks, Kävik slowly got better. Andy knew he was almost fully healed when Kävik could climb stairs and even open a door! One day, while Andy was at work, Kävik escaped. He ran into town and was chased by a group of dogs led by one named Blackie. Sadly, Kävik had lost his courage because of the scary plane crash.
A few weeks later, Andy came home and couldn't find Kävik. His dad told him that Mr. Hunter had come by earlier. Mr. Hunter took Kävik back to his home in Washington. Andy's father had tried to explain that Kävik was no longer the brave dog he once was, but Mr. Hunter didn't listen.
The Long Journey Home
When Mr. Hunter tried to show off Kävik, the dog found a way to escape through a window. Kävik then began an incredible journey. He traveled over 2,000 miles to return to Andy. Andy was the only person who had ever shown him enough love and care. This long and difficult journey makes up most of the second half of the book.
