Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog - Hardcover

by Sue Harrison (Author)

Winner of the Upper Peninsula Notable Books List (2026)

Society of Midland Authors Awards: Children's Fiction - Honorable Mention (2026)

Britta, an eleven-year-old girl has lived in soul-deep sorrow since her mother left their family. When Britta's father forgets her birthday, he decides to give her a dog (although Britta asked for a cell phone!). They adopt Crash, an Australian shepherd from their local animal shelter in Sault Ste. Marie, a small city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the adventures begin.

Rescuing Crash, the Good Dog is a story about broken hearts-not only Britta's and her father's but also a dog's broken heart-and it is a story about the bonds between daughters and fathers and good dogs and also not-always-so-good cats.

"...a delightful and heartwarming story about the ways our rescued pets rescue us right back." -- Angeline Boulley, NYT Best-Selling author of Firekeeper's Daughter.

"I loved this story about healing broken hearts and broken families--both human and animal... A wonderful and satisfying ending." -Janie Chang, Globe and Mail bestselling author of The Porcelain Moon and The Library of Legends.

"Britta Kent receives the best gift for her eleventh birthday. Her dad decides it is time for her to have a dog, something that she has wanted for a very long time. Girl and canine form a powerful connection, healing one another's broken heart." -- Julie Buchholtz, author of Who Am I?

"A powerful tale of finding friendship in the most unexpected places. Rescuing Crash showcases the true heart of animal rescue in this fast-paced story of companionship, family, and healing. A must-read for young readers." -Nikki Mitchell, author of the Magic Shoebox Adventures

"...perfect for readers who enjoy emotional, character-driven stories about family, resilience, and the special connection between humans and animals. Rescuing Crash is a touching and uplifting read that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and been loved by a pet." -Michelle Goaley, Project Director Early Literacy Professional Learning, Michigan Association of Intermediate School Administrators

"As a reader, I took my time soaking up the book's first half. I wanted to savor the author's use of language. I also laughed at Crash's disasters (he was well-named), and I cried with Britta at the thought of losing him. Then, I couldn't put the book down, and didn't until I had finished the second half in one evening, going to bed rather late. If this old grandma can become immersed in the story and characters, remembering her own childhood pet, so will middle-grade kids identify with Britta. Parents, grandparents, and all who work with middle-grade kids shouldn't leave themselves out! They might learn something about relating to kids today." -- Deborah K. Frontiera, UP Book Review

"As a reader, I took my time soaking up the first half of the book. I wanted to savor the author's use of language. I also laughed at Crash's disasters (he was well-named), and I cried with Britta at the thought of losing him. Then, I couldn't put the book down, and didn't until I had finished the second half in one evening, going to bed rather late. If this old grandma can become immersed in the story and characters, remembering her own childhood pet, so will middle-grade kids identify with Britta." -- Deborah K. Frontiera, UP Book Review

"Rescuing Crash is a pleasant breath of fresh Lake Superior air. This is definitely a book I'd bring to the beach or the cabin to spend quality time with fictional people you would love to know in real life and a robust cast of furry critters to add just the right amount of mayhem." -- Konnie LeMay, Lake Superior Magazine

Learn more at SueHarrison.com