It is actually quite similar (to Wild Palomino), in that the hero is a young man trying to do more than people give him credit for, his pet (the titular dog in this case) is a major assist in the doing, and he does in fact achieve both tasks and recognition with relative ease. However, Meek knows how to write - the hero of this one actually has to fight his challenges (it's not obvious that he will instantly win), he doubts himself and reassures himself reasonably, and what he does (hmmm, how do I say this?) fits within what he's previously demonstrated. Like, there's a bobcat loose on the reservation. Dignity has previously demonstrated that he can track the beast and will do so without running wild; so the kid (I can't remember his name!) takes his dog, arranges to corner the cat and kills it - with a club, which is impressive, but it's not presented as a heroic blow, more like a lot of luck and some skill. It's much more realistic without being any less heroic. This was the first S.P. Meek book I read, and it's still my favorite. ( )