Hero by Jennifer Li Shotz

HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780062652218
Hero, a retired search-and-rescue dog, is not prepared for a stray puppy to come into his life. But when he and twelve-year-old Ben find Scout injured and afraid, the new addition leads them down an unexpected and dangerous path. When Scout goes missing, it's up to Hero to use his search-and-rescue skills to find Scout and bring him home.
This is a compelling story about the bond between a boy and his dogs and the lessons Ben has to learn about sorting out priorities as he promises that he will keep up his schoolwork and grades if he is allowed to keep the puppy, Scout. But it's hard when you have friends and baseball also vying for your time.
More for the independent reader, nevertheless it would make a great read-aloud to a class or younger person who loves dogs, with just the right amount of tension and a happy ending.
Barbara Braxton