The story takes place in Lawtonville, where a group of preteen friends, including Danny Mitchell and his dog Rusty, spend their days hanging out in their clubhouse and collecting dog food box tops to get a book on training dogs. When a reclusive young man named Jed Barlow and his German Shepherd Barb arrive in town, the boys are initially wary of him due to his surly demeanor. Despite this, Rusty and Barb form a friendship, and Danny begins to see a different side of Barlow. As rumors spread about Barlow's past, the townsfolk, including Luther Hebble, a gossip-prone ex-GI, assume he's an ex-con. However, with the help of Mr. Gibson and Danny's father, Hugh Mitchell, the group learns a valuable lesson about the consequences of hurtful actions and the importance of responsible behavior.
The Son of Rusty
The arrival of Jed Barlow in Lawtonville sets off a whirlwind of gossip, but a dramatic trial unfolds after an explosive incident leaves a dog injured, ultimately leading to a surprising verdict and a transformative experience for the townspeople.
