Image of a dog in nature
Illustration by Mark Fredrickson
Nonfiction,

Bobbie’s Amazing Journey

A dog got lost thousands of miles from home. Could he find his way back?

By Laine Falk
From the September 2025 Issue

Learning Objective: Children will understand a read aloud about a lost dog that found its way home.

Lexiles: 540L
Featured Skill: Main Idea, Key Details,
Vocabulary: scruffy, navigators, landmark, journey
Topic: Social Studies, Science,
Common Core Standards
  • RF.1.1 Features of print RI.1.1 Key details RI.1.3 Connecting information RI.1.4 Vocabulary RI.1.5 Text features RI.1.6 Distinguish between information from words and images RI.1.7 Use visuals SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative discussions with peers and adults SL.1.2 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud
TEKS Standards
  • Social Studies
    (4) Geography. The student understands the purpose of geographic tools, including maps and globes. The student is expected to: (B) locate and explore the community, Texas, and the United States on maps and globes. (15) Science, technology, and society. The student identifies individuals who created or invented new technology and understands how technology affects daily life, past and present. The student is expected to: (B) describe how technology has affected communication, transportation, and recreation.
  • Science
    (13) Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms resemble their parents and have structures and undergo processes that help them interact and survive within their environments. The student is expected to: (A) identify the external structures of different animals and compare how those structures help different animals live, move, and meet basic needs for survival.

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LISTEN AND THINK: As you listen, try to picture what happens in your mind.

A dog named Bobbie walked through the streets of a small town. He was lost, scared, and alone.

It was August 1923. A week earlier, Bobbie had set off on a trip with his owners, Frank and Elizabeth Brazier. They were driving from Oregon to Indiana to visit family. 

The trip was more than 2,000 miles. Bobbie sat in the back of the car as mountains and forests sped by.

After 10 days, the Braziers made it to Indiana. But when they stopped at a gas station, a gang of scruffy dogs appeared. Growling and barking, they chased Bobbie! He ran until he was very lost.

PAUSE AND THINK: How did Bobbie get lost?

Looking for Bobbie

This map shows the Braziers’ trip from Oregon to Indiana. 

The Braziers drove around for days honking and calling his name. But they couldn’t find Bobbie.

Eventually, they had to go home. They broke the bad news to their daughters, Nova and Leona.

That’s how Bobbie became a lost dog in a strange place. Would he be able to find his way home?

PAUSE AND THINK: What do you think? Could he get home?

Amazing Powers

You may be thinking, “No way!” After all, dogs can’t read street signs or ask for directions. 

But many animals are good navigators. That means they are good at finding their way. Being a good navigator helps wild animals remember where to find food and water. It helps them find their nest or den. 

PAUSE AND THINK: What can good navigators do?

What About Pet Dogs?

Bobbie sits on the car.

Dogs are also great at finding their way. Scientists say that dogs look for landmarks. They might remember a tree they passed or a building. Then they can look for that landmark on their way back.

Dogs also have amazing noses with a super sense of smell. They can even smell which way someone went. 

Could Bobbie use these puppy powers to find his family?

PAUSE AND THINK: What powers could Bobbie use to get home?

Could It Be?

Bobbie may have crossed these mountains. Wow!

Six months after Bobbie went missing, the Braziers’ daughter Nova was walking through town with a friend. Suddenly, they noticed a skinny dog that was limping. He looked like Bobbie.
Could it be?

Then the dog saw Nova. He ran toward her and covered her with kisses. It was Bobbie!

Bobbie had traveled more than 2,000 miles to get home. He would have had to cross over mountains and rivers! It seemed like a miracle.

The Wonder Dog

Bobbie with his owner, Frank Brazier

Soon the news of Bobbie’s trip spread. People called him “The Wonder Dog.” Crowds of people came to see him at a big fair. He was even in a movie about himself.

Many people wrote letters saying they had seen Bobbie at parts of his journey home. Sometimes he stayed with a family for a meal or to rest for a short time. With a little help—and his incredible powers—Bobbie found his way. 

As one person wrote, “He seemed to know where he was going.” 

A statue of Bobbie


If You Had a Dog Nose

Bobbie probably used his nose to find his way. What would happen if you had a dog nose?

1. You could smell your dinner from miles away.

Would you want a nose like that? 

Yes or No?

2.  You could wiggle each nostril on its own.

Would you want a nose like that? 

Yes or No?

Dogs with long noses have the best sense of smell. Sorry, bulldog.

3.  It would feel cold and wet.

Would you want a nose like that? 

Yes or No?

video (1)
Slideshows (1)
Activities (2)
Skills Activities
Answer Key (1)
video (1)
Slideshows (1)
Activities (2) Download All Quizzes and Activities
Skills Activities
Answer Key (1)

More About the Article

English Language Arts Focus

Comprehension of a nonfiction narrative

Science Focus

Animal behavior

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Download the Lesson Plan

Implementation

  • Whole group
  • Small group

Pairings and Text Connections

Before-Reading Resources

  • Vocabulary slideshow (5 minutes) scruffy, navigators, landmark, journey

Suggested Reading Focus

Comprehension/text-to-self connections (20 minutes)

  • On the first read-through, focus on listening comprehension. Have students make a mental movie in their minds as you read aloud. Use the Pause and Think questions to guide class discussion. You can also ask students to give one- or twosentence summaries of each section.
  • Read through the article again. Then have students turn andtalk with a partner to retell the events of the story. Encourage them to tell what happened first, next, and last.
  • Finally, have student volunteers read the Your Turn to Read! section aloud. Students can answer the questions by circling their answers in the magazine.

After-Reading Video Read-Aloud

  • Watch the Video Read-Aloud (5 minutes) Students can hear the article read aloud and see the imagery come to life.

After-Reading Skills Practice

  • Skills: Key details (15 minutes) 

Text-to-Speech