The characters involved in the activities at the Riverview Animal Shelter return in this fourth book of the series. Border Collies are among the most intelligent of dogs. An experimental, life-saving treatment by a nonconformist veterinarian on a Border Collie puppy, Trixie, not only saves Trixie's life, but thereby produces a dog with an amazing level of intelligence, capable of performing both surprising tricks and sensitive service to her mistress, Katherine, recovering from cancer. Katherine's illness and slow recovery cause her to lose an offer to join a private veterinary practice, but the Riverview Animal Shelter is eager to have her services. Furthermore, one of the volunteers there, Donald, falls in love with this attractive, intelligent, plucky young woman. Trixie shows her talents on stage, saves an important ceremony from becoming a fiasco, and has a dalliance with a neighbor's dog that ends up producing smart puppies, including one who will play a major role in the next book in this series. From the author: "In my many years of teaching dog obedience, I have discovered that not all humans understand what their dog is trying to tell them. I've enjoyed my opportunities to teach classes on dog communication (the body language of dogs). My goal has always been to reach a wider audience, which publishing my books will allow. "I've always enjoyed telling stories. I have discovered that stories can help us to learn and remember valuable information. I hope the reader will find these stories entertaining and informative." This is the fourth in this multi-book series, following UNDERSTANDING SASSIE and UNDERSTANDING SASSIE, II, and UNDERSTANDING CHAMP. Readers can enjoy any of the books without having read the others. All four novels combine upbeat personal stories with insights about training dogs with love.