A Dog Of Flanders — Ouida

A classic children's tale of loyalty, perseverance, and the bond of friendship between a boy and his dog.
 
Ever since he lost his parents as a baby, Nello has been raised by his caring grandfather in a small village near Antwerp in Flanders. One day they find a dog, injured and alone. Naming the pitiable creature Patrasche, Nello and his grandfather nurse him back to health -- and forever after, the child and pup are inseparable.
 
A Dog of Flanders follows both boy and dog as Nello strives to better his lot in life, from trying to fulfill his heart's desire and become a great artist to his heart breaking as his true love is forbidden from being seen with someone poor like him. Through life's hardships -- from fire and famine to the unkindness of others -- Nello and Patrasche carry on together with the greatest power of all: hope.
 
As touching as it is timeless, A Dog of Flanders remains one of the finest children's stories in classic literature.