A Mile From Ellington Station — Tim Egan

Preston and his wife, Ruth, own Ellington Lodge. Preston is a checkers-playing fiend and is known around the neighborhood as the greatest checkers player in the world. When a small dog named Marley shows up at Ellington Lodge, Preston at first thinks he's harmless, and Ruth is delighted because Marley helps out with chores that Preston has no time for, due to his checkers games. Ever-helpful Marley soon seems to cast a spell over everyone at the lodge with his cooking talent, amazing storytelling, speed painting, and magic tricks.
When Marley beats Preston in checkers, ending his 992-game winning streak, it's a bit too much for Preston to take, and he wants the canine wonder gone. Will Preston be able to turn the folks of Ellington Lodge against the little dog?