Speed ( later to be known as Easy ) is a three-day-old pup found in a discardedsuitcase on a rubbish tip by Barney, a tan-coloured Labrador cross and Jack a black-andwhiteCollie mix, who has a reputation with the ladies. Speeds mother Jenny and siblingshave been captured by two of the councils dedicated pest controllers ( William and Benjamin. . . brothers), who take great pleasure in their work, as they consider all dogs are vermin. Unknown to Barney, Jack is the father of Jennys litter. The animals are taken to the pound andexterminated by means of an electric current passed through a steel rod, suffering agonies intheir death throws. Barneys friend Lulu has recently delivered her own litter and is persuadedto adopt Speed. Bernie, so named as he bears an uncanny resemblance to a St Bernard, is anold, wise, street dog and leader of the pack and a long-time friend of Barney. Jack and Haroldare the two remaining members. The latter being a pure bred Husky of this most feared gangoperating in and around Dalman, a holiday resort in the southern Turkey. The packs mainadversary is Big Bill, a mastiff and his gang. Three months later, Lulus owners decide to uproot and relocate. Having found homesfor her pups, Speed is promised to the ginger-headed lad, who lives next door, who is constantlyteasing him. Speed being a feisty pup retaliates and nips the boys hand. The owners decide to have him put down. Barney comes to the rescue and persuadesBernie to let Speed join the pack. Reluctantly, Bernie agrees, providing Barney takes fullresponsibility for him. Speed is instrumental in a well-planned successful raid on AbrahamBurders cafe/restaurant. Abraham complains to Mohammed Ismik, an old school friend, whoheads the pest control department.
