Secret of the Mountain Dog by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

When Jax walks out to get the mail, she comes back with a Tibetan Mastiff.  If you have never seen one of these, it's a huge dog! 

Naturally her mother isn't enthused and doesn't want the dog in the house.  But the dog is following Jax everywhere, even into her bedroom at night.  Mom demands they find the owners and return it and a temporary truce reigns in the house.

Scholastic and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It was published in October, so you can grab a copy now.

While Jax and her family live in upper New York, their mountain area is similar to to Tibet in looks.  There is an old abandoned building up the trail from them that has been vacant since they moved in.  One night, Jax notices some lights up there and decides to go look.  That look will change her life.

Jax's mother is way too protective.  Her little sister almost drowned in the creek, and Mom wants them all to be where she can see them.  Even Jax can't go where she used to for walks.  She decides to go check out the building anyway and plans on being home soon.  What she finds is that a Buddhist monk has come to fix up the building and they will be using it as a temple.  She's happy to meet a boy her age and he tells her all about Tibet.  When she finally realizes what time it is, she has to run home!

The boy and the monk are in danger.  There is a statue in storage that a thief wants for it's monetary value.  He cares not what happens to anyone who gets in his way.  I think what happens probably has changed his mind about that.

It's got action, friendship, the discussion of the issue of trust, and the mysterious dog.  Together, that makes a good story and you learn about about Tibet on the way.  I found it to be a fun read.  Give it a try!