Come, Sit, Read, Enjoy

A Dog’s Purpose

By W. Bruce Cameron

It’s unconditional love.  We crave it; we seek it.  Many find it with their canine best friend.  This book is all about it.

First appearing on the page as a feral puppy, Toby will tug at your heart as he learns from his litter mates, and starts his quest to learn why he exists.  What is his purpose in life?  This author skillfully reveals this dog’s thoughts and heart, as the story is told by Toby.  You’ll read Toby’s vivid, innocent insights from his dog’s senses.  Toby doesn’t always fully understand the human world around him and his misinterpretations add to life’s adventure.

Toby’s first life ends in a way that leaves you still wondering about his life purpose.  And Toby isn’t finished.  He’s reincarnated and frolics into a second life, snuggling into a family and especially snuggling into the arms of the boy, Ethan.  In his second life he remembers some of the more compelling lessons learned from his first life.  What’s also revealing is how Toby, who is now Bailey, views the people around him, and their lives.  Bailey’s family life has its delights, and at times is no walk in the park.  As a reader you care for Bailey, and join in his pursuit of purpose as he matures.  This universal quest to answer why we’re here is an exhilarating exploration in this novel.  A dog’s life is just too short.

Back again, you’ll greedily lap up Bailey’s next incarnation as Buddy.  This time a she, her spirit is brought back in a most unique way and she has retained knowledge from both her previous lives.  You’ll share all new experiences that will keep you turning or swiping, pages hungrily.  I felt thrilled that Buddy was fulfilling a great purpose, and then a most unexpected turn took the story soaring.  Toby/Bailey/Buddy is an old soul who will warm your heart like the old Peanuts quote “happiness is a warm puppy”.

W. Bruce Cameron’s entertaining humor is scattered throughout this marvelous novel.  In a taped interview, hosted by his dog Tucker, the author said that “I remember reading these books when I was young and you had this great bond with this dog, then the dog dies.  I remembered how much I hated that.  I wanted to write a book that made you feel good about your relationship with dogs, and then the dog doesn’t die at the end.”  Adorable Tucker the “interviewer” is a rescue dog, and the author has said his favorite “breed” is a rescue dog.

This book will remind you why, or teach you why, people love dogs.  It will also remind you that we all have a purpose to fulfill, and there is goodness in that search and fulfillment.  That’s a lot to learn from a wag and a bark.

Here’s to the many dogs I’ve loved, especially Tristan, Charley, and King.