Jim, the Wonder Dog/Clarence Dewey Mitchell/143 pgs

Who doesn't love it that Missouri has some celebrities that called our state home?  Walt Disney, Stan Musial, Ginger Rogers, Charles Lindbergh, and President Harry S. Truman are some Missouri notables.  But, did you know that Missouri has a famous dog?  Jim, the Wonder Dog was his name and he could understand and follow commands doing things he should not have been able.  He could also understand commands in several different languages.  He was seen by thousands demonstrating his incredible intelligence.

A Dog's Journey (sequel to A Dog's Purpose) / W. Bruce Cameron / 336 pgs

A Dog's Journey is the sequel to A Dog's Purpose, soon to be released as a movie in the cinemas at the end of the month. Whereas in A Dog's Purpose, the dog who is known alternatively as Toby, Bailey, Ellie, and Buddy learns that his purpose is to love and protect his boy, Ethan, in the sequel, our canine hero learns that his/her purpose is to love Ethan's granddaughter, C.J., and ultimately to love and take care of all humans. Buddy is still alive at the beginning of the book, but ultimately passes and is reborn as Molly, then Max, and finally Toby again. The ending is sweet and might require tissues. I really enjoyed both books, and although it is wrapped up perfectly, I sure wish there was another book. Very well done, and I can't wait for the movie, so I can take my dog-loving husband to go see it.

 P.S. I am totally a cat person, and have my own four-legged friend who takes care of me, Mia, but that didn't keep me from loving both of Mr. Cameron's books.

P.P.S. This book fulfills a few of the challenges I started in 2017 and it is the first book I started in the New Year. The challenges include:

The #2017FullHouseReadingChallenge - Category: Page Turner
The #2017AudioBookChallenge - No Category
The #2017PopSugarReadingChallenge - Category 21: A book from a nonhuman perspective

Desert Dog/ Jim Kjelgaard/ 129 pages

Desert Dog was written by Jim Kjelgaard in 1975.  The setting for the story is a desert somewhere in the western United States.  Tawny is a racing greyhound who finds himself free in the desert.  He learns to cope with the harsh conditions, finding water, hunting food and avoiding predators.  Unlike many dog stories, this one has a happy ending for all.

A Dog's Purpose / W. Bruce Cameron / 319 pgs

Since starting at the Spencer Road Library in January, I have a longer commute from Wright City and back again. My dislike for St. Louis radio stations and my political pundit fatigue this election year has driven me to audiobooks and I’ve been enjoying them immensely! I just finished A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron and it has greatly contributed to my new appreciation for dogs, which is a feat considering how firmly of a cat person I have been up until now. A Dog’s Purpose tells the tale of a dog who learns his purpose in life over the course of four dog lifetimes - first as Toby, then Bailey, then Ellie, and finally as Buddy. The book is hilarious as we learn how dogs think, their desire to be a “good dog,” to take car rides and eat food! However, it is also a three hanky tale, so be forewarned that a lot of heartstrings will be tugged. I am about to check out the sequel, A Dog’s Journey, and can’t wait to take my husband (a firm dog lover) to see the movie version starring Dennis Quad when it comes out on January 27th. I suspect with the new movie coming out, the book might go on the reserve list. As of right now, there are only three of thirteen copies available, but it is offered as an e-book and e-audiobook.

The Call of the Wild / Jack London / 172 pgs.

The Call of the Wild is a classic I had never read until now, making it a perfect answer to one of the book challenges I am currently doing. It was a very quick read. I was able to finish it in a day with no problem. Having spent some time in Alaska back in 2013, I really enjoyed reading about Skagway (spelt Skaguay in the book) and some other place I had the chance to visit.


The story is of Buck, a half German Shepherd, half Saint Bernard mix. He resides in southern California until he is stolen and sent up to Seattle where he is trained to be a sled dog. Buck must learn how to work with the other sled dogs, and with humans. He is passed from master to master while pulling sleds from the Yukon to Alaska and back. Buck's spirit and ability to survive in the harshest conditions is a really neat story and I would highly recommend it. However, fair warning, there is some gruesome animal violence in various places in the book that may shock some readers.

All Dogs Go to Kevin/ Jessica Vogelsang / 323 pages

All Dogs Go to Kevin is a nonfiction work by veterinarian Jessica Vogelsang.  In her book, Jessica follows her life through the lessons learned from her three dogs, Taffy, Emmett and Kekoa.  While the book follows Jessica through childhood, vet school and as a practicing vet, the underlying theme is dealing with the loss of a pet a friend, or a parent without being depressing.  While not filled with the wonderful characters of James Herriot, the book does have it's own charm.  This book would appeal to readers who likes dog stories, and veterinarian medicine.  For more information and similar reads see the SCCCLD website.

Whippoorwill/ Joseph Monninger/ 275 pages

Whippoorwill by Joseph Monninger is a Young Adult dog story and more.  Claire lives next door to Danny and his abusive father.  Wally is Danny's dog.  Claire intervenes and helps Danny to train Wally.  Along the way Claire and Danny become friends.  Danny offers to take Claire to find a sculpture created by her now deceased mother.  They find the artwork, but events take a strange turn that tests their friendship and leaves Claire in charge of Wally.  This book looks at families and the problems that can effect them.  For more information and similar reads check out the SCCCLD website.

Dogtripping/David Rosenfelt/278 pgs.

Author David Rosenfelt and his wife, Debbie, are ardent dog rescuers. As Rosenfelt attests, Debbie is the moving force behind the Tara Foundation, named for Debbie's deceased golden retriever, Tara. The subtitle of the book says it all: "25 rescues, 11 volunteers, and 3 RVs on our canine cross-country adventure." This book describes David and Debbie's move from California to Maine with 25 rescues in tow. Besides the move, Rosenfelt shares the personalities of some of the dogs involved in the move, plus stories of some of the 300 plus dogs he and Debbie have rescued. The book will bring the reader to laughter and tears, but also to the realization that for every cruel dog owner, there are more good people willing to step in to help. It's a very heartwarming story. Thank you, Sandy M., for bringing it to my attention. Highly recommended!

Who Let the Dog Out? An Andy Carpenter Mystery/ David Rosenfelt/ 324 pages

Who Let the Dog Out? is a mystery novel written by David Rosenfelt.  A dog is stolen from Andy's shelter.  With the help of a track-able collar Andy locates the dog next to a newly dead body.  Andy is sucked into defending the man accused of the murder.  In his attempt to free his client Andy is drawn into the dangerous game of diamond smuggling.  This was book was a quick read, although the solution of the 'major incident' was almost too quick and easy.  For more information and read a like choices see the SCCCLD website.

FIND MOMO: My Dog is Hiding in This Book. Can You Find Him? / Andrew Knapp / 140 Pages

This dog can hide! Take a look at Knapp's delightful photo essay, reminiscent of the Where's Waldo picture books for children. The photographs are primarily locations in Ontario (Canada) and the North Eastern United States, with a few set in Illinois.

For those who love dogs, puzzles, or photography! Give this a try and see if you can FIND MOMO! 

The author has created a website for those who wish to continue following the photographic adventures of Momo: http://gofindmomo.com/

A Dog's Purpose: A Novel for Humans/ W. Bruce Cameron/ 319 pages

W. Bruce Cameron writes this story of one dog who lives multiple lives. The dog keeps being reborn as a puppy, but he retains the lessons he learned in the previous life. Along the way, he/she learns to be a very good dog to each of his owners. His owners aren't always the best humans, however.

This is a Gateway Readers Award nominee for 2012-2013. If it's a nominee and there's a dog in it, then you know the dog must die. But this is like reading Marley and Me three times and Tuesdays with Morris to top it off. These Young Adult titles are killing me! But now I'm ready for Book Club this month!

Only Yours / Susan Mallery 459 p.

Fifth in Mallery's Fool's Gold Romance series features Montana Hendrix, therapy dog handler, falling for scarred surgeon Simon Bradley. Simon's experiences drive him to avoid emotional attachments. He travel around the globe treating children who needs his expertise. The town culture, the friendliness of the people, the love for Montana, and yes, the special dogs send out bonds that force Simon to rethink his life style.

Mallery skillfull weaves in subplots that easily spin into another in the series. Look for many many more stories about the residents of Fool's Gold.

RT Reviewers Choice Book Award

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