If you are any fraction of a dog lover like myself, this book will draw your attention. I couldn’t resist the adorable dog on the front cover, and despite not much information to read on the back, I took the risk and bought the book. I was immediately connected to it and from there, I was hooked through the end.

Written by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog’s Purpose is a must-read for dog lovers. In the beginning there are numerous dogs to keep up with, but the book quickly focuses on one male puppy who then becomes the main protagonist. He receives his permanent name, Bailey, at his second home. The first life seems to be the toughest. He and his family are found in the wild and are taken to a woman’s yard that is already full with too many dogs in need of homes. The transition is hard for his siblings, and so hard on his mother that she escapes back into the wild. He then is reincarnated into a new type of dog and is essentially transported to his new life, this time with a boy named Ethan and his parents who readily and bravely take on this new puppy. Just when it seems he has found his forever-home, he moves on to his next life as a new type of dog and the cycle keeps going until his final life is lived. From a breed as big as a German Shepherd to something as small as a Corgi, it is evident that these experiences not only change the owner’s lives but also Bailey’s. Each life is different and comes with harder challenges or sadder stories, but the impact it has on every individual is substantially greater than anticipated, even for the reader. This book shows the emotional, heartwarming journey of a dog and how he lives for his owners, and in return how they live for him.

I love Cameron’s refreshing perspective from a dog’s eyes not only because it was something new and different, but also because it made me see my own dogs from a completely different perspective. I don’t think I’ll ever see them the same way again after reading this book. It creates a new appreciation for dogs in general, as well as a deeper understanding for them and what they do. Although nobody actually knows how dogs really think, Cameron hits the nail pretty close on the head with this book. Because of these bigger, deeper concepts, this book may not be a first selection for younger kids. Also, because it shows this dog dying and coming back to life, the dying may create sadness while the reincarnation could cause confusion. Other than that, the concept is very well thought out and executed, and will be able to touch the hearts of any dog lover brave enough to take the book on.

Equally touching and humorous, this book is perfect for any dog lover who adores and appreciates their furry companion.