My Dog, my Friend
by Jacki Gordon
Published by Hubble & Hattie
Reviewed by Sally Marchant
on 27th January 2015
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"My dog, my friend" is
a collection of short stories about celebrities and their canine companions. Now,
as a dog lover and dog owner I often share stories about my dogs with
others but have to admit that it’s of far less interest to anyone who doesn’t
really know me or my dog. So, it was
with some trepidation that I approached the idea of a book devoted to stories
about other people’s relationships with their dogs. I needn’t have worried. Each story is a page or so long so doesn't
go into minute detail, they are just the right length to be
interesting, lovely insights into the different ways the dogs came into
people's lives and the different ways each four-legged friend brings joy to
their owners. In addition, the fact that each story is told by a different
author provides further interest of differing styles of writing.
The headings and stories are about the dogs, with a smaller-font description of the person or celebrity in each case. The stories are by comedians, writers, journalists, politicians, professors, photographers, chefs, TV and radio celebrities, fashion icons, people with disabilities with their assistance dogs, a homeless person and even a rabbi! Some of the stories are rather emotional, I have smiled, laughed and even became teary throughout the book (I would particularly recommend 'perfect partners' Glyn and Osborne on page 38). All royalties from this small hardback book are being donated to the Samaritans, made possible by all contributors giving their time, images and words for free. This spirit of unconditional giving and love is significant throughout the book, bringing the canine stars and their human counterparts together. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in dogs, or people, or both! |