Murray offers a moving examination of personal trauma and deep bonds with animals in this exceptional debut. Sharing painful experiences from his past, Murray details how the dogs in his life helped pull him through and heal, starting with the adoption of a dog named Chelsea when Murray was a young teen. Chelsea, rescued at ten years old from an abusive situation, came at the perfect time for Murray—and while she learned to trust humans again, she gave Murray the friendship he needed just as she taught him about compassion, patience, and unconditional love. Another addition to Murray’s family during his senior year of high school, a puppy named Lexi, would end up saving his life more than once.

In warm, eloquent prose, Murray shares his dark moments as a teen and young adult while telling a beautiful story of love and forgiveness through his relationships with loyal pets. Murray frankly describes his depression as a teen, after being forced to make a difficult choice that he wasn’t sure he could live with, and his subsequent drug and alcohol abuse—until Lexi literally saved his life. Murray allows readers a glimpse of his pain and bad choices but also illuminates the revelation of unconditional love he experienced time and again through the eyes of his dogs.

After sharing his unique bond with the dogs in his life, Murray turns his attention to the recent present, where he realizes his successful career is not his true calling. When he comes across another dog in desperate need of rescuing, Murray shares a touching story of re-homing that inspired him to change professions and dedicate himself to helping other animals. Animal lovers will feel connected to Murray’s almost spiritual awakening and admire his devotion to following his heart, even in the face of tremendous sacrifice. This touching memoir overflows with intense emotion.

Takeaway: A touching memoir of a boy whose life is saved by love of dogs–and grows up to return the favor.

Great for fans of: Jean Gill’s Someone To Look Up To, Helen Macdonald’s H is for Hawk.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A