Many of us have childhood memories of picking up seemingly innocent books about dogs, only to be left in tears by tales of animal abuse and death. Books like My Dog Skip, Shiloh, and Old Yeller often feature lovable pooches on their covers but deliver heartbreaking narratives. If you’re one of the many who experienced this “dog book-related trauma,” then The Good Dog might be the balm your soul needs. This review delves into why this underrated novel is a must-read for dog lovers of all ages.
For years, the author, like many others, consciously avoided books featuring dogs due to past traumatic experiences with children’s literature. Even popular titles like Marley & Me and The Art of Racing in the Rain, despite their acclaim, ended in tears and remained unread on the shelf. However, a bold birthday gift—The Good Dog—with a challenge to like it or face the end of a friendship, sparked a reluctant curiosity.
After nearly a month of apprehension, the author finally sat down to read The Good Dog and was astonished to finish it in a single sitting. The novel not only met the challenge but also addressed and healed years of unacknowledged trauma, offering a surprisingly wholesome and fulfilling reading experience.
McKinley’s Tale: A Wolf Dog’s Perspective
The Good Dog is narrated by McKinley, a charismatic half-Malamute, half-wolf dog who holds the position of pack leader in his town. The narrative skillfully balances the domestic and the wild, exploring McKinley’s internal conflict between his loyalty to his human family and the allure of a life of freedom. The story is perfectly suited for a Pixar or Disney adaptation, captivating audiences with its unique perspective.
Through McKinley’s eyes, the reader encounters a diverse cast of canine characters, each with their own struggles and realities. Redburn, a prized Irish Setter, lives in constant fear of his owners’ repercussions. Duchess, a greyhound, endures perpetual confinement and is forced to race against her will by a cruel master. Tubbs, a lovable basset hound, may be underestimated by other dogs but possesses a strong desire to please his pack leader. McKinley’s best friend, A., a friendly retriever, offers a glimpse into a more typical, loving pet-owner relationship.
Exploring Themes of Kindness, Loyalty, and Self-Worth
The presence of Lupin, a confident wolf, ignites a primal spark in McKinley, making him question his life as a domesticated pet. The novel masterfully portrays the varied lives dogs lead, highlighting their lack of choice and the different forms of treatment they receive. Even characters like Redburn, who might initially seem antagonistic, evoke sympathy as products of their environment, valued solely for their hunting prowess rather than their companionship.
The Good Dog offers profound life lessons on kindness, loyalty, self-worth, and authenticity. Crucially, these lessons are delivered without the graphic depictions of abuse or the tragic deaths that mar so many other dog-centric stories. The healing power of this wholesome narrative is remarkable, especially considering how it managed to avoid the pitfalls of its predecessors. The author expresses disbelief that such a book could exist and laments its underappreciated status.
An Underrated Gem for All Ages
The Good Dog is a book that every child should experience and every adult dog lover can cherish. McKinley’s narration is endearing and authentic, capturing the essence of a loyal companion with his unique interpretations of human behavior and canine social dynamics. The novel also offers a poignant commentary on the human tendency to love dogs while fearing wolves, serving as a powerful allegory for real-world issues like racism. Furthermore, it serves as a timely reminder of the threats wolves face from human expansion and the hunting of their ancestors.
The narrative’s exploration of McKinley’s confusion about the world’s complexities, much like Scout’s in To Kill a Mockingbird, highlights the book’s depth. Despite its thematic richness, The Good Dog remains largely undiscovered, perhaps dismissed as “just a dog book.” However, its heartwarming story encourages readers to emulate the best qualities of dogs: unconditional love, cherishing friendships, offering support, showing gratitude, and protecting loved ones.
For those seeking solace from emotionally devastating childhood reads or simply a heartwarming and uplifting story, The Good Dog is the perfect choice. It’s a powerful reminder that a book about dogs can be a source of healing and joy, rather than sorrow.
Please note: While The Good Dog focuses on wholesome themes, it does acknowledge instances of animal abuse. Duchess experiences verbal abuse and lives in deplorable conditions, being forced to race. Lupin faces prejudice and violence from townspeople. These sensitive themes are handled with more subtlety than in some other children’s literature, but readers who are particularly sensitive to such content should proceed with awareness.
