A Dog's Purpose: Uplifting, Moving, Insightful!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

 If you’re thinking this book is nonfiction that sets out to teach owners how we should “use” our dogs or that tired mantra that we must give them jobs, think again. This book is a novel in the truest sense—a fictional story that takes the reader on a journey through the many lives of one wonderful dog.

I guess I never thought about a dog having multiple lives. Cats have always had the license for that reputation of 9 lives. Yet the dog in A Dog’s Purpose, shares his innermost thoughts from his own perspective in a series of lives, each one leading to a culmination of the journey in which he learns his final destiny.

The idea of reincarnation became more real world for me during a recent visit to Thailand, where most Buddhists, I learned, believe that what they do in this life, will largely determine the conditions of their next life. For Bailey, Buddy, and all the other lives of this pup, the experiences build on one another, each life’s lessons adding to the knowledge base of the last, until one final lesson brings it all home for the dog that had many names and many jobs, yet continued to seek his purpose.

As I’ve read and considered the experiences of each dog throughout this book, I find myself wondering if Tanner and Oliver have the same desire—to know what their purpose is in life. I believe when we are involved in a specific activity together—walking, playing fetch, practicing skills—they each understand exactly what the goal is. Yet purpose is such a different concept. I’ll be watching and wondering for some time to come, waiting to see a glimmer of any purpose-seeking in their behaviors.

I guess you could say A Dog’s Purpose put a whole new spin on the way I look at my own dogs’ inner lives—what they think and how they see themselves in our relationships. A Dog’s Purpose will get YOU thinking, and for this I believe it is a terrific read. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for the dogs of the world if all owners were actively considering their purpose as a dog owner?


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Full disclosure: Three copies of A Dog's Purpose were provided as a giveaway by the publisher. No purchase is required to win. I have not been compensated to read the book, review it or offer this giveaway. I hope you enjoy the giveaway fun as much as the book!