"A Dog's Purpose," written by W. Bruce Cameron (author of the book "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter" which became the hit TV show) is a novel for humans from a dog's point of view. It tells the story of a dog that continues reincarnating and realizes he'll keep coming back until he fulfills his purpose. But first he has to figure out what that purpose is.
The dog's experiences give us a compelling view into subjects like puppy mills, police dogs and, most significantly, the incredible bond a dog forms with his humans. Cameron is a syndicated humor columnist, but this isn't a breezy summer read. We found it to be funny and heartwarming, but also gut-wrenching at times.
After reading "A Dog's Purpose," we had a few questions we just had to ask Cameron:
You were inspired to write the book when a dog reminded you of your childhood pet Cammie. Could you tell us more about that?
I was taking a bike ride in the mountains and I passed by a dog on a chain outside a house, behind a fence. He barked at me once and then just sort of sat down and stared at me. I got off my bike, and I walked over and looked at him, and we just locked eyes. He was a dark-colored mutt, and he really reminded me of Cammie, and the way she used to look me in the eye.
This dog seemed really excited to see me, but I couldn't get close because of the fence. I stayed there and talked to him for a little while, and it really struck me as I rode away that it felt like I had interacted with my very first dog, as if my dog had come back and I had stumbled across her.
That got me thinking, when our canine friends die, we don't really let go of them. At least I don't. I feel like I always will have my dogs with me. The bond between a person and their dog never dies. I started thinking, "What would happen if the dog was reincarnated? What would that be like for the dog?"
How did you learn the information about search and rescue dogs that you included in your book?
I'm basically a lurker on some search-and-rescue chat boards. I don't ever post because I don't have anything to say that would be of value to them, but I read about what's going on.
I read the search-and-rescue training manual, which is quite detailed. That gave me real insight into not just how they trained the dogs, but how they -- the people who are involved in this -- perceive the dogs' sense of smell, how strong it is, how they track and how it all comes together.
Was any part of the book particularly hard for you to write? (Warning, spoiler alert!)
It was pretty difficult for me to write about the end of Bailey's life, when the dog is on the table and understands there's a rising sense of urgency in the room and because of that, he won't let go. Because of that, he stays alive. It's something a dog would do; they have such a strong sense of what's going on inside of us, and it would be so like a dog to think, "Oh, whatever's going on, I need to be here for it. I can't go now." That was really emotional for me.
Who do you most want to read this book?
I think this is a great book for someone who has lost a dog. I really believe that the central theme is that true love never dies and that if you're aware, if you keep your eyes open, your dog might find his way back to you in one way or another. I think that's a powerful message that can give you a sense of hope and completion. There's a great message about love and life and it's tied to the dog.
In addition to running a Dog of the Week contest that allows people to submit pictures of their pets with the hope of earning $65 for their chosen charity along with a copy of "A Dog's Purpose," there's also a national charity program. Independent bookstores (both online and brick and mortar) are donating 10 percent of the proceeds from copies of "A Dog's Purpose" ordered by July 1 to local animal charities. Find out where to order yours.
The dog's experiences give us a compelling view into subjects like puppy mills, police dogs and, most significantly, the incredible bond a dog forms with his humans. Cameron is a syndicated humor columnist, but this isn't a breezy summer read. We found it to be funny and heartwarming, but also gut-wrenching at times.
After reading "A Dog's Purpose," we had a few questions we just had to ask Cameron:
You were inspired to write the book when a dog reminded you of your childhood pet Cammie. Could you tell us more about that?
I was taking a bike ride in the mountains and I passed by a dog on a chain outside a house, behind a fence. He barked at me once and then just sort of sat down and stared at me. I got off my bike, and I walked over and looked at him, and we just locked eyes. He was a dark-colored mutt, and he really reminded me of Cammie, and the way she used to look me in the eye.
This dog seemed really excited to see me, but I couldn't get close because of the fence. I stayed there and talked to him for a little while, and it really struck me as I rode away that it felt like I had interacted with my very first dog, as if my dog had come back and I had stumbled across her.
That got me thinking, when our canine friends die, we don't really let go of them. At least I don't. I feel like I always will have my dogs with me. The bond between a person and their dog never dies. I started thinking, "What would happen if the dog was reincarnated? What would that be like for the dog?"
How did you learn the information about search and rescue dogs that you included in your book?
I'm basically a lurker on some search-and-rescue chat boards. I don't ever post because I don't have anything to say that would be of value to them, but I read about what's going on.
I read the search-and-rescue training manual, which is quite detailed. That gave me real insight into not just how they trained the dogs, but how they -- the people who are involved in this -- perceive the dogs' sense of smell, how strong it is, how they track and how it all comes together.
Was any part of the book particularly hard for you to write? (Warning, spoiler alert!)
It was pretty difficult for me to write about the end of Bailey's life, when the dog is on the table and understands there's a rising sense of urgency in the room and because of that, he won't let go. Because of that, he stays alive. It's something a dog would do; they have such a strong sense of what's going on inside of us, and it would be so like a dog to think, "Oh, whatever's going on, I need to be here for it. I can't go now." That was really emotional for me.
Who do you most want to read this book?
I think this is a great book for someone who has lost a dog. I really believe that the central theme is that true love never dies and that if you're aware, if you keep your eyes open, your dog might find his way back to you in one way or another. I think that's a powerful message that can give you a sense of hope and completion. There's a great message about love and life and it's tied to the dog.
In addition to running a Dog of the Week contest that allows people to submit pictures of their pets with the hope of earning $65 for their chosen charity along with a copy of "A Dog's Purpose," there's also a national charity program. Independent bookstores (both online and brick and mortar) are donating 10 percent of the proceeds from copies of "A Dog's Purpose" ordered by July 1 to local animal charities. Find out where to order yours.
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Happiness & friendship....Its what dogs do.
You cant buy loyalty they say i bought it tho just the other day,you cant buy friendship tried and true, but just the same i bought that too. my dog
WE HAVE AN 18 MONTH ADOPTED WEIMERHIMER FEMALE.
WHO THINKS HER SOLE DUTY IS TO PUT THE FEAR OF GOD INTO THE SQUIRELS AND BIRDS THAT TRESPESS IN HER YARD OR ON HER WALKS WITH HER BEST BUD ROMAN[A HUNDRED # DOBERMAN PINCER]SHE IS PROTECTING MY WIFE AND HER FRIEND FROM THOSE EVIL CRITTERS.