Even the Dog Knows

A Novel

By: Jason F. Wright

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

A family’s beloved old dog takes a final road trip to help his humans find forgiveness and healing.

Meg Gorton finds herself alone and lonely in Florida. Three years earlier, she packed what she could fit into her sister's car, told her husband, Gary, where he could find her, and asked him to take care of Moses, their beloved black Labrador. For years, she’d tried to talk Gary into moving away from Woodstock, Virginia. They both needed a fresh start after a painful loss, and when their grandson graduates from high school, Meg knows it’s time. But Meg also knows that if she wants a new beginning, she’ll have to do it alone. Now, with some looming health issues, Meg has a plan to finally bring Gary to Gulf Breeze.

Gary wasn’t able to move on the same way Meg did. Haunted by the tragedy of his daughter’s death and painfully aware of his guilt because he feels responsible, he’s stuck in his life. He still owns and drives the bus for their hometown minor league baseball team. And he still thinks about the day his wife drove away. At least he still has Moses, who is always willing to listen when Gary talks about his regrets and all the things he should have done differently.

Everything changes when Meg writes Gary a letter with a surprise request. She wants him to bring Moses to visit her one last time before she or the old dog passes on. Gary is reluctant to go, but Troy thinks it’s an excellent idea. They could even travel together in Gary’s bus. Along the way, Gary takes a detour to visit Troy’s ex-girlfriend, Grace - the woman who Gary and Meg always believed was the one for Troy. Gary might not know how to fix things with his wife, but he knows he doesn’t want Troy to make the same mistakes he did.

Although Moses is just a dog, he’s very observant. He knows Gary hasn’t been the same since Meg left, Troy is hiding something, and Grace’s fingers smell like bacon. It doesn’t take long for Moses to learn they are going on a road trip to see Meg. He misses her and senses Gary’s loneliness. He knows he’s an old dog and that his time is near, but he also knows there are still important things he needs to do.

Even the Dog Knows is a novel that will take listeners on a thousand-mile journey to meet strangers and find forgiveness, understanding, healing, and the meaning of true and lasting love.

©2022 Jason F. Wright (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Absolutely love it.

I absolutely loved this book. Probably my favorite one he wrote. It made me laugh, cry and everything in between. Highly recommend it.

More than meets the ears

The first time I listened to it, I felt like the language was a bit “young”. It seemed as if the author had it all planned out as to how many similes, metaphors, and uses of foreshadowing and alliteration would be in each chapter. There wasn’t any gorgeous, poetic narrative or description. The character development wasn’t very deep and the storyline itself was a bit predictable. But then I listened to it again. And I noticed the deeper themes of communication, secrets, forgiveness, family, love, and redemption. I noticed how physical ailments were treated differently than emotional ones and how hurt and anger can stop the healing process in the latter. I noticed “anti-Ishmael” theme as well - Gary didn’t find himself after he lost everything. Instead, he discovered himself after picking up several people along the way on his road trip. Although the language was still simple and lacking in eloquence, I can see how the author kept it so - it made the characters more believable.

Audible fan

Best story I’ve read in a long time!! A definite make you feel good one!

Super chill easy listen

Pretty cute story for a no pressure listen accompanied by a few tears if you like that.

Even the Dog Knows is great!!!

I had my doubts when this book started and a male voice was doing the female lines. I think this is the first book that was narrated by a male voice. I had a hard time getting into it but I stayed with it and I am so glad I did! The narrator did a fantastic job with the angry Gary towards the end of the book. Full of modern day examples of love and forgiveness. This book could represent so many families today that are distracted by the world in an attempt to cover up true feelings. This is a must read!

Loved it

The story is kind of predictable but with unexpected twists and turns. A make you feel good book.

Great book!

Loved listening to Kirby read this wonderful book! Another great read from Jason F. Wright.

a nice ride!

This is a simple, heartwarming story that includes the dog in character and plot development.