What My Dog Means to Me

Real People and the Dogs Who Own Them

By: William H. Joiner Jr

Narrated by: Valerie Gilbert

Maybe it's no accident that "dog" is "God" spelled backwards. Dogs offer unconditional love, usually much more than we deserve, and all we have to do is accept the gift. Dogs don't care if we're rich, smart, or popular. They care only that we get through this life reassured that love is out there for each of us.

If you've ever owned a dog, you'll relate to these true stories contributed by real-life dog owners, each recounting a special canine bond. In tough and troubled times, it's often the family dog that holds our lives together.

©2016 William H. Joiner Jr. (P)2016 William H. Joiner Jr.

A fine tribute

A collection of short stories in a small book brought together by another dog lover. These tales are written by dog lovers who want to tell of the importance one dog who was important to their lives. There are family, champions, protectors, Battle Buddies, recovery assistants, bird hunting specialists, and mourned loved ones. Very well done!
Valerie Gilbert is great as the audio interpreter!

Received free- FB group Free Audiobooks for Review

Would you try another book from William H. Joiner Jr and/or Valerie Gilbert?

I probably would. I didn't really have issues with either person.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

This was a cute read, but I couldn't help but notice that the majority of the stories involved hunting dogs. I assume the author is a fan of hunting? Let me be honest here, most of the hunting dog related stories I would have considered the dogs to be more 'things' the owner's had and nothing more. They trained the dogs at young ages (some were sent away for months), they were specifically bought and used for hunting, they typically lived outside, and could run free when no one was even around to watch them. The owners of the dogs who were hit by vehicles or simple 'disappeared' I wouldn't say I felt sorry for. If you truly care about your furbaby you make sure they aren't in dangerous situations or situations that could easily have been preventable. I love dogs and even though I've only had one she's a member of the family and not just our pet.

Therefore, I think if more stories that didn't involved hunting dogs would have been good. I would have liked more of a variety of dog stories to listen to.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Valerie Gilbert?

Sure. Given the type of narrating she undertook, she did a fairly nice job. I'd be interested to find out how she does in actual stories/novels.

Could you see What My Dog Means to Me being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

A series, easily. While listening to the different stories it made me think of when my daughter and I watch Animal Planet on television. There are so many stories about animals, cats and dogs that we love watching.

Any additional comments?

The dog, Honey, in the first story was really sad. I was listening to this audiobook while I was out walking (exercising) and my eyes automatically started watering when I heard she died. Actually there were several stories that got my eyes going. I can't imagine how my life, my family's life, will be once Lelu is gone. While I'm sure the owner loved him, the fact that he let Buddy watch traffic when he, the owner, wasn't around was a 'no-no' in my book. It makes me think of the people to claim to have a cat who they consider a cherished member of their family, yet, the cat is always outdoors. Even the indoor/outdoor cats...I would never be able to do that because I'd worry about he/she getting hit by a car, eating something bad, etc. I care about animals, especially my furbabies too much to take chances.

The story about Tom and Nicky: so the main guy telling the story believes in God because of the coincidences that day?

One of the stories involved Scott the PTSD soldier and Missy. Now the lady (whose name I've forgotten) owned Missy. Let me rewind a bit. I didn't totally understand this story. So the lady and Scott had been high school sweethearts. They separate and go in different directions. They talk on and off for 38 years, yet never meet in person. Suddenly the lady is moving to Scott's area and gets Missy. Yet Missy seems to live with Scott at times, and others it's as though the three of them live together. I feel if you're going to tell a story like this, the fact (or so I assume) that they moved in together would have been nice to know.