Someone to Look up To by Jean Gill

From Goodreads

A dog's life in the south of France. From puppyhood, Sirius the Pyrenean Mountain Dog has been trying to understand his humans and train them with kindness.  How this led to their divorce he has no idea. More misunderstandings take Sirius to Death Row in an animal shelter, as a so-called dangerous dog learning survival tricks from the other inmates. During the twilight barking, he is shocked to hear his brother's voice but the bitter-sweet reunion is short-lived. Doggedly, Sirius keeps the faith. 

One day, his human will come. 

My thoughts

I gave this a 3.5 stars or 7/10. My thanks to the Author and Publisher via TBConFB for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This is an unusual book, whilst it draws on some real life events it's a work of fiction, the people and characters are in the main fictitious as the acknowledgements tell us, apart Michel Hasbrouck a renowned dog trainer.

This is a gentle story told from the perspective of Sirius (aka Izzie), a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. Jean Gill has got inside the head of Izzie and is able to relate the feelings and reasons behind the actions of this large dog, from it's life as a puppy to young adolescence.

Not everything that happens to any of us goes to plan and we are all responsible for our actions no matter how provoked they might be. This is no different for our pets, however as humans our actions can greatly impact on them through no fault of their own. Poor Izzie finds himself in this position and not everything has been his fault. As a result of his actions his life is turned upside down. Will he ever have a happy ever after?

If you've ever wondered what it might feel like to be a dog, then I suggest you grab a copy of this book. It could open your eyes into another world and it might just help you understand animals and their behaviour a little better.

It's an enjoyable, sometimes upsetting, thought provoking read that would make a great Reading Group read, as I feel that there is much that can be discussed with others about it.