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My Dog

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Book Synopsis

A life-affirming story of the extraordinary friendship between a boy and his dog. Perfect for fans of Hannah Gold, Katya Balen and Patrick Ness

THE STORY OF AN EXTRAORDINARY FRIENDSHIP.

Ten-year-old Rhys really loves dogs. When he finds a lost black Labrador with big conker eyes and ears like soft velvet, he can’t quite believe his luck. Nobody comes forward to claim Worthington, giving Rhys the perfect opportunity to prove he’s a good owner. But when Rhys moves to London to live with his estranged dad who hates dogs, Rhys decides to keep Worthington secret.

Struggling to connect with his dad in a new city, Rhys takes comfort in Worthington. But he soon discovers that looking after a secret dog is anything but easy, and he knows that before long he’ll have to confront his fears and find a way to tell Dad…

Phenomenally moving and beautifully written, My Dog shows us that accepting the present doesn’t mean forgetting the past – in a story that will live with you for ever.

Our Review Panel says...

My Dog is a beautiful, poignant tale of a boy coming to terms with the loss of his mum and the fast-moving changes that happen as a result of her death.

When Rhys’s mum dies, he has to move from his home. Life is a whirl, and the adults in control of Rhys’s life are focusing on the practicalities with seeming disregard for this young man’s emotional turmoil. On what turns out to be his final visit to his mother’s bedside, Rhys spots a lonely black Labrador under her hospital bed. The only problem is that Rhys has not asked Dad’s permission, so the dog – named Worthington – is a secret, and a rather difficult secret to keep!

When Rhys makes a series of wrong choices, things reach a crisis point. He takes matters into his own hands and flees from the problems that surround him, all the while supported by Worthington, the sounding board for all of Rhys’s thoughts and feelings.

Whilst there is sorrow in this tale, it has moments of brightness, moments of joy and love and even gentle humour. It is a dog-themed tale of hope and unconditional love. Worthington will pull at your heartstrings and stay by your side long after the last pages have been savoured.