What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge: A Novel by Jim Kraus
A light-hearted love story about a young couple brought together by a four-legged bandit.
When a stray dog helps himself to a bone from a display in the supermarket, he doesn't know his actions will brand him a criminal and spark a romance between two humans. Stewart Coolidge works as a bag boy at the store, and his outraged boss offers a reward and demands Stewart catch the thieving animal. He fails at that, but now he finally has the perfect excuse to talk to his cute neighbor, Lisa.
Lisa has always dreamed of being a journalist and asks Stewart if she can interview him for the local paper. As she gets to know Stewart, she likes him more and more, and she's delighted to learn he shares her Christian faith. Stewart can't bring himself to tell her she's mistaken, that he's not religious at all. And that's not Stewart's only deception. When the dog shows up on the doorstep of their building, Stewart decides to harbor the furry fugitive. But this is no ordinary dog, he has a divine sense of how things should be--and recognizing how much Stewart needs Lisa, he decides to do all he can to bring them together.
When a stray dog helps himself to a bone from a display in the supermarket, he doesn't know his actions will brand him a criminal and spark a romance between two humans. Stewart Coolidge works as a bag boy at the store, and his outraged boss offers a reward and demands Stewart catch the thieving animal. He fails at that, but now he finally has the perfect excuse to talk to his cute neighbor, Lisa.
Lisa has always dreamed of being a journalist and asks Stewart if she can interview him for the local paper. As she gets to know Stewart, she likes him more and more, and she's delighted to learn he shares her Christian faith. Stewart can't bring himself to tell her she's mistaken, that he's not religious at all. And that's not Stewart's only deception. When the dog shows up on the doorstep of their building, Stewart decides to harbor the furry fugitive. But this is no ordinary dog, he has a divine sense of how things should be--and recognizing how much Stewart needs Lisa, he decides to do all he can to bring them together.
Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 24, 2019
The book was a tad religious, but not overwhelmingly so. It seemed like it took place several decades ago because of the overall tone and character behaviors, but there were brief references to smart phones, GPS, the internet etc., so it's obviously meant to be somewhat current. I thought it was a cute story and while you obviously know what the eventual ending will be, it was still enjoyable to read. Quick and easy to read. I wish it had delved a bit deeper into the two main characters "dark pasts" because I feel it would've made the story more complex and multi-faceted, but I suppose that wasn't necessarily the point of the book. All in all I'm not sure I'd recommend it to others, but it was a light, fluff novel, not bad by any means and kept me entertained throughout.
August 12, 2018
It was a little too 'ABC Afterschool Special' for me -- but you'll read almost anything anybody gives you in the hospital. It was a good distraction anyways.
April 20, 2020
I may get hammered for this one, but hey, we are in the midst of a pandemic, and the quarantine and excess time I seem to have on my hands gave me a real need to read an uplifting, positive, cute story. OK, so, it's a bit (lot) sappy, and of course, campy and cheesy, but I liked it, and make no apologies. The dog is adorable, and the story, though very "Andy Griffith", made it a fun read. It is a bit faith-centered, but I liked the concept, and it struck a chord with my upbringing, as the story is based in central PA, and then Pittsburgh, so that was kinda fun as well. If you are in NH or close by, I can probably share this one if my friend says it's OK. Cheers!
November 10, 2019
I am so sorry, I know this was suposed to be a light, simple story, but...
I mean, the dog is cute, but the humans are stupid.
To be fair, not all humans, Lisa has some spirit (and she did pratically everything when the "risky" situation took place), the reporter and even the salesman had some personality, but most of the other characters were generic, stupid, useless or the three combined (like Stewart) I mean:
"the internet doesn't lie, does it?" (page 277) seriously??
Thank God that dog appeared in his life, he REALLY needed all the help he could get.
I mean, the dog is cute, but the humans are stupid.
To be fair, not all humans, Lisa has some spirit (and she did pratically everything when the "risky" situation took place), the reporter and even the salesman had some personality, but most of the other characters were generic, stupid, useless or the three combined (like Stewart) I mean:
"the internet doesn't lie, does it?" (page 277) seriously??
Thank God that dog appeared in his life, he REALLY needed all the help he could get.
December 18, 2025
This was a delightful book told from the viewpoint of a young man named Stewart and a dog named Hubert. Stewart meets a girl named Lisa. The story follows the development of a friendship to a romantic relationship . All encouraged by Hubert. The second plot is the chase and capture of Hubert for stealing rawhide bones from the store where Stewart worked. It’s humorous to see how the dog out smarts the humans. Lighthearted read.
May 20, 2020
Special Pooch
This book was superb! Animals have feelings too. Stewart didn't know what he was missing, bu not knowing the Heavenly Father. Lisa knew the Heavenly Father, but just needed the right partner. Their relationship grew based on honesty and the love that the Father has for his people and animals who love him!!
This book was superb! Animals have feelings too. Stewart didn't know what he was missing, bu not knowing the Heavenly Father. Lisa knew the Heavenly Father, but just needed the right partner. Their relationship grew based on honesty and the love that the Father has for his people and animals who love him!!
May 29, 2017
Cute inspirational story. So far, I've skimmed the middle and read the end because it was print, rather than audio.
July 15, 2017
Lovely ! I was reading this book and smiling. This book made me really happy and I wish more people would have a chance to read it.
February 28, 2018
4 stars
review soon
review soon
March 27, 2018
I liked it. I mean, I found it amusing with a good ending.
Even if one doesn't like dogs, it is still a good read.
Even if one doesn't like dogs, it is still a good read.
September 10, 2018
This book is not tagged as Young Adult, but it probably should be. Not a bad book, but slow moving and didn't have a lot of content.
September 20, 2019
Love Him Kraus's books
I loved this book. Plus the ending. And highly recommend it. I just wish he wrote more books about cats😊.
I loved this book. Plus the ending. And highly recommend it. I just wish he wrote more books about cats😊.
November 6, 2019
Very Good
An outstanding and entertaining read with an important lesson that applies to everyone. I highly recommend this entertaining and informative book to all. E
An outstanding and entertaining read with an important lesson that applies to everyone. I highly recommend this entertaining and informative book to all. E
December 30, 2019
This was a feel-good book with a satisfactory end. It was fun hearing each character's thoughts, including the dog's. I read with a smile on my face.
August 18, 2020
Great Read!
Another inspiring book by Jim Kraus with lots of laugh out loud moments sprinkled throughout! Would recommend any of his books. Enjoy!
Another inspiring book by Jim Kraus with lots of laugh out loud moments sprinkled throughout! Would recommend any of his books. Enjoy!
February 24, 2022
3 1/2 stars An enjoyable read.
October 23, 2024
4.5 rating. The book dragged a bit in the middle but was worth the read.
November 15, 2016
3 1/2 stars...kind of predictable but a nice storyline.
October 27, 2015
This is a delightful story about a special dog that turns out to be quite a match maker. But before he was a match maker, he was a criminal.
We first hear about the stray as he is swiping a chew bone from the local grocery store. The patient dog knows just when to sneak through the automatic door, trot down to aisle five, and snag a chew bone from the bottom bin. He's out the door in a flash midst the yelling of the manager.
Stewart Coolidge, political science college graduate but current grocery store employee, is assigned the dangerous task of chasing the dog. Day after day the clever dog outwits his would be captors. Imagine Stewart's surprise when he sees the dog by his apartment. Stewart takes him in. That helps him get to know, Lisa, the beautiful young woman in the apartment below. A journalism major now making lattes submits a story to the local paper. Soon the dog is famous and a reward is offered. Even as Steward and Lisa are getting to know each other better, their lives become quite complicated.
I love this well written dog story. Lisa names the stray Hubert and he is a dear. He likes to listen to Scripture being read. That's a good thing for Stewart who has abandoned the faith his grandmother taught him. Hubert is such an intelligent dog, he knows better what Stewart and Lisa need than they do. Stewart and Lisa are great characters. Stewart is kind of clueless about romance and life in general and Hubert helps him in so many ways. It is just sweet.
This is a great novel about damaged people being loved into wholeness by a stray dog, a dog with the scars of mistreatment on his back. It is a good reminder that God may have unusual means to get us where He wants us to be.
Can a dog understand faith and trust and who God is? I don't know, but it sure makes for a delightful novel. There's a Reading Group Guide so this would be a good choice for reading groups. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary egalley of this novel from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
We first hear about the stray as he is swiping a chew bone from the local grocery store. The patient dog knows just when to sneak through the automatic door, trot down to aisle five, and snag a chew bone from the bottom bin. He's out the door in a flash midst the yelling of the manager.
Stewart Coolidge, political science college graduate but current grocery store employee, is assigned the dangerous task of chasing the dog. Day after day the clever dog outwits his would be captors. Imagine Stewart's surprise when he sees the dog by his apartment. Stewart takes him in. That helps him get to know, Lisa, the beautiful young woman in the apartment below. A journalism major now making lattes submits a story to the local paper. Soon the dog is famous and a reward is offered. Even as Steward and Lisa are getting to know each other better, their lives become quite complicated.
I love this well written dog story. Lisa names the stray Hubert and he is a dear. He likes to listen to Scripture being read. That's a good thing for Stewart who has abandoned the faith his grandmother taught him. Hubert is such an intelligent dog, he knows better what Stewart and Lisa need than they do. Stewart and Lisa are great characters. Stewart is kind of clueless about romance and life in general and Hubert helps him in so many ways. It is just sweet.
This is a great novel about damaged people being loved into wholeness by a stray dog, a dog with the scars of mistreatment on his back. It is a good reminder that God may have unusual means to get us where He wants us to be.
Can a dog understand faith and trust and who God is? I don't know, but it sure makes for a delightful novel. There's a Reading Group Guide so this would be a good choice for reading groups. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary egalley of this novel from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
October 22, 2015
Jim Kraus spins a yarn that I found charming and humorous! I had read the author's book entitled "The Cat That God Sent" several months ago, and found his writing to be very entertaining! I'm a cat person, but with my admiration for the author's writing I broke down and decided to read a story about a very special dog. I certainly was not disappointed! In fact, I intend to add more Jim Kraus books to my collection.
Very special characters come to life through the entertaining capers depicted in this very amusing book. Two young people with less than satisfactory careers are drawn together by a mischievous stray dog who earns the title, Hubert. A budding romance develops, with Hubert the common denominator. Hubert is a naughty dog, but his humans love him enough to keep his existence concealed in order to protect him. There is much diversity and hilarity described throughout the development of this story, with some pretty quirky characters and some not-so-nice characters to stir up the mix.
Many redeeming factors evolve in this comical story of a developing relationship between individuals with questionable differences in lifestyles. Ultimately faith and forgiveness prevail. This refreshing story is endearing, charming and a delightful experience!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
Very special characters come to life through the entertaining capers depicted in this very amusing book. Two young people with less than satisfactory careers are drawn together by a mischievous stray dog who earns the title, Hubert. A budding romance develops, with Hubert the common denominator. Hubert is a naughty dog, but his humans love him enough to keep his existence concealed in order to protect him. There is much diversity and hilarity described throughout the development of this story, with some pretty quirky characters and some not-so-nice characters to stir up the mix.
Many redeeming factors evolve in this comical story of a developing relationship between individuals with questionable differences in lifestyles. Ultimately faith and forgiveness prevail. This refreshing story is endearing, charming and a delightful experience!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
May 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish.
Stewart is a college graduate working in a grocery store. A stray dog keeps coming in the store and stealing bones. Soon Stewart is assigned to get the dog by the store manager who hates the dog and considers him a thief.
Stewart starts sneaking the dog into his apartment and because he likes the girl, Lisa, who lives in the same apartment building decides to keep it quiet about the dog. She is doing news reports to try to get into journalism. So, Lisa keeps writing about the dog stealing. In the meantime Stewart gives her updates every time the dog comes into the store to steal bones.
Eventually Lisa finds out that Stewart is harboring this dog, and they name the stray dog, Hubert.
Each one of them would love to find love but they use caution because of what the family is saying about love and being careful not to get hurt, etc. So, they keep spending time together, and writing stories about Hubert.
The guy who owns the car dealership is trying to sell cars and posts pictures of his beloved dog. But, Hubert is not his dog. He is just trying to get publicity. The story goes on till the dog is in a real mess with Stewart and Lisa harboring the dog, and the car dealership owner lying. Not to mention the store owner who just wants Hubert put away for good.
This was a real enjoyable book.
Stewart is a college graduate working in a grocery store. A stray dog keeps coming in the store and stealing bones. Soon Stewart is assigned to get the dog by the store manager who hates the dog and considers him a thief.
Stewart starts sneaking the dog into his apartment and because he likes the girl, Lisa, who lives in the same apartment building decides to keep it quiet about the dog. She is doing news reports to try to get into journalism. So, Lisa keeps writing about the dog stealing. In the meantime Stewart gives her updates every time the dog comes into the store to steal bones.
Eventually Lisa finds out that Stewart is harboring this dog, and they name the stray dog, Hubert.
Each one of them would love to find love but they use caution because of what the family is saying about love and being careful not to get hurt, etc. So, they keep spending time together, and writing stories about Hubert.
The guy who owns the car dealership is trying to sell cars and posts pictures of his beloved dog. But, Hubert is not his dog. He is just trying to get publicity. The story goes on till the dog is in a real mess with Stewart and Lisa harboring the dog, and the car dealership owner lying. Not to mention the store owner who just wants Hubert put away for good.
This was a real enjoyable book.
November 3, 2015
Stewart is a college graduate working as a bag boy at a grocery story. Hubert is a stray dog that has perfect timing when it comes to snagging bones from the same grocery story. Stewart is giving the task of finding Hubert and is surprised when he appears at his apartment. Stewart decides to keep Hubert in hiding but also uses him to chat with his downstairs neighbor Lisa. Lisa is a college graduate that makes lattes and dreams of being a journalist. Thankfully there is Hubert to bring the two of them together through many challenges and adventures.
This is the first book of Jim Kraus that I have read. I admit that I picked it up because I’m a big animal fan and I wasn’t disappointed. I come to love all three characters as Stewart and Lisa begin a romance and work through many things like Stewart’s lack of religious beliefs and Hubert’s past treatments. This is one of those great books that you will laugh at but in the end not want the story to end. It is truly a heartwarming story.
I’m so glad that I read this book. Now I’m going to check out the other books by Jim Kraus. I heard that The Cat That God Sent is good and being a crazy cat lady that is the next one I’m looking into.
I received The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book of Jim Kraus that I have read. I admit that I picked it up because I’m a big animal fan and I wasn’t disappointed. I come to love all three characters as Stewart and Lisa begin a romance and work through many things like Stewart’s lack of religious beliefs and Hubert’s past treatments. This is one of those great books that you will laugh at but in the end not want the story to end. It is truly a heartwarming story.
I’m so glad that I read this book. Now I’m going to check out the other books by Jim Kraus. I heard that The Cat That God Sent is good and being a crazy cat lady that is the next one I’m looking into.
I received The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2015
I love reading stories about dogs and Jim Kraus has written more than a few that were great, including his latest one The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge.
Stewart Coolidge works at the local grocery store as a bag boy. When a stray dog continues to come in and steal chew bones his boss isn't happy and demands that Stewart catch him. While he doesn't catch him, the dog does show up at his apartment building and Stewart decides to let him in, little does he know just how much this dog will change his life!
Reading this story was a no brainer for me, after all I love stories that revolve around animals, but it was the powerful messages woven through out the story that makes this one a stand out memorable read! I certainly enjoyed the small town feel of this book, and the wonderful cast of characters that we meet. The three central characters are Calvin, a young man who is a college graduate working as a bag boy, his neighbor Lisa, who works as a waitress, and a stray dog that they name Hubert. It was neat to see the story unfold through the eyes of the various characters especially the dog. While there are more than a few laughs there are several moments that made me pause and think as well. I loved the ending and was left feeling better for having read the story.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
Stewart Coolidge works at the local grocery store as a bag boy. When a stray dog continues to come in and steal chew bones his boss isn't happy and demands that Stewart catch him. While he doesn't catch him, the dog does show up at his apartment building and Stewart decides to let him in, little does he know just how much this dog will change his life!
Reading this story was a no brainer for me, after all I love stories that revolve around animals, but it was the powerful messages woven through out the story that makes this one a stand out memorable read! I certainly enjoyed the small town feel of this book, and the wonderful cast of characters that we meet. The three central characters are Calvin, a young man who is a college graduate working as a bag boy, his neighbor Lisa, who works as a waitress, and a stray dog that they name Hubert. It was neat to see the story unfold through the eyes of the various characters especially the dog. While there are more than a few laughs there are several moments that made me pause and think as well. I loved the ending and was left feeling better for having read the story.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
November 6, 2015
While this book was OK and a fairly quick and simple read, I don't feel that it lived up to its description. Things happened - the dog stole from the local grocery store (repeatedly) and Stewart took the dog in (instead of catching him and turning him over to the authorities), and then Stewart finally got to know the cute girl downstairs in the process. It all sounds good, but it really didn't feel believable or that Point A really led to Point B. The story just doesn't seem to carry itself, and I wasn't convinced. I'm not sure that really makes sense, so obviously Jim Kraus is a better writer than I am, but I just don't think his writing is for me.
He's written several other books, several of them featuring animals used by God. If you've read any of his other books and enjoyed them, I'm sure you'll like this one too, judging by the Amazon reviews. I give this 3 stars. I definitely didn't hate it, but it wasn't one of those books I'm going to be raving about or wanting to read again. (So many books, so little time, and I don't even have time to read the entire list of books I really really want to read again.)
I received The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
He's written several other books, several of them featuring animals used by God. If you've read any of his other books and enjoyed them, I'm sure you'll like this one too, judging by the Amazon reviews. I give this 3 stars. I definitely didn't hate it, but it wasn't one of those books I'm going to be raving about or wanting to read again. (So many books, so little time, and I don't even have time to read the entire list of books I really really want to read again.)
I received The Dog That Saved Stewart Coolidge for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
June 6, 2019
2.5 stars
Kraus has a way of writing about animals that helps us to reflect on the amazement of God and life. Unfortunately, the humans in this tale aren’t as well-depicted as the dog, and they seem more caricatures of people than real people. Stewart’s naiveté, even though he is a college graduate, is strange. The dog, Hubert, is funny and has some brilliant insights that make the story worth reading.
Stewart Coolidge’s life is floundering. Although he has a college degree, he is working as a bag boy in a supermarket. One day, a stray dog comes into the store and steals a bone. Stewart is charged with finding the “thief” and capturing him. Stewart eventually finds the clever dog, and secretly adopts him and names him Hubert. Through Hubert, Stewart meets his attractive neighbor Lisa, and they become friends as they learn more about the dog and each other.
Kraus has a way of writing about animals that helps us to reflect on the amazement of God and life. Unfortunately, the humans in this tale aren’t as well-depicted as the dog, and they seem more caricatures of people than real people. Stewart’s naiveté, even though he is a college graduate, is strange. The dog, Hubert, is funny and has some brilliant insights that make the story worth reading.
Stewart Coolidge’s life is floundering. Although he has a college degree, he is working as a bag boy in a supermarket. One day, a stray dog comes into the store and steals a bone. Stewart is charged with finding the “thief” and capturing him. Stewart eventually finds the clever dog, and secretly adopts him and names him Hubert. Through Hubert, Stewart meets his attractive neighbor Lisa, and they become friends as they learn more about the dog and each other.
August 12, 2017
Very endearing story. Plan to read more of his books. Loves the way he uses animals to talk of Christianity.
July 20, 2016
This was one of the cutest stories I read in a long time!
I especially love that we get little view points from the dog in a very human and smart way..
The writing is pretty good and the over all story very cute, and it's really mostly a love story between a human and a dog, so really what is better then that?
If you are a dog lover or owner I really think that this is a must read!
*thanks to NetGalley for giving me a free ecopy in exchange for a free and honest review! *
I especially love that we get little view points from the dog in a very human and smart way..
The writing is pretty good and the over all story very cute, and it's really mostly a love story between a human and a dog, so really what is better then that?
If you are a dog lover or owner I really think that this is a must read!
*thanks to NetGalley for giving me a free ecopy in exchange for a free and honest review! *
August 12, 2016
What a great book. I love this author. It's so interesting how he lets us know what the animals in his books are thinking. This is the third book I've read from him. Can't wait to read the next one. I highly recommend this book if you're an animal lover... even if you're not. The title of the book will have a different meaning after you read it. LOVED IT!
September 7, 2016
I loved this book! Hubert, the dog, has been lost & homeless. He finds two humans and sets about his plan to make the three of them a "pack". My favorite quote: "To a dog, that was what God was. The best dog of the best pack." All of Jim Kraus's dog books are a bit silly and I just love them!!!
December 11, 2015
A fun dog story. I liked the imagery from the dogs point of view. However, I don't understand how the dog "growls" happily throughout the book. I've heard happy whining, talking and squeaking, but never growling. Oh well, I enjoyed it anyway.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews