Mr. Dog

by Sam Wade

Mr. Dog is living on the streets of Warm Springs when Ms. Goodrich comes along and tries to rescue him. The rest they say is what happens next.

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2024

About the author

Sam Wade was born in Memphis,Tennessee. At the age of 16, he dropped out of high school. Now he's a high school teacher.

Reviews

[F.E. Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and sad adventures of a stray dog trying to escape humanity. Sam Wade writes a Nathaniel West style satire updated for the 21st century with take downs of instagram culture and online shopping consumerism. All characters in Mr Dog are grotesques, but distinctive and memorable. Lots to think about, even if the intended 'central takeaway' isn't clear.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mr. Dog,” by Sam Wade, is the intriguing tale of a dog’s life, but also a commentary on the relationships between dogs and those who have them. We begin with an older lady named Ms. Goodrich, who meets Mr. Dog on the streets of Warm Springs. She thinks he’s cute and wants to rescue him. Her kindness changes Mr. Dog’s life when she feeds him a treat from her purse, which leads to him following her home, where she lets him stay even though dogs are strictly forbidden in her apartment building. The story also involves a bigger place called New Plains, which is somewhat glitzier than Warm Springs, and a little pretentious, as are some of its residents. The story shifts to three women and their personalities as they discuss food, current events, and dogs. Mrs. Hilton is one of these ladies. And then as the plot progresses, the tone of the story adds dark humor, and Mr. Dog ends up with Mrs. Hilton, and other places as well.

Wade has created a compelling story about a dog whose life intersects with various characters and situations, but this story carries a poignancy and blunt honesty that will resonate with most readers. One example is when she decides to exert her dominance over him once they’re in her apartment. It actually seems cruel, coming from his perspective. It’s neat and profound to hear his thoughts and observations as the story progresses.

The author’s writing style is deceptively simple. Larger meanings can be read beneath its surface, but then some are pretty obvious. Mr. Dog has an inner dialogue that is cute, charming, honest, and humorous. There is a whimsical, intimate feel to this story, balanced with obvious truth and pain. He doesn’t understand every single thing, as he points out. He’s a dog. Besides the drama, you’ll also find absurd situations and quirky references to pop culture figures like Harvey, the invisible six-foot rabbit from the Jimmy Stewart movie “Harvey”, a landlord named Mr. Roper, and Dr. Oz, who attempts a medical feat that I won’t go into here because it’s a gem you should read for yourself.

If you are looking for a dog story that pulls on the heartstrings but also has something bigger to say about the human and dog condition, “Mr. Dog”, by Sam Wade, is a perfect choice.

[Courtnee Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Wade begins his book, Mr. Dog, with a two-sided interaction between a woman, Ms. Goodrich, and a six-month-old dog. She produces treats, and wanting more, the dog follows her to her residence. Ms. Goodrich's area does not favor dogs, and an ordinance in her building prohibits canines, so she's forced to take Mr. Dog to a facility that re-homes dogs to other parts of the world. Mrs. Hilton has just learned that her trendy, pure-bred dog is outdated, and after a botched surgery to "improve" her Pomeranian, she adopts a mixed-breed dog. Her dog, Penelope, and Mr. Dog find themselves in a series of circumstances that cause them to play dead, dodge rapidly moving traffic, and go on an adventure that may lead them to unprotected garbage cans filled with food and streets where dogs can roam freely or to their doom.

Sam Wade's method of storytelling relates the sad life of a stray dog. Even though there are moments of hilarity, Wade shows his readers the outcome of confinement, rules against pets, and hazards that well-meaning citizens put in the path of unknowing animals. The novel is shocking when viewed from an animal's perspective, and the human race seems selfish as they seek to control the behavior of canines without respecting their instincts. Animal lovers will despair over euthanasia and the unnecessary risks animals face as they try to satisfy their basic needs. Wade's well-planned tale almost demands a call to action, and the tragic story could be used to illustrate the need for change. Readers who enjoy action and adventure from an animal's perspective will love Mr. Dog.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed it's goofiness at first but after awhile it got to be too much. At one point I thought surely someone was having a ridiculous dream. Nope. Near the end the story turns into more of a coherent narrative. I was pulled into the story and then it ended. I'm not sorry I read it. It was OK. Just really weird.

[Emîly En · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wade surprised us yet again with this compelling book. He puts us in the stray dog’s shoes, making us feel and experience everything that those poor creatures go through. This books is another reminder that we as humans need to be gentler with those who are inferior to us.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and weird. Sometimes disturbing, and some very suspenseful moments. In the end it made me cry.

[Christine Timmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quirky little book. It’s very “Plague Dogs” meets “Homeward Bound” but with an irreverent voice. It’s written simply and is very easy to read.

[Ecem Aydin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Mr. Dog in about a week and a half, and I didn’t expect the ending at all!

The story follows the adventures of Mr. Dog, and what starts off as a seemingly simple tale quickly turns into something much deeper. Through his interactions with various humans, the book touches on real-life issues, all wrapped in a narrative that feels both magical and grounded.

I really loved how the author took ordinary, everyday struggles; like consumerism, resilience, or the ugly truth behind trying to appear “perfect” in society, and made them feel profound. It’s the kind of story that makes you reflect. Once you start digging deeper than the surface level, you realize there are so many subtle messages hidden underneath.

Definitely one of the best books I’ve read; it stayed with me long after I finished the last page. Totally recommend it! :)