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A Dog's Purpose #1-2
A Dog's Purpose Boxed Set
Two New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels together at last!
This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, W. Bruce Cameron's A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?
Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.
When Buddy is reborn in A Dog's Journey, he realizes that he has a new destiny. He's overjoyed when he is adopted by a vibrant but troubled teenager. When they are suddenly separated, Buddy despairs—who will take care of his girl?
A charming and heartwarming story of hope, love, and unending devotion, A Dog's Journey asks the question: Do we really take care of our pets, or do they take care of us?
This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, W. Bruce Cameron's A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?
Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.
When Buddy is reborn in A Dog's Journey, he realizes that he has a new destiny. He's overjoyed when he is adopted by a vibrant but troubled teenager. When they are suddenly separated, Buddy despairs—who will take care of his girl?
A charming and heartwarming story of hope, love, and unending devotion, A Dog's Journey asks the question: Do we really take care of our pets, or do they take care of us?
Paperback
First published October 7, 2014
213 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
W. Bruce Cameron
97 books4,495 followersI’ve always loved dogs, which puts me in a unique category along with what, maybe two or three billion people?
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 8, 2018
Are cats the only ones with 9 lives, or could dogs be included in that too?
I started my tradition of reading dog centered books last May and why May; because it is the month my Papillon, Blondie was born, 14 years ago. A friend recommend this book years ago and I finally decided to give it a go. I actually found some dog insights that makes me look at my little girl differently. Both books in this boxed set are narrated by a dog, so it is all the dog's perspective seen through the author. W. Bruce Cameron, who did a wonderful job sticking to this without changing the direction and he gives us heart warming stories. There is humor throughout but also some very sad parts which made me cry. I just had to laugh at the multiple sections where the human calls the dog by such different silly names and the dog's trying to understand. I have been an expert at this since I was a kid with my first dog, Spot and Blondie sure gets her share of my silliness. 💕 God bless her!
There are many good points on life that the author points out but I will comment on two. The first is a dog, any domesticated or really also undomesticated animal, depends on how humans treat them. It is far worse for the domesticated ones because they can not fend all longer for themselves without troubles like the wild animals' instincts can help themselves to a point. Also some humans can be so cruel that they should be called in account and many probably go undetected, so heart breaking. The other point is that a dog's life is what we make it for them and love is such a necessary essential for dogs, as well as humans.
Onto the books;
Both deal with the same premise that a dog's purpose is something for him to fulfill in all the dogs' lives and these books do it quite cleverly which I dare not spoil. When trying to describe the stories, what kept coming to my mind was comparing it to a movie format in a sense. I heard that there was a 2017 movie release but I have not seen it or know anything about it and it has nothing to do with my reason for talking movies here. I had tried in my mind to see the time frame of these lives and seeing how it would not be quite into mid 2000, if you look at parents and then their grandchildren near seventy at the end of the book. I decided that this was a fantasy book so license is needed which I gave so I could come to terms with this dilemma of my understanding. If that confused you, just think of me trying to make that point! LOL
The first book, A Dog's Purpose reminds me of a Lassie type movie, where there is some tragic events and bad characters but overall it is a black and white wholesome family show.
The second book, A Dog's Journey is something between a Lifetime Movie Network movie and A Hallmark Channel movie. What I mean by Lifetime Movie is it is usually a dysfunction, abusive relationships and evil doings and A Hallmark is modern happy situation movie, this book is in between these and in color. I have to hand it to this author, no foul language or descriptive sexual scenes here, thankfully, otherwise it would not kept my attention to the very end. I preferred the first book but the second one was addictive for sure. The second book deals with more troubled issues in terms of human interactions and centered on one girl, CJ. I liked CJ despite her faults and the main reason was her love of her dogs, even when times were really hard and it would have been easier without the responsibility, she cared and loved them.
In this box set a children's short story of Ellie's Story is perfect for young kids because it shows the importance of dog's in human beings lives. It reminds me of an older Disney Movie, I haven't watch anything from Disney in years, so I go with this. This story is from the first book but cleaned up for a child to read, where in the first book a kidnapping has occurred; it is not mentioned here. The other two books could be read by teenagers but I would think with an adult's guidance because of the issues of death, evil behavior and family dysfunction. Book one I think a young teen could read but book 2 might be for an older teen. I am talking as a middle age person who really has no idea about many young adult books nowadays but have read some which seemed to favor this idea.
It was worth the read and even if your line is more to in line with cats because they are quite the cool customers here but very nice cool ones.
I am adding to the review September 7, 2018 after seeing the movie last night. My thoughts of course the book is much better in knowing Bailey's purpose and it flowed better between reincarnation. The movie was enjoyable but lost a lot in transition to the screen. I did not care for the way they portrayed Ethan's father being abusive in the movie whereas the marriage did not work after the stress of Ethan's accident.
I started my tradition of reading dog centered books last May and why May; because it is the month my Papillon, Blondie was born, 14 years ago. A friend recommend this book years ago and I finally decided to give it a go. I actually found some dog insights that makes me look at my little girl differently. Both books in this boxed set are narrated by a dog, so it is all the dog's perspective seen through the author. W. Bruce Cameron, who did a wonderful job sticking to this without changing the direction and he gives us heart warming stories. There is humor throughout but also some very sad parts which made me cry. I just had to laugh at the multiple sections where the human calls the dog by such different silly names and the dog's trying to understand. I have been an expert at this since I was a kid with my first dog, Spot and Blondie sure gets her share of my silliness. 💕 God bless her!
There are many good points on life that the author points out but I will comment on two. The first is a dog, any domesticated or really also undomesticated animal, depends on how humans treat them. It is far worse for the domesticated ones because they can not fend all longer for themselves without troubles like the wild animals' instincts can help themselves to a point. Also some humans can be so cruel that they should be called in account and many probably go undetected, so heart breaking. The other point is that a dog's life is what we make it for them and love is such a necessary essential for dogs, as well as humans.
Onto the books;
Both deal with the same premise that a dog's purpose is something for him to fulfill in all the dogs' lives and these books do it quite cleverly which I dare not spoil. When trying to describe the stories, what kept coming to my mind was comparing it to a movie format in a sense. I heard that there was a 2017 movie release but I have not seen it or know anything about it and it has nothing to do with my reason for talking movies here. I had tried in my mind to see the time frame of these lives and seeing how it would not be quite into mid 2000, if you look at parents and then their grandchildren near seventy at the end of the book. I decided that this was a fantasy book so license is needed which I gave so I could come to terms with this dilemma of my understanding. If that confused you, just think of me trying to make that point! LOL
The first book, A Dog's Purpose reminds me of a Lassie type movie, where there is some tragic events and bad characters but overall it is a black and white wholesome family show.
The second book, A Dog's Journey is something between a Lifetime Movie Network movie and A Hallmark Channel movie. What I mean by Lifetime Movie is it is usually a dysfunction, abusive relationships and evil doings and A Hallmark is modern happy situation movie, this book is in between these and in color. I have to hand it to this author, no foul language or descriptive sexual scenes here, thankfully, otherwise it would not kept my attention to the very end. I preferred the first book but the second one was addictive for sure. The second book deals with more troubled issues in terms of human interactions and centered on one girl, CJ. I liked CJ despite her faults and the main reason was her love of her dogs, even when times were really hard and it would have been easier without the responsibility, she cared and loved them.
In this box set a children's short story of Ellie's Story is perfect for young kids because it shows the importance of dog's in human beings lives. It reminds me of an older Disney Movie, I haven't watch anything from Disney in years, so I go with this. This story is from the first book but cleaned up for a child to read, where in the first book a kidnapping has occurred; it is not mentioned here. The other two books could be read by teenagers but I would think with an adult's guidance because of the issues of death, evil behavior and family dysfunction. Book one I think a young teen could read but book 2 might be for an older teen. I am talking as a middle age person who really has no idea about many young adult books nowadays but have read some which seemed to favor this idea.
It was worth the read and even if your line is more to in line with cats because they are quite the cool customers here but very nice cool ones.
I am adding to the review September 7, 2018 after seeing the movie last night. My thoughts of course the book is much better in knowing Bailey's purpose and it flowed better between reincarnation. The movie was enjoyable but lost a lot in transition to the screen. I did not care for the way they portrayed Ethan's father being abusive in the movie whereas the marriage did not work after the stress of Ethan's accident.
January 23, 2017
I laughed, smiled and cried.
June 12, 2017
Sob...this is a five tissue read.
May 22, 2015
So great! Such a nice story from a dogs perspective funny, sad, happy. Really well rounded and nice closure :)
December 29, 2016
Oh my God!
Heart wrenching, sweet, innocent, and the pure love of a dog all in one. If you don't cry at least once you have no soul!
Heart wrenching, sweet, innocent, and the pure love of a dog all in one. If you don't cry at least once you have no soul!
February 19, 2018
Charming, heartwarming read for dog lovers
Cameron's books follow a single dog, starting when its first owner is seven or so, through a series of reincarnations to find certain owners, the last one being to rejoin the first owner's granddaughter well over one hundred fifty years later when she is in her seventies. The actual time period is never specified. The lapses between the meetings may be ten years, or they may be fifty years. The owners and their family members die, the dogs die. Through it all the dog, in its various incarnations of both sexes and various breeds, believes that its job is to look after primarily two owners, Ethan and his granddaughter, CJ. As events unfold, the dog's understanding of its true purpose through all these lives changes and shifts. The several death scenes in the novels are handled in a rather straightforward, non melodramatic manner, so that the reader is saddened, but not manipulated into crying and sobbing, because the results are a growing understanding by the dog of why it is here and why it keeps returning. The finale is a delight, although a bit bittersweet. Well worth the time.
Cameron's books follow a single dog, starting when its first owner is seven or so, through a series of reincarnations to find certain owners, the last one being to rejoin the first owner's granddaughter well over one hundred fifty years later when she is in her seventies. The actual time period is never specified. The lapses between the meetings may be ten years, or they may be fifty years. The owners and their family members die, the dogs die. Through it all the dog, in its various incarnations of both sexes and various breeds, believes that its job is to look after primarily two owners, Ethan and his granddaughter, CJ. As events unfold, the dog's understanding of its true purpose through all these lives changes and shifts. The several death scenes in the novels are handled in a rather straightforward, non melodramatic manner, so that the reader is saddened, but not manipulated into crying and sobbing, because the results are a growing understanding by the dog of why it is here and why it keeps returning. The finale is a delight, although a bit bittersweet. Well worth the time.
October 4, 2019
Very good!!!
To tell the truth I had this review written in my head way before I finished the books. These are FANTASTIC books. A new classic! My favorite has always been Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell. But I also read James Harriot, Jack London, and every animal book I could get my hands on. This is right up there as a must read for those who love animals and those type of books. I laughed, cried, and hugged my dogs all the way through. When I arrive in my afterlife, my animals will be there waiting for me too.
To tell the truth I had this review written in my head way before I finished the books. These are FANTASTIC books. A new classic! My favorite has always been Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell. But I also read James Harriot, Jack London, and every animal book I could get my hands on. This is right up there as a must read for those who love animals and those type of books. I laughed, cried, and hugged my dogs all the way through. When I arrive in my afterlife, my animals will be there waiting for me too.
September 7, 2017
One of the Best Books I've Ever Read!
A book told from the dog's point of view is charming, funny, poignant, fascinating. The author captures the wonderful relationship between man and his dog and gives us all life lessons. May we all be "good dogs"!
A book told from the dog's point of view is charming, funny, poignant, fascinating. The author captures the wonderful relationship between man and his dog and gives us all life lessons. May we all be "good dogs"!
May 23, 2019
Laughter and tears
These books made me laugh and cry. Sometimes at the same time. For dog lovers and pet people alike this book speaks to you and will make you want to hug your furry best friend.
These books made me laugh and cry. Sometimes at the same time. For dog lovers and pet people alike this book speaks to you and will make you want to hug your furry best friend.
June 28, 2017
excellent book on a dogs purpose...really helped me through the grieving of our dog Chloe lost in my kids apartment fire, and the all the past dogs we've owned as well.
August 30, 2018
Purpose better than Journey, lots of tissues and tears
July 31, 2019
A simple but sweet easy summer read.
February 4, 2021
Cute and quick read.
February 9, 2024
Esta saga me salvó a los 10 años. Hasta día de hoy me acuerdo de la línea de 'bailey-bailey-bailey'
Read
December 22, 2025Sad but very interesting to get the different life perspectives from a dogs point of view.
Read
April 17, 2017Good grief! If this book was written by a 12-year-old, I'd say it was brilliant. But written by a grown man (woman?), it's laughable. Dogs apparently "sweat" from their paws and sniff each other's asses to be "polite" along with being reincarnated like bad Buddhists, just some of the few things I "learned" from reading this book. Throw in plenty of exclamation marks! All over the place! And Mexican people are all either drunks or called "senora" (minus the tilde)!
If this sounds appealing and you have a Trumpian nostalgia for the "good old days" of white people in the late 50s/early 60s, you'll frigging love this book.
If you own a real dog and are expecting an authentic dog POV story, you'll be sadly disappointed.
If this sounds appealing and you have a Trumpian nostalgia for the "good old days" of white people in the late 50s/early 60s, you'll frigging love this book.
If you own a real dog and are expecting an authentic dog POV story, you'll be sadly disappointed.
September 19, 2017
A Cool part about this book is on page 50 when spike and the alpha dog were fighting for positioning in the pack , Carlos comes in and sprays spike with some sort of chemical that makes him back off. We then learn that this has happened to spike before when the the text of page 54 states that " Spike didn't look like he was in pain as Carlos cleaned his neck, as if this has happened before to him."
January 2, 2020
Loved
What a great series! I found myself often putting the book down and looking at my dogs Evan and Champ. I see so much of my dogs I had to put to sleep in them that I think... could this be true? I know its not, but it's nice to dream that just maybe Charlie and Jackson have come back to me in a way though Evan and Champ.
What a great series! I found myself often putting the book down and looking at my dogs Evan and Champ. I see so much of my dogs I had to put to sleep in them that I think... could this be true? I know its not, but it's nice to dream that just maybe Charlie and Jackson have come back to me in a way though Evan and Champ.
February 15, 2018
Light though sometimes teary, story or dog's reincarnation as he takes care of his human. Sometimes large protector, sometimes small nurturer, always committed to his/her person.
If you like animals, especially dogs. You'll probably enjoy these books.
If you like animals, especially dogs. You'll probably enjoy these books.
October 5, 2014
Best book ever written from a dog's perspective...after "A Dog's Journey", written by the same author, that is! I loved it and couldn't put it down until I'd finished it! I highly recommend it!
July 23, 2015
Read the whole series, it's a classic.
July 28, 2015
A must read for all dog lovers! A life through the eyes of a dog. Its sad, happy and funny.
September 12, 2016
Like looking into a dog's soul
If you are an animal lover then this is the perfect book for you. Laughing,crying,happiness,and fear are just a few of the emotions you will feel.
If you are an animal lover then this is the perfect book for you. Laughing,crying,happiness,and fear are just a few of the emotions you will feel.
January 27, 2017
Def a must read. It's a ten hanky book. But well worth the read. Absolutely loved this book.
March 6, 2017
i think this book is going to be amazing just like the movie and a the other books!
April 20, 2017
The film leaves out so much detail that I recommend this, then the film!
April 28, 2018
Wonderful gift for my dog lover friends and family of my favorite books!
June 28, 2017
Very good book!
November 5, 2017
Made me cry through out the entire book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews