The Dog Who Made It Better

by Katherin Nolte

Dr. Blob may not be a doctor but he is a dog with a very important job...it might even include saving a life or two. An uplifting tale of hope, healing, and the power of family to overcome grief.

Dr. Blob has the best life a dog could ask for. He eats and he sleeps and he plays. He loves his family and they love him back. Life is pretty perfect.

Then the Very Bad Thing happens. Suddenly life doesn't seem so perfect and Dr. Blob is more afraid than he ever remembers being. How can he help his family get past the tragedy when what's hurting them can't be bitten or growled at? To make matters worse, there's a new pet in the house and a growing threat outside of it in the form of an animal-hating neighor with a sinister plan. Will Dr. Blob be able to protect all he loves and save his family from grief? 

The Dog Who Made It Better is the story of a dazzling, if cowardly, Bernese Mountain dog learning what he would sacrifice for his faimly—and how, sometimes, the best way to overcome our fears is to face them.

Genres: Middle Grade, Animals

240 pages, Hardcover

Published July 8, 2025

About the author

Katherin Nolte received an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where she was a Truman Capote Fellow. Her fiction has appeared in dozens of publications and won multiple awards, but it was a late-night ER visit with her four children that inspired her to write Back to the Bright Before. An Ohio native, she currently lives with her family in Iowa.

Reviews

[Skye Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my honest review.
First of all, this book is AMAZING!
Second of all, Doctor Blob is very kind.
And third of all, it took me forever before I actually liked Louie(sorry Louie).
This is a really good book and very sweet. Some of the accidents that Doctor Blob did were a little mean, but it turned out OK in the end!
This is definitely five stars!🌟💫🌟

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect narrator for such a tragic moment. The puppy's point of view on things adds a level of humor to the heartbreaking loss this family suffered. We see how the family deals with grief, what daily tasks keep them going, and which triggers them. They need help, and first, the puppy decides to play the missing parent to this family. Help is the core key. Amazing cover, emotional story.

[Greer Rutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot remember the last time I cried over a fiction book. this book made me cry. SO SWEET. Great way to help kids navigate grief. would recommend 10000%

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doctor Blob is a Burmese Mountain Dog and loves living with the three children of his chaotic family. But then a Very Bad Thing happens and Mom is gone, leaving Dad to pick up the pieces. Nothing is the same, but Doctor Blob does his best to help where he can. Everything is not exactly going well, but it gets even worse when Mom's spirit informs Doctor Blob that she'll be sending a helper--who turns out to be a Horrible Helper. Well, Doctor Blob is enough for this family, and he won't stand for anyone else taking his place.

I'm struggling to decide on a rating for this book. On the one hand, I love the narrative style. It's humorous and feels just like how a dog would speak. On the other, the book was full of moments when I wanted to yell at the characters "don't you do that!" but they did it anyway. The story is quite character-driven, and I like the characters, but I was constantly frustrated with their bad choices. I would recommend this book to young readers who have to learn how to accept change, particularly losing someone they love or finding a new person in their family. And of course, if you've ever wanted to spend time reading words that could have been penned by a dog, this book would be a great choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Blob is a Bernese mountain dog. He has lived with his family for 8 years. He loves his family very much. His family includes Mo and Dad, 12-year-old Bartholomew (whom he calls Good Boy), 8-year-old Nina, and 2-year-old Pip—and delights in daily runs with Mom. When a “Very Bad Thing” happens and Mom dies unexpectedly, the family is devastated. Dr. Blob has conversations occasionally with a picture of Mom afterwards for help with the family. Dr. Boo decides to step up with good intentions to help the family with comfort. When another dog arrives on the family’s doorstep, Doctor Blob must continue his duty to his family and promise to Mom never to run away with feelings of jealousy and resentment toward the newcomer. Will Dr. Blob be able to overcome his jealousy?

The author has written Dr. Blob’s first-person narration to show the dog’s deep loyalty, pride, and energy (despite his advanced age). She explores grief of the family through the eyes of a pet softens the impact without minimizing the loss. It is a story that I couldn’t help but feel the love and sadness of the family. It s a story that ends on hope and love.

Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrated by Doctor Blob, a loyal Bernese Mountain dog, this charming novel is sure to prompt plenty of joy amid some tears as the canine tries to put his family back together again. Ideal for fourth and fifth graders but with appeal for older ones, the book follows Blob's efforts to heal his people after Mom, the center of their world, dies in an accident. Nothing he does works, and when Mom sends some help, it's not in the form Blob expects. In fact, Blob positively hates this new arrival and does a very, very bad thing. The book's clever title rings true, especially when readers reach the final pages, and Blob's voice is endearingly authentic throughout the narrative, including how he addresses his favorite human, Good Boy, refuses to hear his real name because it contains a cat sound, and fears the Animal Control officer. Although the book covers tough topics of loss and grief, it also contains tender tidbits of humor and hope. Readers will be convinced by the end of the book that dogs really can make it all better.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an anthropomorphic monologue/memoir by a Burmese Mountain Dog about his family of three children with parents, and their life before and after the mother is killed in an auto accident. The comfort given by this energetic young dog is priceless and relevant to all dog lovers.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected advance proof from Random House Children's | Random House Books for Young Readers via NetGalley. Avail Jul 08, 2025 8 - 12 Years
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[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute story about a dog whose family is going through a transition time. All they want is for their family to be whole again, yet when a new family member is introduced, they are not quite sure if they will be a good fit for their family. This book shows grief from a dog’s perspective and talks about moving forward after loss. I love how there is still interaction from the lost family member with the dog. It is a beautiful idea that our loved ones might still be able to reach out and help family even if it be through a family member. I think readers are truly going to enjoy this quick but moving read.
Thank you to Random House Children’s and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

[Karol Silverstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Blob - the (sort of) hero of this story - is loads of fun. He's generally a very good boy, but his jealousy of new arrival, Louie, turns him into a Bad Dog for a long stretch. One can hardly blame him as he and his family are grieving a terrible loss. Trauma can make even the best of kids...er...dogs...behave badly and out of character. He realizes the error of his ways...eventually, as most of us do.

Dr. Blob is a great stand-in for a kid dealing with a swirl of hurt, anger and fear, though I did feel his jealousy and bad behavior dragged on perhaps a bit too long. Despite that, the character is relatable - and ultimately forgivable.

Over all, The Dog Who Made It Better is an engrossing read that packs an emotional punch.

[Ivy Kaprow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore books told from a dog‘s viewpoint; I always feel like I have a better understanding into my dog’s head. This book had me smiling from the start!
I love how Ms. Nolte uses Dr. Blob to tackle difficult issues that kids deal with- losing a loved one, being afraid to go to sleep at night, sibling rivalry, and more. As Dr. Blob helps his human siblings navigate a tough situation he is helping the reader do so as well.
I am of the belief that adults should be able to read middle grade fiction without judgment and this is one that shouldn’t be missed. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for an advanced copy of this. The Dog Who Made It Better hit the shelves on July 8th.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming story about a family, a loss, and a dog, Dr. Blob, who tries to make things better. Dr. Blob is trying to be the “mom” after the loss of the family’s mom. Then a puny and weak dog appears, but the dad says one dog is enough. However, the three children love this new dog they name Louie. When Louie helps the family around the house the dad thinks they could keep him. Dr. Blob thinks no and does something to get rid of him. When everyone gets upset, Dr. Blob realizes Louie has helped the family heal from their loss. Will the family be able to find Louie?
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Doctor Blobby, a Bernese Mountain Dog, has a nice life with Good Boy, Nina, Pip, and a father who runs Chuck's Chicken restaurant until the mother of the family goes out on a snowy morning to get milk and is killed in a car accident. The dog tries to keep the family together, especially when a new dog arrives. Told from the point of view of the dog, this should be popular with all of the (adult) middle grade readers who want to read about children coping with grief.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5* This was such a charming and heartwarming read! I’m always a sucker for stories told from a dog’s perspective, and this one delivered all the canine charm and loyalty I hoped for. The narrative strikes a great balance between fun and heartfelt, making it an engaging story for both middle-grade readers and adults alike. It’s a delightful little book that’s perfect for anyone looking for a feel-good, furry-friend-centered adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Books for Young Readers - this is out July 8th!

[Emily Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book through NetGalley arc . I started reading it to my children who are 6 and 9 but it got sad very quickly; so I would recommend it for a bit older children. This book is about a dog who after the mom of the family passes away ; attempts to take on the role of the mom . Then realizes that it is an impossible task and starts to impart his wisdom onto the new puppy of the family so that when he passes on his story doesn’t get lost.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was looking for something simple! That is what I hgot!!!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Talked about heavy topics in an approachable way for kids.

[Marissa Gehrke · Rating 4 out of 5]

2025: the year of middle grade books with bernese mountain dogs!

[Tanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking.