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The Year of the Dog
‘Absolute heaven.’ Jilly Cooper
A hilarious and heartfelt year following one woman and her puppy – from chaos and tears to healing and new beginnings. It’s a love story, but not as you know it.
Raising a puppy is feed them, walk them, love them. Right? Wrong.
Armed with Pinterest-perfect plans and firm ideas about training, Sophia brings Dennis – a scruffy and defiant Parson terrier – into her life. But just as the puppy pads hit the floor, the rest of her world falls apart.
Suddenly single and quietly unravelling, Sophia finds herself solo parenting a tiny, gleeful agent of chaos who devours foam earplugs, destroys her shoes, and has an alarming taste for spiders. He’s also the only thing keeping her afloat.
As the months roll by in a haze of dodgy first dates, sleepless nights and meltdowns in the park, Sophia begins to make sense of it the grief of a life that didn’t go to plan, the weirdness of being single in your late thirties, and the surprising ways love shows up when you least expect it.
By the end of their first year together, Dennis hasn’t just wrecked the furniture — he’s quietly rebuilt her life.
For anyone who’s ever been through shattering heartbreak, this is a story of quiet resilience, unpredictable joy, and the quiet wonder of a small body curled beside you when it matters most.
Raising a puppy is feed them, walk them, love them. Right? Wrong.
Armed with Pinterest-perfect plans and firm ideas about training, Sophia brings Dennis – a scruffy and defiant Parson terrier – into her life. But just as the puppy pads hit the floor, the rest of her world falls apart.
Suddenly single and quietly unravelling, Sophia finds herself solo parenting a tiny, gleeful agent of chaos who devours foam earplugs, destroys her shoes, and has an alarming taste for spiders. He’s also the only thing keeping her afloat.
As the months roll by in a haze of dodgy first dates, sleepless nights and meltdowns in the park, Sophia begins to make sense of it the grief of a life that didn’t go to plan, the weirdness of being single in your late thirties, and the surprising ways love shows up when you least expect it.
By the end of their first year together, Dennis hasn’t just wrecked the furniture — he’s quietly rebuilt her life.
For anyone who’s ever been through shattering heartbreak, this is a story of quiet resilience, unpredictable joy, and the quiet wonder of a small body curled beside you when it matters most.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
15 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 3, 2025
I flew through this book. Set out in diary entries, this was an easy and pleasurable read that had me in stitches. I found the story so relatable. I remember when I got my puppy and in the first year, I think I said to myself “what have I done” so many times I lost count.
Bringing up a puppy is never going to be easy, but I don’t think anyone ever warns you of exactly how hard it is. So, while this book had me chuckling, I also could completely feel where Sophia was coming from.
As well as the roller coaster of looking after a puppy, Sophia was also getting over heart break and watching her friends move on with their lives. These diary entries were so honest and heartfelt, and I loved it when Sophia embraced her life and the fact that Dennis was a huge part of that life.
I don’t think you can ever beat the greeting that you get from you dog. Whether you’ve been gone a week, an hour, or even just two minutes, your dog will always be ecstatic to see you again and I loved how Sophia had this with Dennis. As well as meeting and talking to people you probably would never normally speak to. A dog really does open a whole new world to you with new connections and unexpected moments.
… Though Dennis weeing against a man’s boots (while he was wearing them) probably wasn’t the most successful attempt at a friendship.
I really liked the google searches at the start of each month. I loved the randomness of the searches and yet, they were so relatable. The stuff I google is bizarre 😂.
This was such an enjoyable read. I could have easily followed Sophia and Dennis for another year. I also want more information about the director.
A fantastic read. Funny, smart, relatable, and heartfelt. I would recommend to everyone.
And remember … “Be More Dennis”. 🐶
Bringing up a puppy is never going to be easy, but I don’t think anyone ever warns you of exactly how hard it is. So, while this book had me chuckling, I also could completely feel where Sophia was coming from.
As well as the roller coaster of looking after a puppy, Sophia was also getting over heart break and watching her friends move on with their lives. These diary entries were so honest and heartfelt, and I loved it when Sophia embraced her life and the fact that Dennis was a huge part of that life.
I don’t think you can ever beat the greeting that you get from you dog. Whether you’ve been gone a week, an hour, or even just two minutes, your dog will always be ecstatic to see you again and I loved how Sophia had this with Dennis. As well as meeting and talking to people you probably would never normally speak to. A dog really does open a whole new world to you with new connections and unexpected moments.
… Though Dennis weeing against a man’s boots (while he was wearing them) probably wasn’t the most successful attempt at a friendship.
I really liked the google searches at the start of each month. I loved the randomness of the searches and yet, they were so relatable. The stuff I google is bizarre 😂.
This was such an enjoyable read. I could have easily followed Sophia and Dennis for another year. I also want more information about the director.
A fantastic read. Funny, smart, relatable, and heartfelt. I would recommend to everyone.
And remember … “Be More Dennis”. 🐶
December 14, 2025
Firstly, I love Sofia’s Substack - it’s a most gorgeous weekly roundup of musings. I also have a large spaniel, who I am giddily soppy about, so I thought this would be a gorgeous breeze of a book.
This is, however, different - it’s essentially diary with thoughts and Google searches, leaning heavily into Bridget Jones (‘How many calories is..?’ on repeat.) Slightly too personal (Gynae trigger warning), and generally, everyone around her analyses her love life, including herself.
I did enjoy the deep longing for the husband/family check boxes to be filled and then, when she had almost cracked it, her permanent relationship imploding because of the sudden entrance of a puppy catalyst.
Overall, I wanted fewer ‘do I look thin?’ conversations and more descriptions of dog love - the way owners kiss their dog’s cheeks, drinking in the slightly musky, furry smell. The way a dog makes a terrifying sounding happy growl and the way your canine pal wags their tail (and sometimes whole body!) Sofia’s dog Dennis, was described as more of a hindrance, being publicly embarrassing and getting in the way of how she used to exist before him - staying over with boyfriends, pilates classes and even having facials, but an incredibly loved hindrance.
This is, however, different - it’s essentially diary with thoughts and Google searches, leaning heavily into Bridget Jones (‘How many calories is..?’ on repeat.) Slightly too personal (Gynae trigger warning), and generally, everyone around her analyses her love life, including herself.
I did enjoy the deep longing for the husband/family check boxes to be filled and then, when she had almost cracked it, her permanent relationship imploding because of the sudden entrance of a puppy catalyst.
Overall, I wanted fewer ‘do I look thin?’ conversations and more descriptions of dog love - the way owners kiss their dog’s cheeks, drinking in the slightly musky, furry smell. The way a dog makes a terrifying sounding happy growl and the way your canine pal wags their tail (and sometimes whole body!) Sofia’s dog Dennis, was described as more of a hindrance, being publicly embarrassing and getting in the way of how she used to exist before him - staying over with boyfriends, pilates classes and even having facials, but an incredibly loved hindrance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
I love Sophia's articles and Substack, so already knew that I would enjoy this book - and it was just as good as I'd hoped. In the form of diary entries the book follows Sophia's first year with her puppy, Dennis, her relationship break-up and finding new love. As the owner of a puppy, I found it hilariously relatable (including the 'what I googled' each month), and also very touching. Such a feel-good read - which is just what this exhausted puppy-owner needed!
November 1, 2025
A stella book. Absolutely devoured. I experienced every emotion with it, it's an absolute gem.
November 24, 2025
*SPOILERS*
Was the perfect weekend read absolutely flew through this book set out like a diary.
When it started with Sophia and her boyfriend buying a dog I thought it would be a predictable girl meets boy, falls in love and buys a puppy. But when they split and it was Sophia and Dennis’ adventures I really started to enjoy the fun. I even liked the Director situationship. He really did accept Sophia as she was and I could see their unconventional relationship bloom.
What I especially loved was that it didn’t have the happy ever after that a woman needs to end up coupled up, married with a child (& a dog). I liked that Sophia had found acceptance in herself, that it was her path in life and it’s not a competition. (Sometimes we all need that reminder). It was great to see she didn’t need a man to be happy, but I agree that Dennis 100% can make her happy. It was a delight to read about the little cheeky terriers shenanigans and how Sophia slowly fell in love with her little furry friend.
I really enjoyed how it was a quirky semi-autobiography with finding humour in heartache.
I won this in a competition and it even came signed so I was absolutely thrilled. Having never read any of Sophia’s books before this was a charming introduction and she has a new fan.
Was the perfect weekend read absolutely flew through this book set out like a diary.
When it started with Sophia and her boyfriend buying a dog I thought it would be a predictable girl meets boy, falls in love and buys a puppy. But when they split and it was Sophia and Dennis’ adventures I really started to enjoy the fun. I even liked the Director situationship. He really did accept Sophia as she was and I could see their unconventional relationship bloom.
What I especially loved was that it didn’t have the happy ever after that a woman needs to end up coupled up, married with a child (& a dog). I liked that Sophia had found acceptance in herself, that it was her path in life and it’s not a competition. (Sometimes we all need that reminder). It was great to see she didn’t need a man to be happy, but I agree that Dennis 100% can make her happy. It was a delight to read about the little cheeky terriers shenanigans and how Sophia slowly fell in love with her little furry friend.
I really enjoyed how it was a quirky semi-autobiography with finding humour in heartache.
I won this in a competition and it even came signed so I was absolutely thrilled. Having never read any of Sophia’s books before this was a charming introduction and she has a new fan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2025
This is the first book I have read since the birth of my first child 12 weeks ago. I thought I would still be going at Christmas but have absolutely devoured this. Dog owners will relate, as too will women. Sophia writes with extraordinary candour, which leave the reader muttering “me too! I thought I was the only one”. If you haven’t read this, you must; whilst ostensibly about a very special little terrier, this is also a book about all the many relationships we have as we age, and how time changes them. I couldn’t have loved this more if I tried. Bravo!
December 26, 2025
So wonderful. I've lived with and loved terriers for a lot of years, and recognise so much of the behaviour described here. Hugo (my parents' elder Border Terrier) is more about socks than knickers, but like the irrepressible Dennis, he can be an absolute nightmare then in seconds he's adorable again. Glad that Sophia ended the year with someone new.
October 25, 2025
A really enjoyable memoir documenting the first year of owning a dog.
Sophia has a really chatty writing style, the diary entries are amusing and it was fun to see snippets of her life.
Dennis sounds like he has a fabulous life and I read the book with a smile on my face
Sophia has a really chatty writing style, the diary entries are amusing and it was fun to see snippets of her life.
Dennis sounds like he has a fabulous life and I read the book with a smile on my face
November 7, 2025
Adorable. I followed this book on her instagram as well.
There seems to be story line issue though-- Dennis was born in the Summer of 2023 but in October she is in the U.S. for the presidential election- that would have been 2024. Maybe I missed something.
There seems to be story line issue though-- Dennis was born in the Summer of 2023 but in October she is in the U.S. for the presidential election- that would have been 2024. Maybe I missed something.
November 30, 2025
I absolutely love non-fiction books about animals, but this book was not for me. At all. I did not care for the style of writing. I did not care for the short, often nonsensical diary entries about nothing.
October 24, 2025
A delightful, funny read, and I think we all need a Dennis in our lives.
November 2, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it so relatable to my own life!! Loved it
November 3, 2025
Very charming! Even though I am cat owner (equally obsessed with my cat as Sophia is with Dennis), I loved these diary entries. I read Sophia’s Substack and love it so would love more book versions!
November 4, 2025
Very enjoyable - a must for any dog owners especially those dating too! Easy fun read
November 11, 2025
An easy read. Reminded me of “Marley and me” sometimes it’s good to have a break from thrillers and read something joyful and lighthearted
November 20, 2025
Fun romp through the first year of having a dog with some insightful movements into relationships
November 10, 2025
I loved this right from the start and totally fell in love with Dennis and his boundless energy!
This was such a relatable story and it made me laugh and cringe several times! We adopted our handsome boy back in 2021 and although he wasn't a puppy, alot of the feelings in this definitely rang true!
Dogs are angels (when they want to be) and can say so much with just a look or a head tilt. They're such beautiful and clever creatures and I urge you to read this if you've ever owned or adopted a dog. Even if you havent and you just love dogs, you'll love this book too, I guarantee it!
A massive thank you to the publisher for sending me a sample and a finished copy of this beautiful book
This was such a relatable story and it made me laugh and cringe several times! We adopted our handsome boy back in 2021 and although he wasn't a puppy, alot of the feelings in this definitely rang true!
Dogs are angels (when they want to be) and can say so much with just a look or a head tilt. They're such beautiful and clever creatures and I urge you to read this if you've ever owned or adopted a dog. Even if you havent and you just love dogs, you'll love this book too, I guarantee it!
A massive thank you to the publisher for sending me a sample and a finished copy of this beautiful book
November 16, 2025
Recommended to me by Lorraine, I found this book very entertaining, particularly because I'm a 41 years old single (and on dating apps) woman, who every now and again wonders whether she should get a dog 🙂
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews