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Wolf, Moon, Dog: A novel
A witty, charming and heartfelt novel from acclaimed author Thomas Wharton about the many fabled lives of a dog named Wolf—hunter, guardian, guide, healer, friend.
In a hard and hungry season thousands of years ago, a young wolf is turfed out of his pack and left to fend for himself among strange, clever new animals who walk on two legs, hunt with detachable claws and teeth, eat meat but wastefully discard the bones and tend fire as part of their pack.
Eventually, one of these young animals carefully approaches Wolf. He explains that he’s a human, and that his kind and Wolf’s kind aren’t so they hunt the same prey, they're hunted by the same predators and they need help surviving. The boy proposes a Wolf will stand watch at night and alert the humans if danger approaches, and in exchange the humans will reward him with one meaty bone a day. Wolf agrees to the arrangement on a trial basis and over time grows closer to the boy, giving into an inexplicable urge to seek companionship with humans. And so, Wolf becomes dog.
In Wolf, Moon, Dog the award-winning author of The Book of Rain follows Wolf as he reincarnates through the ages, from Ancient Egypt to Alexandrian Greece to the Space Race and all the way to a dark future beset by climate change. Indeed, Wolf dies many times over, but each of his lives is uniquely meaningful, unleashing different aspects of humankind’s best friend. In Wharton's novel and fable, dogs are deeply empathetic creatures who experience a breadth of emotions and a desire for self-determination much the way we do, and who, also like us, struggle to reconcile conflicting instincts.
Dancing across genres and cultures, space and time, Wolf, Moon, Dog is as insightful about human nature as it is about canine behaviour, sure to delight dog lovers and show even readers immune to a dog's charm how much there is to learn from our canine counterparts.
In a hard and hungry season thousands of years ago, a young wolf is turfed out of his pack and left to fend for himself among strange, clever new animals who walk on two legs, hunt with detachable claws and teeth, eat meat but wastefully discard the bones and tend fire as part of their pack.
Eventually, one of these young animals carefully approaches Wolf. He explains that he’s a human, and that his kind and Wolf’s kind aren’t so they hunt the same prey, they're hunted by the same predators and they need help surviving. The boy proposes a Wolf will stand watch at night and alert the humans if danger approaches, and in exchange the humans will reward him with one meaty bone a day. Wolf agrees to the arrangement on a trial basis and over time grows closer to the boy, giving into an inexplicable urge to seek companionship with humans. And so, Wolf becomes dog.
In Wolf, Moon, Dog the award-winning author of The Book of Rain follows Wolf as he reincarnates through the ages, from Ancient Egypt to Alexandrian Greece to the Space Race and all the way to a dark future beset by climate change. Indeed, Wolf dies many times over, but each of his lives is uniquely meaningful, unleashing different aspects of humankind’s best friend. In Wharton's novel and fable, dogs are deeply empathetic creatures who experience a breadth of emotions and a desire for self-determination much the way we do, and who, also like us, struggle to reconcile conflicting instincts.
Dancing across genres and cultures, space and time, Wolf, Moon, Dog is as insightful about human nature as it is about canine behaviour, sure to delight dog lovers and show even readers immune to a dog's charm how much there is to learn from our canine counterparts.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
22 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Wharton
34 books167 followersI live near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and write for grown-ups and children. My newest novel, The Book of Rain, will be published by Random House Canada in 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 18, 2025
Wolf, Moon, Dog: A novel is a touching but very funny book about the multiple lives of a dog.
It begins in prehistoric times, as a young male wolf is banished from his clan, and to avoid starvation, attempts to get close to his “human-like” neighbours. Following that, he is reincarnated many times, usually as a dog named “Wolf”. He (and sometimes She) will lead a variety of lives—some are fables you may recognise and a few stories might seem familiar, including the two Russian street dogs: there’s the story of Laika—the first creature sent into space to orbit the Earth (a true story!); and the story about Comet—sent into space to be the first dog to live on the Moon. (In reality, though, Comet was sent on a Laika-like mission that failed. Days later, she was found alive in the Siberian wilderness.)
While some of Wolf’s lives could make you sad, more will make you laugh. My favourite is the chapter entitled “Beast”—a story from the 15th century where a dog is taken to court for biting a stonemason. Very funny and so clever!
The 3-page chapter entitled “Curriculum Wolfae”😄 is enlightening! It simply lists the many “jobs” Wolf has filled. A sample:
If you’re a dog lover like me—or simply someone who likes animals—I think you’ll fall in love with the book! And you’ll surely come to believe the following statement is 100% true:
5 “If–I–Could–be–Half–the–Person–my–Dog–is–I’d–be–Twice–the–Human–I–Am.” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It begins in prehistoric times, as a young male wolf is banished from his clan, and to avoid starvation, attempts to get close to his “human-like” neighbours. Following that, he is reincarnated many times, usually as a dog named “Wolf”. He (and sometimes She) will lead a variety of lives—some are fables you may recognise and a few stories might seem familiar, including the two Russian street dogs: there’s the story of Laika—the first creature sent into space to orbit the Earth (a true story!); and the story about Comet—sent into space to be the first dog to live on the Moon. (In reality, though, Comet was sent on a Laika-like mission that failed. Days later, she was found alive in the Siberian wilderness.)
While some of Wolf’s lives could make you sad, more will make you laugh. My favourite is the chapter entitled “Beast”—a story from the 15th century where a dog is taken to court for biting a stonemason. Very funny and so clever!
The 3-page chapter entitled “Curriculum Wolfae”😄 is enlightening! It simply lists the many “jobs” Wolf has filled. A sample:
”Rival, camp watcher, companion, cave warmer, big-game hunter, herder and flock protector, … racer, comforter and lapwarmer, source of clothing, guide and follower, tax collector’s muscle, tracker, wolf hunter, fox harrier, sworn enemy of coyote and jackal, dogfighter, cowboy, … mine and bomb sniffer, search-and-rescue worker, contraband and contraband snooper, customs inspector, security detail and law enforcement, eugenics experiment, death row inmate, disputed asset in divorce case, … cancer detector, rescue(r), … friend, fur baby...”It’s quite a special book, in my opinion. In a very original way, it’ll show how wolves came to befriend humans and evolved into the wide variety of dog shapes and sizes we know and love today! It demonstrates how the unique relationship between man and dog came to be. And if you have any doubt that dogs are the absolute BEST friend to humans, this book will change your mind.
If you’re a dog lover like me—or simply someone who likes animals—I think you’ll fall in love with the book! And you’ll surely come to believe the following statement is 100% true:
5 “If–I–Could–be–Half–the–Person–my–Dog–is–I’d–be–Twice–the–Human–I–Am.” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 12, 2025
I loved this. It was brimming with humour, whimsy, and sadness as it explored the relationship between dogs and humans during interesting moments in history. It was clever and at times painfully sad, made all the more so as it made me think of my darling Tinker who I lost this summer.
November 23, 2025
Wolf, Moon, Dog by Thomas Wharton
Review: 4 stars
Thank you, Random House Canada, for the physical ARC and the author’s note.
I knew I had to give this one a read as soon as I heard about it!
Wolf, Moon, Dog is about Wolf, a wolf turned dog and his reincarnations. Each offers a refreshing and distinct perspective through different periods of time, as seen through the POV of Wolf. I also appreciate the author drawing inspiration from real-life events and a nod to Homer’s Odyssey - the journey home, the Cerberus mythology, the three-headed dog that guards the entrance to the underworld, and the dog being sent to space.
Throughout the many lives of a dog, we see their unrelenting loyalty and love for their humans, touching on the perseverance of the canine-human bond. Themes explored include kindness, the unimaginable cruelty humans are capable of, a nod to nature, compassion, and unwavering loyalty and love. The whimsy, coupled with the humour of the book, makes this an engaging read and lingers after I finish it.
It also makes me want to give my dog a big hug after reading this book, as it makes me appreciate his dogginess all the more. If you are a big dog lover, I would recommend this!
PS: the figures of the dog/wolf at the bottom of the page are so fun to flip through the book
Review: 4 stars
Thank you, Random House Canada, for the physical ARC and the author’s note.
I knew I had to give this one a read as soon as I heard about it!
Wolf, Moon, Dog is about Wolf, a wolf turned dog and his reincarnations. Each offers a refreshing and distinct perspective through different periods of time, as seen through the POV of Wolf. I also appreciate the author drawing inspiration from real-life events and a nod to Homer’s Odyssey - the journey home, the Cerberus mythology, the three-headed dog that guards the entrance to the underworld, and the dog being sent to space.
Throughout the many lives of a dog, we see their unrelenting loyalty and love for their humans, touching on the perseverance of the canine-human bond. Themes explored include kindness, the unimaginable cruelty humans are capable of, a nod to nature, compassion, and unwavering loyalty and love. The whimsy, coupled with the humour of the book, makes this an engaging read and lingers after I finish it.
It also makes me want to give my dog a big hug after reading this book, as it makes me appreciate his dogginess all the more. If you are a big dog lover, I would recommend this!
PS: the figures of the dog/wolf at the bottom of the page are so fun to flip through the book
October 2, 2025
Review of Wolf, Moon, Dog: A Novel by Thomas Wharton
Wolf, Moon, Dog is a beautifully written and deeply imaginative story about a dog named Wolf who is reincarnated across a period of time and even outer space. Each life offers a new perspective, allowing readers to experience different eras and environments through Wolf’s ever-loyal eyes.
I especially loved the way real-life dog stories were woven into the narrative and reimagined as fiction, like the dog sent to space (Laika and Cosmo stories) and the hilarious story involving a "dog plant". These moments added both emotional depth and lighthearted charm to the novel.
Overall, this is a touching and whimsical exploration of the many lives of a dog, and the unwavering bond they share with humans. It’s a sweet, engaging read that made me smile more than once.
Also, the fun dog/wolf flip book at the bottom of the pages was so creative! I love it so much.
Thank you to Random House Canada and Thomas Wharton for the gifted ARC!
Wolf, Moon, Dog is a beautifully written and deeply imaginative story about a dog named Wolf who is reincarnated across a period of time and even outer space. Each life offers a new perspective, allowing readers to experience different eras and environments through Wolf’s ever-loyal eyes.
I especially loved the way real-life dog stories were woven into the narrative and reimagined as fiction, like the dog sent to space (Laika and Cosmo stories) and the hilarious story involving a "dog plant". These moments added both emotional depth and lighthearted charm to the novel.
Overall, this is a touching and whimsical exploration of the many lives of a dog, and the unwavering bond they share with humans. It’s a sweet, engaging read that made me smile more than once.
Also, the fun dog/wolf flip book at the bottom of the pages was so creative! I love it so much.
Thank you to Random House Canada and Thomas Wharton for the gifted ARC!
October 31, 2025
A treat! A slobbery, pleading puppy-eyed, give me more treat!! Various literary genres woven into a novel all about the evolution and special joy of dogs! Being a dog lover might help in enjoying this novel but if you appreciate creative novel structures, you should still enjoy.
This novel needs to be celebrated not only for its apt depiction of charismatic canine companionship, but also for Wharton’s breadth of literary talents! A framed compilation narrative told through individual stories of different genres and time periods. Allegory, fable, transcription of a 15th century court proceeding, a Jane Austen-esque romance, a poem that echoes the north of Robert Service, a pictorial presentation of paws tracking across pages, a series of relatable dog owner statements, a futuristic consideration of canine superiority… it is a smorgasbord of thought provoking, heartwarming and heartbreaking adventures.
Each tale captures either a quintessential lesson that Wolf (the protagonist) had to learn to become a good dog, or demonstrates features of human’s profound bond with dogs. I was left with an understanding that humanity would likely have taken a different path if not for our canine companions.
I can see how the variety packed into this novel could be jarring for some, so read it slow or devour it like a dog with bone, but I encourage you to check it out.
Oh. And the author is Canadian. He lives in the Edmonton area. ❤️
This novel needs to be celebrated not only for its apt depiction of charismatic canine companionship, but also for Wharton’s breadth of literary talents! A framed compilation narrative told through individual stories of different genres and time periods. Allegory, fable, transcription of a 15th century court proceeding, a Jane Austen-esque romance, a poem that echoes the north of Robert Service, a pictorial presentation of paws tracking across pages, a series of relatable dog owner statements, a futuristic consideration of canine superiority… it is a smorgasbord of thought provoking, heartwarming and heartbreaking adventures.
Each tale captures either a quintessential lesson that Wolf (the protagonist) had to learn to become a good dog, or demonstrates features of human’s profound bond with dogs. I was left with an understanding that humanity would likely have taken a different path if not for our canine companions.
I can see how the variety packed into this novel could be jarring for some, so read it slow or devour it like a dog with bone, but I encourage you to check it out.
Oh. And the author is Canadian. He lives in the Edmonton area. ❤️
October 6, 2025
4.5
I really enjoyed reading, "Wolf, Moon, Dog" by Thomas Wharton and thank you to @randomhouseca for sending me a copy. I love dogs. I always have. I was the 7 year old toting around a heavy volume of dog breeds so I could know every breed by sight. But as someone who also teaches immigrants I understand the odd cultural connection we seem to feel for our pets here in Canada and have to explain "pets are family" to some of my students. This book of connected shorts reimages and tells tales of dogs from history, including Laika, the Moscow street dog who went to orbit the Earth, a canine variation of "the Odyssey" or the imaginative take on how a wolf came to trust a human after all. These stories are from a very wide range, very well written and often clever as heck. I actually overall found the book very sad and very moving but I might be one of those people who cares more about the dog dying then the person in a movie. It is so creatively intense.
I really enjoyed reading, "Wolf, Moon, Dog" by Thomas Wharton and thank you to @randomhouseca for sending me a copy. I love dogs. I always have. I was the 7 year old toting around a heavy volume of dog breeds so I could know every breed by sight. But as someone who also teaches immigrants I understand the odd cultural connection we seem to feel for our pets here in Canada and have to explain "pets are family" to some of my students. This book of connected shorts reimages and tells tales of dogs from history, including Laika, the Moscow street dog who went to orbit the Earth, a canine variation of "the Odyssey" or the imaginative take on how a wolf came to trust a human after all. These stories are from a very wide range, very well written and often clever as heck. I actually overall found the book very sad and very moving but I might be one of those people who cares more about the dog dying then the person in a movie. It is so creatively intense.
October 12, 2025
Saw this at a bookstore in Charlottetown and the copy the copy they had was signed by the author (I later found out he was in town for the Cavendish literary festival) and I thought that was cool so I bought it as a little PEI souvenir and I’m so so glad I did!! Devoured this in a single day. Such a unique and creative concept!! I laughed, I cried, I gasped in awe and in shock. Definitely one of my favourite books of 2025. The writing so captivating.
September 28, 2025
Some books make you want to laugh, some make you cry. Wolf, Moon, Dog made me want to hug my dog until he had enough of me 🥲.
This beautifully written novel follows Wolf, a soul who is reincarnated as a dog again and again. With each life, we see the loyalty, innocence, and unconditional love dogs give so freely, while also witnessing the cruelty—or kindness—of the humans who take them in. In one life, Wolf is adored and treated like royalty (as he should be), and in another, he’s cast aside and mistreated (those people deserve to burn 😤). Through these shifting lives, we get a powerful exploration of humanity, compassion, and what it means to truly care for those who depend on us.
Reading this felt like my heart was being squeezed over and over. It wasn’t exactly a sad read, but it was certainly emotional. The story reminded me of the classic Black Beauty, except told through the eyes of a dog, which made the perspective both heartbreaking and deeply moving.
The writing is wonderful, and I especially enjoyed the way the fables were woven into the narrative. They added layers of depth and meaning that stuck with me long after I finished.
If you’re a dog lover, this is absolutely a book for you. It will make you appreciate your furry companions even more. It will have you giving them a few extra cuddles when you’re done.
This beautifully written novel follows Wolf, a soul who is reincarnated as a dog again and again. With each life, we see the loyalty, innocence, and unconditional love dogs give so freely, while also witnessing the cruelty—or kindness—of the humans who take them in. In one life, Wolf is adored and treated like royalty (as he should be), and in another, he’s cast aside and mistreated (those people deserve to burn 😤). Through these shifting lives, we get a powerful exploration of humanity, compassion, and what it means to truly care for those who depend on us.
Reading this felt like my heart was being squeezed over and over. It wasn’t exactly a sad read, but it was certainly emotional. The story reminded me of the classic Black Beauty, except told through the eyes of a dog, which made the perspective both heartbreaking and deeply moving.
The writing is wonderful, and I especially enjoyed the way the fables were woven into the narrative. They added layers of depth and meaning that stuck with me long after I finished.
If you’re a dog lover, this is absolutely a book for you. It will make you appreciate your furry companions even more. It will have you giving them a few extra cuddles when you’re done.
November 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin | Random House Canada for providing me with the ARC.
The reincarnations of a dog – such an interesting concept. It reminded me of North woods. We start from the beginning of a wolf’s life and travel in time through the various reincarnations of his spirit. The whole journey is colorful and touching, wolf is a companion, hunter, a guardian of hell’s gates, royalty, astronaut, even put on trial, which was the funniest part. Every chapter is a different story, different timeline. There was humor and heartbreak and I think the author managed gracefully to personify a dog’s inner world, thoughts and feelings.
There is some implied animal cruelty, but nothing heavy on page. I highly recommend if you’re a dog lover.
The reincarnations of a dog – such an interesting concept. It reminded me of North woods. We start from the beginning of a wolf’s life and travel in time through the various reincarnations of his spirit. The whole journey is colorful and touching, wolf is a companion, hunter, a guardian of hell’s gates, royalty, astronaut, even put on trial, which was the funniest part. Every chapter is a different story, different timeline. There was humor and heartbreak and I think the author managed gracefully to personify a dog’s inner world, thoughts and feelings.
There is some implied animal cruelty, but nothing heavy on page. I highly recommend if you’re a dog lover.
October 24, 2025
What a delightful surprise this was! Wolf, Moon, Dog is beautifully written and far more emotional than I expected. The story follows Wolf, a canine who is reincarnated countless times across different eras and legends. Familiar myths and fables are woven throughout, giving the book a whimsical charm, while moments of heartbreak remind us just how cruel humans can sometimes be to their loyal companions.
As someone who adores stories told from a dog’s point of view, this book was pure joy for me. I read it with one dog curled up in my lap and another stretched across my feet, honestly, the perfect reading experience. I loved this book almost as much as I love my own furry reading partners.
The journey begins with Wolf as an actual wolf, exploring the earliest bonds between humans and dogs. I couldn’t help but smile at the lines spoken by women to their pets, things I’ve definitely said myself: “Who’s a gorgeous guy, huh? You are. That’s right. Yes, you are.” From there, the story moves through myth and history, Cerberus, the Egyptian spirit guides, Peritas, and beyond, interwoven with more grounded tales: sled dogs, a dog on trial, and a loyal protector watching over his young companion.
The chapter “Speak” broke my heart. It’s composed entirely of the ways humans talk to their dogs, sometimes tender, sometimes cruel, and it’s both powerful and devastating. But for every tear, there’s a moment of laughter or comfort; the balance of humor and sorrow is masterfully done.
My favorite chapter was “Remedy,” a beautiful reminder of how much dogs truly heal us, in every sense of the word.
Overall, Wolf, Moon, Dog is a must-read for any pet lover. It’s clever, tender, and brimming with love for the bond between humans and dogs. The twists on familiar stories are both imaginative and heartfelt. And yes, I’m absolutely one of those people who cares more about the dog getting hurt in a movie than any human character.
And make sure you take a look at the flip book at the bottom of the pages! Thank you to Random House Canada and Thomas Wharton for the ARC copy of this book.
As someone who adores stories told from a dog’s point of view, this book was pure joy for me. I read it with one dog curled up in my lap and another stretched across my feet, honestly, the perfect reading experience. I loved this book almost as much as I love my own furry reading partners.
The journey begins with Wolf as an actual wolf, exploring the earliest bonds between humans and dogs. I couldn’t help but smile at the lines spoken by women to their pets, things I’ve definitely said myself: “Who’s a gorgeous guy, huh? You are. That’s right. Yes, you are.” From there, the story moves through myth and history, Cerberus, the Egyptian spirit guides, Peritas, and beyond, interwoven with more grounded tales: sled dogs, a dog on trial, and a loyal protector watching over his young companion.
The chapter “Speak” broke my heart. It’s composed entirely of the ways humans talk to their dogs, sometimes tender, sometimes cruel, and it’s both powerful and devastating. But for every tear, there’s a moment of laughter or comfort; the balance of humor and sorrow is masterfully done.
My favorite chapter was “Remedy,” a beautiful reminder of how much dogs truly heal us, in every sense of the word.
Overall, Wolf, Moon, Dog is a must-read for any pet lover. It’s clever, tender, and brimming with love for the bond between humans and dogs. The twists on familiar stories are both imaginative and heartfelt. And yes, I’m absolutely one of those people who cares more about the dog getting hurt in a movie than any human character.
And make sure you take a look at the flip book at the bottom of the pages! Thank you to Random House Canada and Thomas Wharton for the ARC copy of this book.
November 6, 2025
Wolf, Moon, Dog by Thomas Wharton
Is phenomenal!
Another win for picking a book on vibes! This time it was because on each bottom right page there was an image of a dog, and when you flipped the book the dog ran! (Find joy in all you do!)
I was really hoping for a less Disney version of A Dog’s Purpose, and I was hesitant to read it thinking perhaps it’s too … Nicholas Sparks but with a dog. But again the cover made me think this was going to be Literature with a capital L. And my dog, it was perfection.
There are absolutely no notes for this novel, nor is there a proper category for it except for “great fiction”. We follow Wolf, a wild animal as he is kicked out of his pack, we learn his lore, his spirituality, about Moon Mother, and he meets a human eventually. Then we find Wolf in a temple, then as a guide to the afterlife and to enlightenment, we experience the world in various forms, all of them Wolf through sights, smells, voices, training. All the time with people - not all good and not all bad.
But what makes it fascinating is the kind of Wharton! Every chapter is written differently, there are poems, court transcripts, first person narratives, 3rd person, science fiction, and science fact, literal Odysseys and stoic Epics, subversive fiction, war fiction, even a visual chapter. And like all great spiritual teachings or fables he has created a thread of Wolf, in the vein of weird fiction like Sea of Tranquility. A nugget of truth that we know leads to something bigger than Wolf.
Oh I wish I could read it again for the first time! It is the most moving book I have read this year, and at no point did I know where it would lead. Wharton also is a great example of why we read the afterward, there were so many more connections that I did not catch or saw but dismissed. This is an author in love with his craft, and the attention to detail and the novel as a whole is a testament to that!
This novel is for YOU! Read it. Don’t question me, just do it. If you get nothing out of it you may be dead or dead inside.
Is phenomenal!
Another win for picking a book on vibes! This time it was because on each bottom right page there was an image of a dog, and when you flipped the book the dog ran! (Find joy in all you do!)
I was really hoping for a less Disney version of A Dog’s Purpose, and I was hesitant to read it thinking perhaps it’s too … Nicholas Sparks but with a dog. But again the cover made me think this was going to be Literature with a capital L. And my dog, it was perfection.
There are absolutely no notes for this novel, nor is there a proper category for it except for “great fiction”. We follow Wolf, a wild animal as he is kicked out of his pack, we learn his lore, his spirituality, about Moon Mother, and he meets a human eventually. Then we find Wolf in a temple, then as a guide to the afterlife and to enlightenment, we experience the world in various forms, all of them Wolf through sights, smells, voices, training. All the time with people - not all good and not all bad.
But what makes it fascinating is the kind of Wharton! Every chapter is written differently, there are poems, court transcripts, first person narratives, 3rd person, science fiction, and science fact, literal Odysseys and stoic Epics, subversive fiction, war fiction, even a visual chapter. And like all great spiritual teachings or fables he has created a thread of Wolf, in the vein of weird fiction like Sea of Tranquility. A nugget of truth that we know leads to something bigger than Wolf.
Oh I wish I could read it again for the first time! It is the most moving book I have read this year, and at no point did I know where it would lead. Wharton also is a great example of why we read the afterward, there were so many more connections that I did not catch or saw but dismissed. This is an author in love with his craft, and the attention to detail and the novel as a whole is a testament to that!
This novel is for YOU! Read it. Don’t question me, just do it. If you get nothing out of it you may be dead or dead inside.
September 28, 2025
A cornucopia of all things Dog, I read this gem with a warm doggie on my lap, straight through on a rainy afternoon. And what a delight that was!
Crisscrossing time (past and future), and covering myths, historical happenings, re-interpreted poetry, philosophy, Buddhism, science fiction — and all of them featuring dogs — or I should say, one dog, let’s call him/her Wolf, and follow her through her ever-so intricate journey, captured here with such finesse you will swear you know this canine. And you do — as after all, she is absolutely the purest essence of Dog.
And so it is, a decadent feast for canine lovers everywhere, this collection of collated stories featuring our buddy Wolf is woven through with the authors themes of the loyalty, love, protection, vulnerability, primal authenticity and doggone it, just plain inborn sweetness of man’s (woman’s in this case) ultimate best friend.
A friend who, quite doggedly, needs us, as much as we need him.
Make no mistake, this collection (and our doggie narrator’s voice, captured so flawlessly) will cut right through to your heart, — making you smile, chortle, laugh and want to hug a furry beast, stat! But it will also, if you are at all like this reader, make you want to cry, — cry for doggy sacrifice, and suffering, and that unbreakable bond, as it can be, in the wrong hands, turned terrible.
I adored this book, every single one of these wonderful stories, and want to read both more Wolf and more of anything from this author.
A great big thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this novel. All thoughts presented are my own.
Crisscrossing time (past and future), and covering myths, historical happenings, re-interpreted poetry, philosophy, Buddhism, science fiction — and all of them featuring dogs — or I should say, one dog, let’s call him/her Wolf, and follow her through her ever-so intricate journey, captured here with such finesse you will swear you know this canine. And you do — as after all, she is absolutely the purest essence of Dog.
And so it is, a decadent feast for canine lovers everywhere, this collection of collated stories featuring our buddy Wolf is woven through with the authors themes of the loyalty, love, protection, vulnerability, primal authenticity and doggone it, just plain inborn sweetness of man’s (woman’s in this case) ultimate best friend.
A friend who, quite doggedly, needs us, as much as we need him.
Make no mistake, this collection (and our doggie narrator’s voice, captured so flawlessly) will cut right through to your heart, — making you smile, chortle, laugh and want to hug a furry beast, stat! But it will also, if you are at all like this reader, make you want to cry, — cry for doggy sacrifice, and suffering, and that unbreakable bond, as it can be, in the wrong hands, turned terrible.
I adored this book, every single one of these wonderful stories, and want to read both more Wolf and more of anything from this author.
A great big thank you to the publisher for an ARC of this novel. All thoughts presented are my own.
October 18, 2025
Following Wolf through his many reincarnations across history, we witness how our bond with dogs has evolved and how these loyal companions have helped shape both our world and who we are as humans.
The writing is remarkably inventive. Each chapter adopts a distinct genre and style, yet Wolf’s steady, empathetic voice ties the whole journey together. Some stories are even inspired by real events, making it fascinating to see the many roles dogs have played throughout time and how their connection with humans has only grown stronger.
There were moments that had me howling with laughter and others that brought me to tears. The devotion dogs give us, often met with indifference or even cruelty, hit especially hard. Above all, this story made me reflect on my own beloved childhood dog, Sam. The bond we shared shaped me in ways I still feel today, and even though I’ve since become a proud cat mom of two, his absence remains profound.
This book was unlike anything I’ve read before. It is beautiful, moving, and wildly creative. A heartfelt journey through canine history that every animal lover should experience.🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴/5
Thank you Random House Canada for the gifted advanced reader copy!
The writing is remarkably inventive. Each chapter adopts a distinct genre and style, yet Wolf’s steady, empathetic voice ties the whole journey together. Some stories are even inspired by real events, making it fascinating to see the many roles dogs have played throughout time and how their connection with humans has only grown stronger.
There were moments that had me howling with laughter and others that brought me to tears. The devotion dogs give us, often met with indifference or even cruelty, hit especially hard. Above all, this story made me reflect on my own beloved childhood dog, Sam. The bond we shared shaped me in ways I still feel today, and even though I’ve since become a proud cat mom of two, his absence remains profound.
This book was unlike anything I’ve read before. It is beautiful, moving, and wildly creative. A heartfelt journey through canine history that every animal lover should experience.🦴🦴🦴🦴🦴/5
Thank you Random House Canada for the gifted advanced reader copy!
October 29, 2025
Follow as a wolf gets domesticated and then reborn through different eras of history. Ok so this sounds silly but I really enjoyed this book, and I’m not a dog person at all. The stories are at times funny, heartfelt, and/or sad, but at all times very interesting and creative. The writing is impeccable, and the style changes with the time period at times, which added to the reading experience - one of my favourites was written like a Robert Service poem, which was a surprise and a delight. The audiobook narrator did an excellent job, and voiced each emotion expertly, even though most stories are told from a dog’s point of view. I’ve enjoyed the authors books in the past, and this one might be near the top of my favourites of his - I’d recommend this to all readers who enjoy animals and I hope you find it as insightful as I did. I hope he writes a cat one next…
Thank you to Libro.fm and Random House of Canada for the Audiobook Listening Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Libro.fm and Random House of Canada for the Audiobook Listening Copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2025
If you've ever looked into your pup’s eyes and thought, you’ve definitely been here before, this book is your next obsession.
Thomas Wharton serves up a clever, charming, and unexpectedly profound novel told from the perspective of a dog named Wolf—who just happens to have lived many lives. Think Ancient Egypt, Alexandrian Greece, medieval forests, and yes, even outer space. Each chapter is a reimagined fable, stitched together with wit, wisdom, and a lot of heart.
And the best part? Wolf ends up on trial for chicken murder. (Justice for Wolf! He’s misunderstood!)
This isn’t just a love letter to dogs—it’s a meditation on loyalty, memory, and the strange, soulful bond between humans and their four-legged companions. Funny, moving, and mythic in scope, Wolf, Moon, Dog might just change the way you see your furry best friend.
Thomas Wharton serves up a clever, charming, and unexpectedly profound novel told from the perspective of a dog named Wolf—who just happens to have lived many lives. Think Ancient Egypt, Alexandrian Greece, medieval forests, and yes, even outer space. Each chapter is a reimagined fable, stitched together with wit, wisdom, and a lot of heart.
And the best part? Wolf ends up on trial for chicken murder. (Justice for Wolf! He’s misunderstood!)
This isn’t just a love letter to dogs—it’s a meditation on loyalty, memory, and the strange, soulful bond between humans and their four-legged companions. Funny, moving, and mythic in scope, Wolf, Moon, Dog might just change the way you see your furry best friend.
October 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
Shoot, I told myself I was not going to sit on the fence with this.
But, here we are, I want it to be 3.5 stars. I will bump it up.
It is different. I like the idea. Beginning as a Wolf with reincarnations into some of the types of lives dogs lead. Early on, I was interested, however wondered if it was a bit juvenile. Later it isn’t juvenile and it goes in interesting directions. But, I was left looking for more in some of the storylines. I think that dog lovers around the world will enjoy this and it might make their cheeks hurt just thinking about their own dogs. I like dogs but don’t have one, so it didn’t make my cheeks hurt.
So, despite saying that I would go one way or another, I am left on the fence. Someone with a dog, please read this and let me know if you find a deeper connection to it.
Shoot, I told myself I was not going to sit on the fence with this.
But, here we are, I want it to be 3.5 stars. I will bump it up.
It is different. I like the idea. Beginning as a Wolf with reincarnations into some of the types of lives dogs lead. Early on, I was interested, however wondered if it was a bit juvenile. Later it isn’t juvenile and it goes in interesting directions. But, I was left looking for more in some of the storylines. I think that dog lovers around the world will enjoy this and it might make their cheeks hurt just thinking about their own dogs. I like dogs but don’t have one, so it didn’t make my cheeks hurt.
So, despite saying that I would go one way or another, I am left on the fence. Someone with a dog, please read this and let me know if you find a deeper connection to it.
September 30, 2025
A series of short stories about dogs that cover different periods in time. We follow Wolf who is sometimes a wolf and sometimes a dog depending on the reincarnation cycle. This book highlights the bond between man and his best friend through the good and the bad.
Favourites include:
Escort - Where Wolf is a dog guiding a princess through the underworld. I enjoy the idea that dogs help us by just being there as our companions.
Remedy - a dog is prescribed by a healer. I loved how the story captures the emotional healing bond dogs have over our hearts.
Speak - I related to some parts of speak and the different ways we talk to our dogs 🐶 I may have adapted a song or two for my little piper 😂
Laika - This one made me so sad I almost moved onto the next story. Told from the POV of Laika, the stray dog, who was sent into space then left to perish. How scared that poor dog likely was breaks my heart.
Favourites include:
Escort - Where Wolf is a dog guiding a princess through the underworld. I enjoy the idea that dogs help us by just being there as our companions.
Remedy - a dog is prescribed by a healer. I loved how the story captures the emotional healing bond dogs have over our hearts.
Speak - I related to some parts of speak and the different ways we talk to our dogs 🐶 I may have adapted a song or two for my little piper 😂
Laika - This one made me so sad I almost moved onto the next story. Told from the POV of Laika, the stray dog, who was sent into space then left to perish. How scared that poor dog likely was breaks my heart.
November 27, 2025
I definitely enjoyed some of the stories (not Speak), and the narration was fantastically done, but i often felt like i was missing out on the "why". like as a set of vaguely connected short stories, I appreciated the different povs and unique jaunts into history, but I felt like there was always a moral i was too thick to grasp, maybe there wasnt and this was just a collection of stories, but it ~felt~ like i was missing something. my favourite parts were the Wolf chapters that started and finished the book; I liked the interpretation of wolf becoming dog, it gave the vibe of laline paul's The Bees, in the way that it was a modern humans expression of an experience that isn't/wasn't their own
October 14, 2025
2.5/5 ⭐
I’m honestly not sure how I feel about this book. Wolf, Moon, Dog is beautifully written and ultimately ends on a hopeful note, but the journey there was very difficult. Reading about the repeated cruelty dogs endure at the hands of humans was deeply upsetting and, at times, hard to get through. While I can appreciate what Wharton was exploring—the relationship between humans, nature, and compassion—I don’t think this is a book I’d ever want to revisit. It’s haunting and thought-provoking, but also painful in its honesty.
I’m honestly not sure how I feel about this book. Wolf, Moon, Dog is beautifully written and ultimately ends on a hopeful note, but the journey there was very difficult. Reading about the repeated cruelty dogs endure at the hands of humans was deeply upsetting and, at times, hard to get through. While I can appreciate what Wharton was exploring—the relationship between humans, nature, and compassion—I don’t think this is a book I’d ever want to revisit. It’s haunting and thought-provoking, but also painful in its honesty.
November 11, 2025
This novel was delectable! Anyone who has ever loved a dog or looked one in the face will want to read this novel. Four stars as the style is a bit too easy to read. However, younger readers(12+)will revel in it.
The MC is a wolf named, of course, Wolf. He is reincarnated throughout various human societies. Some were awful, some venerated him, but the message waa beautiful! For the most part, we love dogs, and it is their character that draws us to them. There's also a lovely climate change allegory that moved me.
The MC is a wolf named, of course, Wolf. He is reincarnated throughout various human societies. Some were awful, some venerated him, but the message waa beautiful! For the most part, we love dogs, and it is their character that draws us to them. There's also a lovely climate change allegory that moved me.
December 19, 2025
A wonderfully written collection of short stories featuring dogs, need I say more? Each piece captures something so deeply familiar about the way we love our dogs: the loyalty, the unconditional devotion, and the quiet strength they bring into our lives. The author truly understands that bond and translates it beautifully onto the page.
And once again, a total win with the cover. The classic painting feels timeless and perfectly suited to the heart of these stories. A comforting, heartfelt read for dog lovers. 🐾
Thank you to Random House Canada for the complimentary copy.
And once again, a total win with the cover. The classic painting feels timeless and perfectly suited to the heart of these stories. A comforting, heartfelt read for dog lovers. 🐾
Thank you to Random House Canada for the complimentary copy.
September 16, 2025
Wolf, Moon, Dog moves at a quick pace without sacrificing any depth. Each chapter feels fresh and unique while maintaining a consistently heartfelt tone. It is equal parts amusing, profound, and emotional, brimming with imagination and creativity. I found myself wanting to spend more time in each space at the end of some chapters, only to be quickly whisked away on the adventure of the next. Everything ties together in a beautifully moving ending.
October 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️. A sweet fable-like book that will warm the heart of anyone who has been lucky enough to share their life with a dog.
Told in several chapters that progress through the aeons of time from when humans and wolves first collaborated to a not far off future, it explores the mind and feelings of our domesticated wolves and their relationship with us.
The corner diagrams that create a flipbook of a dog running is delightful .
Told in several chapters that progress through the aeons of time from when humans and wolves first collaborated to a not far off future, it explores the mind and feelings of our domesticated wolves and their relationship with us.
The corner diagrams that create a flipbook of a dog running is delightful .
October 27, 2025
Insightful. Witty. Charming. Heartbreak. Grief. Loyalty.
Wolf. Moon. Dog. is a beautiful, dreamlike look at how people and dogs are connected. Wharton mixes fable and reality to show the loyalty, wildness, and love we share with them. Some stories are a bit strange or mysterious, but the writing is gorgeous and full of heart. I highly recommend this one if you’re a dog lover. Speak was my personal favourite of all the stories.
Wolf. Moon. Dog. is a beautiful, dreamlike look at how people and dogs are connected. Wharton mixes fable and reality to show the loyalty, wildness, and love we share with them. Some stories are a bit strange or mysterious, but the writing is gorgeous and full of heart. I highly recommend this one if you’re a dog lover. Speak was my personal favourite of all the stories.
November 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, what an interesting concept and Thomas’s Afterword gave me a better perspective of how much thought was put into his stories. Makes me snuggle and want to be closer to my pup in hopes she finds me again someday. ❤️
Read
November 13, 2025DNF @ 53%
November 19, 2025
I love dogs
November 25, 2025
We think it’s easy to be a dog but but maybe it’s like this book. Fun, sad, cruel, amazing, sometimes confusing and loving.
I need to hug my good boy and let him sniff the pole as long as he likes.
I need to hug my good boy and let him sniff the pole as long as he likes.
Read
December 18, 2025good dog.
December 19, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this creative and adventure-PACKed story (ies) of the journey from Wolf to dog! 🐺 🐶
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