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Dog Person
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Expected 7 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 19:24:13
25 copies available
U.S. only
In this delightfully heartwarming novel, an elderly dog is determined to help his grieving owner find a reason to go on after loss. Now, if only he’d stop getting in his way by being so very . . . human.
Harold may be an aging mutt—but Amelia May, the romance novelist who adopted him, taught him a thing or two about the human heart before she died. And she also left Harold with a final to help her partner, Miguel, find love again.
Trouble is, the grief-ridden recluse rarely goes out, not even to the bookstore he and Amelia owned together. Now it’s in danger of going under, and when a renowned author doesn’t show up for his event, it pushes the store’s already precarious finances into the red. In a final attempt to save the bookstore, Miguel and Harold set out to find the no-show and insist he fulfill his obligation. But instead, they’re greeted by Fiona, his sunny yet secretive sister.
Fiona is intent on protecting her brother’s privacy—and to Harold’s horror, she doesn’t like dogs. But her precocious eleven-year-old daughter, who's also named Amelia, immediately befriends Harold . . . who can’t help but wonder if his Amelia was right when she said there are no coincidences in life.
Harold’s quickly running out of time to accomplish his mission, but if he can just convince his infuriatingly stubborn person to let Fiona in, he’s certain Miguel will find something far more important than a missing his own happy ending.
Uplifting, smartly observed, and hilariously insightful, Dog Person is as undeniably charming as its beloved narrator, Harold, and offers a much-needed reminder that while not all love is unconditional, it is still always worthwhile.
Harold may be an aging mutt—but Amelia May, the romance novelist who adopted him, taught him a thing or two about the human heart before she died. And she also left Harold with a final to help her partner, Miguel, find love again.
Trouble is, the grief-ridden recluse rarely goes out, not even to the bookstore he and Amelia owned together. Now it’s in danger of going under, and when a renowned author doesn’t show up for his event, it pushes the store’s already precarious finances into the red. In a final attempt to save the bookstore, Miguel and Harold set out to find the no-show and insist he fulfill his obligation. But instead, they’re greeted by Fiona, his sunny yet secretive sister.
Fiona is intent on protecting her brother’s privacy—and to Harold’s horror, she doesn’t like dogs. But her precocious eleven-year-old daughter, who's also named Amelia, immediately befriends Harold . . . who can’t help but wonder if his Amelia was right when she said there are no coincidences in life.
Harold’s quickly running out of time to accomplish his mission, but if he can just convince his infuriatingly stubborn person to let Fiona in, he’s certain Miguel will find something far more important than a missing his own happy ending.
Uplifting, smartly observed, and hilariously insightful, Dog Person is as undeniably charming as its beloved narrator, Harold, and offers a much-needed reminder that while not all love is unconditional, it is still always worthwhile.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 7, 2026
17 people are currently reading
7362 people want to read
About the author
Camille Pagán
15 books1,786 followersI’m the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of ten books, including Good for You, I'm Fine and Neither Are You, and Life and Other Near-Death Experiences, which was recently optioned for film. My novels have been translated into twenty languages.
I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.
When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.
I've written for Forbes, The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parade, Real Simple, Time, and many others. I'm also a master certified coach and the founder of Even Better Co.
When I'm not at my computer, you'll find me with my nose in a book, running after my two kids, or talking shop with other writers. Be the first to know about my new releases and other updates by signing up for my newslettter at camillepagan.com/subscribe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
August 29, 2025
I just...didn't love this book. I got invested in the story - beloved dog has a mission to find Miguel a new love after Amelia May, their person dies. I liked Harold the dog. I did not particularly like either Miguel or the dead Amelia May.
Through a series of unlikely events, Miguel meets Fiona, and sparks fly. Fiona has an overly precocious daughter named Amelia Mae. I didn't particularly like her much, either. Of course, Fiona and Miguel meet-cute, feel an attraction, get it completely wrong and stomp away from each other, feelings hurt.
Mostly, I don't like books where the whole premise is flawed. Amelia and Miguel own a bookstore. They've been together for almost two decades, but have never married because Amelia didn't want to risk having a marriage like her awful parents have. BUT, knowing that her parents are horrible, and knowing that her money from writing romance novels subsidizes the bookstore A LOT, and Amelia May has an accountant, BUT she makes no plans to secure the future for Miguel or the bookstore. She didn't die unexpectly - she had time to "get her affairs in order" but she doesn't. So her royalties go to her horrible parents (who think romance novels are smut but they'll cash those checks yes indeedy) and Miguel gets bupkus. The store is now failing, and that's kind of the premise of the whole book - saving the bookstore.
Which makes the dead and sainted Amelia May kind of a horrible person in my book. Miguel is pretty passive and clueless and I don't get his appeal at all. I finished the book because I wanted to know how it ended.
Through a series of unlikely events, Miguel meets Fiona, and sparks fly. Fiona has an overly precocious daughter named Amelia Mae. I didn't particularly like her much, either. Of course, Fiona and Miguel meet-cute, feel an attraction, get it completely wrong and stomp away from each other, feelings hurt.
Mostly, I don't like books where the whole premise is flawed. Amelia and Miguel own a bookstore. They've been together for almost two decades, but have never married because Amelia didn't want to risk having a marriage like her awful parents have. BUT, knowing that her parents are horrible, and knowing that her money from writing romance novels subsidizes the bookstore A LOT, and Amelia May has an accountant, BUT she makes no plans to secure the future for Miguel or the bookstore. She didn't die unexpectly - she had time to "get her affairs in order" but she doesn't. So her royalties go to her horrible parents (who think romance novels are smut but they'll cash those checks yes indeedy) and Miguel gets bupkus. The store is now failing, and that's kind of the premise of the whole book - saving the bookstore.
Which makes the dead and sainted Amelia May kind of a horrible person in my book. Miguel is pretty passive and clueless and I don't get his appeal at all. I finished the book because I wanted to know how it ended.
November 1, 2025
I took a minute to write this review because I had to stop crying. One word…. Heartwarming. Written from the POV of a dog, Harold, who is getting older. His owner Amelia died of cancer 6 years ago, her partner Miguel now runs their bookstore solo. That’s another thing! It takes place in an independent bookstore! And the dog tries to help Miguel find love again after Amelia’s passing. The bookstore is on the verge of extinction. So they have to save the shop and find love. Literally it does not get more heartwarming.
Can you even with all of the sweetness??? The story is exactly as adorable as it sounds. I don’t think Harold’s breed is ever mentioned, but he’s probably a mutt because he is a rescue. But his inner dialogue is very golden retriever energy. He is just as loving, loyal, and unconditionally loving as we know our dogs to be. There is also a 12 year old girl in it- single mom Fiona is our FMC, although I didn’t feel intense chemistry between them it would have been inappropriate in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte press for the ARC. Book to be published April 6, 2026.
Can you even with all of the sweetness??? The story is exactly as adorable as it sounds. I don’t think Harold’s breed is ever mentioned, but he’s probably a mutt because he is a rescue. But his inner dialogue is very golden retriever energy. He is just as loving, loyal, and unconditionally loving as we know our dogs to be. There is also a 12 year old girl in it- single mom Fiona is our FMC, although I didn’t feel intense chemistry between them it would have been inappropriate in this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte press for the ARC. Book to be published April 6, 2026.
January 27, 2026
I have read a bunch of Camille Pagán's novels and they have all been enjoyable. However, I feel like Dog Person is her best one yet! This is a sweet and thoughtful story about love, grief, and books, told through the perspective of Harold, who is an old dog.
Harold was tasked with helping widower Miguel find new love. Meanwhile, Miguel is trying to save the bookstore he and his late wife Amelia own. His efforts lead him to an interesting situation that may help with the store and also fulfill Harold's mission. However, there are some complications that come about while Miguel is still dealing with his grief.
I really enjoyed the story overall. It's so quirky, entertaining, and full of surprises, but also heartfelt and sad at times. It was interesting reading it through Harold's perspective, even though I wonder how he so clearly understood what everyone was saying.
This delightful novel releases in April. Perfect for a spring read. (Or perhaps a listen while walking your dog.)
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Harold was tasked with helping widower Miguel find new love. Meanwhile, Miguel is trying to save the bookstore he and his late wife Amelia own. His efforts lead him to an interesting situation that may help with the store and also fulfill Harold's mission. However, there are some complications that come about while Miguel is still dealing with his grief.
I really enjoyed the story overall. It's so quirky, entertaining, and full of surprises, but also heartfelt and sad at times. It was interesting reading it through Harold's perspective, even though I wonder how he so clearly understood what everyone was saying.
This delightful novel releases in April. Perfect for a spring read. (Or perhaps a listen while walking your dog.)
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Miguel: Oscar Isaac
Fiona: D'Arcy Carden (I had her in mind as soon as Fiona was introduced in the story!)
Dane: Fred Hechinger
Fiona's daughter: Olive Abercrombie
Miriam: Rosa Salazar
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TW: Old dog getting sick and dying. Potential loss of business. Child running away from home.
August 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I just finished this book and had to give myself a moment for the tears to dry from my face before I could write this.
As a dog person, I was hooked from the start. Getting the story from the point of view of a dog was such a joy. Pair that with a cozy bookstore setting and it felt like this book was written just for me. On the surface, it is a heartwarming, feel-good story, but it also an emotional deep dive into grief, loss, and what it means to find family in unexpected places. It’s about love, resilience, and the determination to make things better.
Harold, the dog, absolutely stole my heart. Seeing the world through his eyes made me laugh, cry, and want to reach through the pages just to give him a belly rub and tell him he was the best boy.
Miguel, our main character, felt so real to me. His personality was layered and believable. I could feel his pain and his joy, and I loved watching his flaws and redemption play out.
I loved the community and found family that put their arms around him when he needed them the most.
This book is full of unforgettable characters and moments that will stay with me long after I turned the last page. I cannot wait to share this one with all my dog loving friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I just finished this book and had to give myself a moment for the tears to dry from my face before I could write this.
As a dog person, I was hooked from the start. Getting the story from the point of view of a dog was such a joy. Pair that with a cozy bookstore setting and it felt like this book was written just for me. On the surface, it is a heartwarming, feel-good story, but it also an emotional deep dive into grief, loss, and what it means to find family in unexpected places. It’s about love, resilience, and the determination to make things better.
Harold, the dog, absolutely stole my heart. Seeing the world through his eyes made me laugh, cry, and want to reach through the pages just to give him a belly rub and tell him he was the best boy.
Miguel, our main character, felt so real to me. His personality was layered and believable. I could feel his pain and his joy, and I loved watching his flaws and redemption play out.
I loved the community and found family that put their arms around him when he needed them the most.
This book is full of unforgettable characters and moments that will stay with me long after I turned the last page. I cannot wait to share this one with all my dog loving friends!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 14, 2025
Dog Person was such an emotional and completely charming read!
Camille Pagán blends humor and heart beautifully in this unique story told from the perspective of Harold, an elderly dog determined to help his grieving human, Miguel, find love again.
Harold’s voice is endearing and surprisingly insightful, and his efforts to bring Miguel and Fiona together are both funny and touching. The relationships feel real, the emotional beats land, and the writing strikes a perfect balance between lightness and depth.
It’s a story about love, loss, and second chances with a dog’s view that somehow makes it all hit harder.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Camille Pagán blends humor and heart beautifully in this unique story told from the perspective of Harold, an elderly dog determined to help his grieving human, Miguel, find love again.
Harold’s voice is endearing and surprisingly insightful, and his efforts to bring Miguel and Fiona together are both funny and touching. The relationships feel real, the emotional beats land, and the writing strikes a perfect balance between lightness and depth.
It’s a story about love, loss, and second chances with a dog’s view that somehow makes it all hit harder.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My review: A few years ago I went through a phase and read every one of Pagan's published books. She writes real characters who are quirky, fun, sad, searching, and just living life. This book, unlike her others, revolves around a man Miguel, and his dog. The dog Harold is the narrator. He's brilliant, of course. And the humor in how a dog interprets some things ("mating", smiling, squirrels, lol) is a welcome break in witnessing Miguel's grief. Miguel lost his partner Amelia and his business is failing. Harold is determined to make good on his vow to Amelia to take care of Miguel.
As Miguel and Harold go on an adventure to find his favorite author they encounter the author's sister and her tween daughter. Of course, attraction grows, but guilt and grief rise. Miguel and Harold, and their loyal group of employees/friends, work to right the business and allow new friends and love into their circle. Definite tears at the end but the journey was worth it. Oh, and Miguel owns a book store. Between the books and dogs, I was hooked.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advance digital copy to review. These opinions are my own.
As Miguel and Harold go on an adventure to find his favorite author they encounter the author's sister and her tween daughter. Of course, attraction grows, but guilt and grief rise. Miguel and Harold, and their loyal group of employees/friends, work to right the business and allow new friends and love into their circle. Definite tears at the end but the journey was worth it. Oh, and Miguel owns a book store. Between the books and dogs, I was hooked.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advance digital copy to review. These opinions are my own.
August 2, 2025
3.5 This was such a sweet and heartwarming read, I love reading books through a dogs pov. That’s what got my attention with this book and made me want to read it, I LOVE the book and movie a dogs purpose and this sounded cute and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. It’s absolut an old dog named Harold that Amelia adopted years ago and when she dies Harold wants to find Miguel someone else to love before his time is up too.
Just the concept and plot is so sweet and the ending and especially the epilogue broke me. That epilogue was not necessary that’s honestly what makes this a 3.5 instead of 3😭 all the characters are really likeable and I recommend this book to anyone that’s a dog person. Overall it’s just a hopeful and heartwarming read but sadly I just didn’t connect with the story that much, but I had a good time
Thank you for the e-arc Netgalley 💕
Just the concept and plot is so sweet and the ending and especially the epilogue broke me. That epilogue was not necessary that’s honestly what makes this a 3.5 instead of 3😭 all the characters are really likeable and I recommend this book to anyone that’s a dog person. Overall it’s just a hopeful and heartwarming read but sadly I just didn’t connect with the story that much, but I had a good time
Thank you for the e-arc Netgalley 💕
August 5, 2025
I'll let you in on a secret - I'm not a dog person. But, I am a Camille Pagan person, so I was excited to get my hands on this book even though it is narrated by a dog!
Camile pagan has such an effortless writing style that immediately draws you in to the narrative and the characters so you're invested from the very first paragraph. It took her two sentences to break my heart for all the dogs of the world who haven't found their person yet, and I don't even like dogs.
I loved the beginning of this book and how Pagan paints a heartbreaking portrait of a man and his dog grieving the loss of their person. It was beautiful and real and I loved all the characters that were trying to rally around this man to keep him afloat until he can make it to the other side of his grief. Although having a dog is a narrator is an extremely difficult trope to pull off, I thought Pagan did a great job with Harold the dog.
Unfortunately, by the end I thought Pagan was a little bit restrained by having only the dog to narrate. As characters are working through their big complex feelings, we aren't privy to their thoughts, so Pagan must resort to them talking to themselves or leaving voicemails or talking to dead people. It got to the point where I was finding the dialogue a bit forced and unbelievable. I do feel that this will always be a problem with animals narrating though.
Overall I thought this was a great read and I really enjoyed it, in spite of not being a dog person.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book for me to review.
Camile pagan has such an effortless writing style that immediately draws you in to the narrative and the characters so you're invested from the very first paragraph. It took her two sentences to break my heart for all the dogs of the world who haven't found their person yet, and I don't even like dogs.
I loved the beginning of this book and how Pagan paints a heartbreaking portrait of a man and his dog grieving the loss of their person. It was beautiful and real and I loved all the characters that were trying to rally around this man to keep him afloat until he can make it to the other side of his grief. Although having a dog is a narrator is an extremely difficult trope to pull off, I thought Pagan did a great job with Harold the dog.
Unfortunately, by the end I thought Pagan was a little bit restrained by having only the dog to narrate. As characters are working through their big complex feelings, we aren't privy to their thoughts, so Pagan must resort to them talking to themselves or leaving voicemails or talking to dead people. It got to the point where I was finding the dialogue a bit forced and unbelievable. I do feel that this will always be a problem with animals narrating though.
Overall I thought this was a great read and I really enjoyed it, in spite of not being a dog person.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this book for me to review.
August 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ **Dog Person** by Camille Pagán
This book had me in my feels from page one, and I was *so* not prepared for how much it would hit. “Dog Person” isn’t just about dogs (though there’s a very good pup involved) — it’s about connection, grief, and finding pieces of yourself you didn’t know were missing until they show up in the form of an unexpected friendship.
We follow a woman whose carefully curated, “everything’s fine” life gets a little sideways after a chance encounter with a dog owner. What starts as small talk turns into this beautifully messy, heart-tugging journey through loss, love, and the awkward-but-healing steps of starting over. It’s emotional without being heavy-handed, funny in the kind of way where you laugh and then immediately feel your throat tighten, and so real it’s like you’re eavesdropping on someone’s life.
Pagán’s writing is warm, sharp, and *low-key unputdownable*. I devoured this in a day because I just had to know where the characters would end up — and honestly, I’d hang out with them again in a heartbeat.
✨ *ARC Review — huge thanks to the publisher, Camille Pagán, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this early.*
This book had me in my feels from page one, and I was *so* not prepared for how much it would hit. “Dog Person” isn’t just about dogs (though there’s a very good pup involved) — it’s about connection, grief, and finding pieces of yourself you didn’t know were missing until they show up in the form of an unexpected friendship.
We follow a woman whose carefully curated, “everything’s fine” life gets a little sideways after a chance encounter with a dog owner. What starts as small talk turns into this beautifully messy, heart-tugging journey through loss, love, and the awkward-but-healing steps of starting over. It’s emotional without being heavy-handed, funny in the kind of way where you laugh and then immediately feel your throat tighten, and so real it’s like you’re eavesdropping on someone’s life.
Pagán’s writing is warm, sharp, and *low-key unputdownable*. I devoured this in a day because I just had to know where the characters would end up — and honestly, I’d hang out with them again in a heartbeat.
✨ *ARC Review — huge thanks to the publisher, Camille Pagán, and NetGalley for the chance to read and review this early.*
September 14, 2025
4.5⭐️
Dog Person is about a man, named Miguel, who is trying to grieve the loss of his life partner, Amelia as told through the perspective of their dog, Harold. When Amelia passes, she tasks Harold with making sure Miguel finds happiness again. The book then goes through the journey of Miguel meeting someone named Fiona, who is not who he thinks she is, and her spunky daughter Amelia Mae who befriends Harold. It is a very heartwarming and loving story but also has many parts that focus on the grief that Miguel and Harold feel after the loss of Amelia.
The different characters and their personalities truly make this book enjoyable. It had me feeling all the emotions; sad, angry, happy, melancholy. Harold was a wonderful story teller, and as a dog person myself, I enjoyed hearing the story from that perspective. While I cried all kinds of tears reading this, both happy and sad, the epilogue at the end broke me.
I definitely recommend this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine for the e-arc!
Dog Person is about a man, named Miguel, who is trying to grieve the loss of his life partner, Amelia as told through the perspective of their dog, Harold. When Amelia passes, she tasks Harold with making sure Miguel finds happiness again. The book then goes through the journey of Miguel meeting someone named Fiona, who is not who he thinks she is, and her spunky daughter Amelia Mae who befriends Harold. It is a very heartwarming and loving story but also has many parts that focus on the grief that Miguel and Harold feel after the loss of Amelia.
The different characters and their personalities truly make this book enjoyable. It had me feeling all the emotions; sad, angry, happy, melancholy. Harold was a wonderful story teller, and as a dog person myself, I enjoyed hearing the story from that perspective. While I cried all kinds of tears reading this, both happy and sad, the epilogue at the end broke me.
I definitely recommend this book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine for the e-arc!
September 5, 2025
The dog dies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2025
Dog Person by Camille Pagán is a wonderful contemporary fiction that is about hearts, healing, and the true love of our canine friends.
I am a dog person to the core, always will be, so I knew I had to read this book. It brought the full gambit of emotions: love, loss, emptiness, and hope. I love that it was told with the viewpoint of Harold, the very adorable, loyal, and insightful canine.
I loved everything about this story and hope that others will also come away with an uplifting feeling, one of promise and peace.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/7/26.
I am a dog person to the core, always will be, so I knew I had to read this book. It brought the full gambit of emotions: love, loss, emptiness, and hope. I love that it was told with the viewpoint of Harold, the very adorable, loyal, and insightful canine.
I loved everything about this story and hope that others will also come away with an uplifting feeling, one of promise and peace.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/7/26.
January 22, 2026
When we meet Miguel, he has recently lost his life partner, Amelia, to cancer, and his beloved bookstore, Lakeside, is on the brink of closing. Their aging rescue dog, Harold, promised Amelia that he would help Miguel find love again—a daunting task, since Miguel can barely muster the energy to engage with life at all. When an event at the bookstore goes awry, an unexpected opportunity for connection presents itself…if only Miguel is willing to reach for it.
The story is told from Harold’s point of view, which initially intrigued me. And while I am very much a dog person, I never fully connected with Harold as a narrator. His devotion to Miguel was clear, but the emotional warmth I expected just wasn’t there for me. That may be partly because I never warmed to Miguel himself. As more is revealed about his relationship with Amelia, I found him increasingly selfish and snobbish, and I struggled to understand why someone as kind and loving as Amelia would choose to be with him.
I’m sure this book will resonate with other readers, particularly those drawn to stories of grief, second chances, and unconventional narrators. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC and share my honest feedback.
The story is told from Harold’s point of view, which initially intrigued me. And while I am very much a dog person, I never fully connected with Harold as a narrator. His devotion to Miguel was clear, but the emotional warmth I expected just wasn’t there for me. That may be partly because I never warmed to Miguel himself. As more is revealed about his relationship with Amelia, I found him increasingly selfish and snobbish, and I struggled to understand why someone as kind and loving as Amelia would choose to be with him.
I’m sure this book will resonate with other readers, particularly those drawn to stories of grief, second chances, and unconventional narrators. Unfortunately, it just didn’t work for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC and share my honest feedback.
September 26, 2025
I have always loved Camille’s books. They are easy, heartfelt reads, but always have meaning. This book was heartbreaking in a good way.
Ever wonder what life is like through a dogs eyes? Well then this is the book for you! We follow the beloved Harold on a mission to find how owner a new love. And not only that, but he’s a proud pup of a bookstore owner! This read is a must!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this great read in exchange for an honest review.
Ever wonder what life is like through a dogs eyes? Well then this is the book for you! We follow the beloved Harold on a mission to find how owner a new love. And not only that, but he’s a proud pup of a bookstore owner! This read is a must!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for this great read in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2025
I knew from the minute I received this arc that this was my perfect book — the title, the premise, the heart. All of it. Ten stars if I could.
The fact I got to read it cuddled up with my own aging pup made it even sweeter.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early look. I preordered so I can read it again later when I need a good cry-hug.
The fact I got to read it cuddled up with my own aging pup made it even sweeter.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early look. I preordered so I can read it again later when I need a good cry-hug.
August 6, 2025
I never have read book by Camille and was so excited to have received this Arc from NetGalley!
This book was very different from others I have read as it was narrated by the dog’s POV. I enjoy the journey of sadness and love that this book took me to. I did wish at part I got to know what the characters were feeling! Still a solid read!!
This book was very different from others I have read as it was narrated by the dog’s POV. I enjoy the journey of sadness and love that this book took me to. I did wish at part I got to know what the characters were feeling! Still a solid read!!
August 24, 2025
I've read all of Camille Pagan's books, and this is by far her absolute BEST. I started at 11 AM this morning and just finished. 5 PM. Bawling.
Told from a dog's perspective, in the vein of Art of Racing in The Rain, DOG PERSON captures the richest emotions --love, loss, found families, healing, and the warm wit of a precious dog...all set at a bookstore! I don't think it gets any better than this, and Pagan effortlessly nails every single trope. A special shout out to firecracker Amelia who at 12 deserves her own novel.
Kudos, Camille! I laughed. I cried. I rooted for these complex characters. Love stories don't come any bigger than this. Five furry tails for this extraordinary tale that's sure to win readers' hearts.
Told from a dog's perspective, in the vein of Art of Racing in The Rain, DOG PERSON captures the richest emotions --love, loss, found families, healing, and the warm wit of a precious dog...all set at a bookstore! I don't think it gets any better than this, and Pagan effortlessly nails every single trope. A special shout out to firecracker Amelia who at 12 deserves her own novel.
Kudos, Camille! I laughed. I cried. I rooted for these complex characters. Love stories don't come any bigger than this. Five furry tails for this extraordinary tale that's sure to win readers' hearts.
January 28, 2026
"I've always wondered what it would be like to have a nickname. Now I know: It's a warm hug made of sound." -Harold
This book is also like a warm hug. I don't think I've ever read a book like this before. You so easily fall in love with every character in this book, including the furry one! I wish I could go back and read it all over again for the first time. Easily one of the best books I've read this year.
This book is also like a warm hug. I don't think I've ever read a book like this before. You so easily fall in love with every character in this book, including the furry one! I wish I could go back and read it all over again for the first time. Easily one of the best books I've read this year.
July 22, 2025
How fitting is it for my first NetGalley book to feature a dog! I’m a sucker for stories with lovable dogs, and DOG PERSON is about a dog who tries to find his owner, Miguel, someone else to love after his beloved partner, Amelia, unexpectedly passes away from an illness.
The story is told through Harold’s (the dog’s) eyes. He’s an aging spaniel-mix that Amelia adopted from the shelter many years ago. While technically her dog, Harold wants to find Miguel someone else to love before Harold’s time is up, too. Adding onto this is the difficulty of keeping their little bookshop afloat after Amelia’s death.
But don’t worry—while this book covers grief and loss, there’s hope in it, too. Some interesting events occur once Miguel decides to find the author, JMB, who snubbed his bookshop event.
Even through the dog is sentient, this isn’t a silly book by any means. It’s a heartwarming story about how to find yourself after a tremendous loss through the support of friends—and animals—alike. There are many bright and wonderful characters in this book, especially clever and precocious Amelia Mae, niece of JMB, and of course, Harold.
The title says it all. If you’re a dog person, then definitely add this book to your list!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told through Harold’s (the dog’s) eyes. He’s an aging spaniel-mix that Amelia adopted from the shelter many years ago. While technically her dog, Harold wants to find Miguel someone else to love before Harold’s time is up, too. Adding onto this is the difficulty of keeping their little bookshop afloat after Amelia’s death.
But don’t worry—while this book covers grief and loss, there’s hope in it, too. Some interesting events occur once Miguel decides to find the author, JMB, who snubbed his bookshop event.
Even through the dog is sentient, this isn’t a silly book by any means. It’s a heartwarming story about how to find yourself after a tremendous loss through the support of friends—and animals—alike. There are many bright and wonderful characters in this book, especially clever and precocious Amelia Mae, niece of JMB, and of course, Harold.
The title says it all. If you’re a dog person, then definitely add this book to your list!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2025
I'm not a dog person, but I still enjoyed this story, told from Harold the dog's perspective. It works. Take this perfect observation:
"Harry! I've always wondered what it would be like to have a nickname. Now I know: It's a warm hug made of sound."
Harold promised his owner Amelia that he would help her partner Miguel move on and find love again after her death. Meanwhile, the bookstore they own is in danger of closing. But there's a flaw in the premise, as Goodreads reviewer Meg points out: "Amelia and Miguel own a bookstore. They've been together for almost two decades, but have never married because Amelia didn't want to risk having a marriage like her awful parents have. BUT, knowing that her parents are horrible, and knowing that her money from writing romance novels subsidizes the bookstore A LOT, and Amelia May has an accountant, BUT she makes no plans to secure the future for Miguel or the bookstore. She didn't die unexpectedly - she had time to "get her affairs in order" but she doesn't. So her royalties go to her horrible parents (who think romance novels are smut but they'll cash those checks yes indeedy) and Miguel gets bupkus. The store is now failing, and that's kind of the premise of the whole book - saving the bookstore."
I'd have given this 4 stars if Amelia's actions were better explained. So I'll give this 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
"Harry! I've always wondered what it would be like to have a nickname. Now I know: It's a warm hug made of sound."
Harold promised his owner Amelia that he would help her partner Miguel move on and find love again after her death. Meanwhile, the bookstore they own is in danger of closing. But there's a flaw in the premise, as Goodreads reviewer Meg points out: "Amelia and Miguel own a bookstore. They've been together for almost two decades, but have never married because Amelia didn't want to risk having a marriage like her awful parents have. BUT, knowing that her parents are horrible, and knowing that her money from writing romance novels subsidizes the bookstore A LOT, and Amelia May has an accountant, BUT she makes no plans to secure the future for Miguel or the bookstore. She didn't die unexpectedly - she had time to "get her affairs in order" but she doesn't. So her royalties go to her horrible parents (who think romance novels are smut but they'll cash those checks yes indeedy) and Miguel gets bupkus. The store is now failing, and that's kind of the premise of the whole book - saving the bookstore."
I'd have given this 4 stars if Amelia's actions were better explained. So I'll give this 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
July 24, 2025
"There are two kinds of people in this world: dog people, and people who still need to meet the right dog."
i looked at my dog and cried (he's eight months old)
i have no words for this book, truly. the story is told through the eyes of harold—the dog. he’s an aging spaniel mix adopted from a shelter by amelia many years ago. and while technically her dog, harold’s real mission now is to help miguel (amelia’s partner) find someone else to love before his time is up, too. all of this while trying to keep their little bookshop alive after amelia’s passing.
and don’t let the sentient dog narrator fool you—this book is not silly. it’s a tender exploration of grief, healing, friendship, and the magic of books. it’s not a romance novel exactly (though there’s a thread of romance in it), but more so a story about the joy and comfort that other people—and other creatures—can bring into our lives.
i know it’s fiction, and i know dogs probably don’t think quite like this, but god… we really don’t deserve them.
FIVE STARS. every single one of them earned. if you’re a dog lover, this book is for you.
i don’t want to spoil too much, so i’ll just leave you with a few favorite quotes:
“I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a nickname. Now I know: It’s a warm hug made of sound.”
“Just remember, it’s only a book. You can always turn the page if you aren’t feeling it.”
“So, I let myself cry a little now, and it feels like happiness and sadness and remembering, all mixed together. And I don’t mind, even though I know Amelia Mae might not understand it. I hope she does one day, though. Because it’s the kind of feeling you can have only after you’ve loved so much that you know in your bones that moving on will never, ever be the same thing as letting go.”
thank you netgalley & the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
i looked at my dog and cried (he's eight months old)
i have no words for this book, truly. the story is told through the eyes of harold—the dog. he’s an aging spaniel mix adopted from a shelter by amelia many years ago. and while technically her dog, harold’s real mission now is to help miguel (amelia’s partner) find someone else to love before his time is up, too. all of this while trying to keep their little bookshop alive after amelia’s passing.
and don’t let the sentient dog narrator fool you—this book is not silly. it’s a tender exploration of grief, healing, friendship, and the magic of books. it’s not a romance novel exactly (though there’s a thread of romance in it), but more so a story about the joy and comfort that other people—and other creatures—can bring into our lives.
i know it’s fiction, and i know dogs probably don’t think quite like this, but god… we really don’t deserve them.
FIVE STARS. every single one of them earned. if you’re a dog lover, this book is for you.
i don’t want to spoil too much, so i’ll just leave you with a few favorite quotes:
“I’ve always wondered what it would be like to have a nickname. Now I know: It’s a warm hug made of sound.”
“Just remember, it’s only a book. You can always turn the page if you aren’t feeling it.”
“So, I let myself cry a little now, and it feels like happiness and sadness and remembering, all mixed together. And I don’t mind, even though I know Amelia Mae might not understand it. I hope she does one day, though. Because it’s the kind of feeling you can have only after you’ve loved so much that you know in your bones that moving on will never, ever be the same thing as letting go.”
thank you netgalley & the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
September 13, 2025
♾️⭐
I think I knew this book would be for me just from the title alone. I mean come on, how cute is that cover too?
I loved reading this book from the dog's point of view. It made me feel like I actually *wasn't* crazy for narrating my dog and his thoughts all of these years.
This book was incredibly but also addressed different forms of grief throughout. But of course, a dog always knows when and how to help.
Navigating grief with Miguel and Harold was incredibly refreshing since it was all so real. The feeling of being so lost you don't know where to start. The feeling of isolation. The feeling of acceptance. The feeling of healing.
Of course, I had to blow my nose and clear my face of tears once I finished.
Harold certainly will always be the very best boy.
*Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine, and Camille Pagan for the opportunity to read this early and to give an honest review. Can't wait for release 🤍
I think I knew this book would be for me just from the title alone. I mean come on, how cute is that cover too?
I loved reading this book from the dog's point of view. It made me feel like I actually *wasn't* crazy for narrating my dog and his thoughts all of these years.
This book was incredibly but also addressed different forms of grief throughout. But of course, a dog always knows when and how to help.
Navigating grief with Miguel and Harold was incredibly refreshing since it was all so real. The feeling of being so lost you don't know where to start. The feeling of isolation. The feeling of acceptance. The feeling of healing.
Of course, I had to blow my nose and clear my face of tears once I finished.
Harold certainly will always be the very best boy.
*Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine, and Camille Pagan for the opportunity to read this early and to give an honest review. Can't wait for release 🤍
November 3, 2025
4.5 stars
Firstly, I want to thank the publisher and the author for letting me receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review!
This book follows a senior dog named Harold who is owned by this couple, Miguel and Amelia. Amelia unfortunately had passed away but let Harold with one last task: help Miguel find love again.
This book was so well-written and I was immediately intrigued once I realized we’d be reading from Harold’s perspective. I loved this aspect of the book as I thought it brought so much depth to the story.
I loved reading every bit of the story and felt so connected to seeing Harold accomplish his goal of his late owner. The ending made me cry so hard even though I expected it but I couldn’t have thought of a better way for the story to end and wrap up all of the story components. Overall, this was such a heartfelt story and I’m so grateful I got to experience reading this book!
Firstly, I want to thank the publisher and the author for letting me receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review!
This book follows a senior dog named Harold who is owned by this couple, Miguel and Amelia. Amelia unfortunately had passed away but let Harold with one last task: help Miguel find love again.
This book was so well-written and I was immediately intrigued once I realized we’d be reading from Harold’s perspective. I loved this aspect of the book as I thought it brought so much depth to the story.
I loved reading every bit of the story and felt so connected to seeing Harold accomplish his goal of his late owner. The ending made me cry so hard even though I expected it but I couldn’t have thought of a better way for the story to end and wrap up all of the story components. Overall, this was such a heartfelt story and I’m so grateful I got to experience reading this book!
September 30, 2025
"So I let myself cry a little now, and it feels like happiness and sadness and remembering, all mixed together. And I don't mind, even though I know Amelia Mae might not understand it. I hope she does one day though. Because it's the kind of feeling you can have only after you've loved so much that you know in your bones that moving on will never, ever be the same thing as letting go"
Brb while I cry!!!!!!
Synopsis:
The bravest good senior puppy is on a mission to make sure his human's partner, finds love again after she dies. Miguel is a struggling bookstore owner after his late partner & co-owner, Amelia May passes away and is finding a way to save his drowning bookstore from closing down. Harold, the best senior boy, promised his owner, that he will help Miguel find love again after she's gone and oddly enough finds the sister of Miguel's favorite author as a contender. Fiona, is a mom to a sassy girl named, Amelia Mae, (who is in love with Harold) who surely is trying to find a way to back to love after heartbreak. It's Harold's destiny to find a way to get these two humans to share a love that he knows will make his Amelia May happy.
Thoughts:
MANNNNNNNNN... THE TEEAAARSSSSSSS. As a dog person myself with a best friend in the form of a peek-a-pom, I had the rollercoaster of emotionsssss. This journey was light hearted and having it told in the dog, Harold's POV made it so enjoyable to read. This was a unique take on the relationship of a dog and their human. Throughout the book, the character development was beautifully planned out; it had the frustration of basic human communication, while keeping the loyalty and love of a dog in every scene. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this book. Such a feel-good book!!
Character development:
The books are primarily centered around Harold and Miguel; both grieving the lost Amelia May, their partner. Throughout the book, Harold has doubts on how to help Miguel find love, and Miguel is stubborn as anyone who is grieving is; and leads to him pushing the people he loves, away. Harold sees this, and tries to find ways to help Miguel. Fiona, who is also trying to find love after heartbreak, finds herself falling for Miguel, and both are too stubborn to let their feelings speak. Harold's character ARC heart warming. He truly helps Miguel through his grief over his Amelia May and his stubbornness and by the end of the book, Miguel finds it in his heart what it means to love after loss. To let someone in after losing someone significant in his life. And I think that is a powerful character ARC that was executed beautifully.
Plot:
Some parts dragged a little bit, but I know it was because of the world building. The little monologues Harold has also helps make the book lively. I think the timeline of the plot was thoughtful in that it was accurate in what it's like after a significant person passes. The pushing people away, the stubbornness to let someone in. I think the time of events in the book was executed well that helps lay out the foundation of the growth of the characters.
Characters:
GOSH DO I LOVE ALL OF THEM. Each character added to the complexity of grief for Miguel. And Harold is definitely the star of the show. And that's all I got to say about that.
Ending:
The closing of this book was very emotional for me. I'm grieving the lost of a friend, and while it wasn't a romantic relationship, I think the lesson in this book is helping me heal and to appreciate and tell the people who are in my life now, how much they mean to me. Harold eventually passes at the end but knowing he fulfilled his mission to Amelia May and finds her at the end, is heartwarming to say the least. He helped Miguel fix his mistakes with Fiona and the friends he has at the bookstore and I can positively say, he definitely was the best boy. I think I'll have to relive this book again when I'm in my feels again.
Overall: 5/5!!!!!
I cried and felt all the feels. That in itself..... makes me love it. Thank you for teaching me that moving on will never be the same as letting go. :)
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review. <3
Brb while I cry!!!!!!
Synopsis:
The bravest good senior puppy is on a mission to make sure his human's partner, finds love again after she dies. Miguel is a struggling bookstore owner after his late partner & co-owner, Amelia May passes away and is finding a way to save his drowning bookstore from closing down. Harold, the best senior boy, promised his owner, that he will help Miguel find love again after she's gone and oddly enough finds the sister of Miguel's favorite author as a contender. Fiona, is a mom to a sassy girl named, Amelia Mae, (who is in love with Harold) who surely is trying to find a way to back to love after heartbreak. It's Harold's destiny to find a way to get these two humans to share a love that he knows will make his Amelia May happy.
Thoughts:
MANNNNNNNNN... THE TEEAAARSSSSSSS. As a dog person myself with a best friend in the form of a peek-a-pom, I had the rollercoaster of emotionsssss. This journey was light hearted and having it told in the dog, Harold's POV made it so enjoyable to read. This was a unique take on the relationship of a dog and their human. Throughout the book, the character development was beautifully planned out; it had the frustration of basic human communication, while keeping the loyalty and love of a dog in every scene. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this book. Such a feel-good book!!
Character development:
The books are primarily centered around Harold and Miguel; both grieving the lost Amelia May, their partner. Throughout the book, Harold has doubts on how to help Miguel find love, and Miguel is stubborn as anyone who is grieving is; and leads to him pushing the people he loves, away. Harold sees this, and tries to find ways to help Miguel. Fiona, who is also trying to find love after heartbreak, finds herself falling for Miguel, and both are too stubborn to let their feelings speak. Harold's character ARC heart warming. He truly helps Miguel through his grief over his Amelia May and his stubbornness and by the end of the book, Miguel finds it in his heart what it means to love after loss. To let someone in after losing someone significant in his life. And I think that is a powerful character ARC that was executed beautifully.
Plot:
Some parts dragged a little bit, but I know it was because of the world building. The little monologues Harold has also helps make the book lively. I think the timeline of the plot was thoughtful in that it was accurate in what it's like after a significant person passes. The pushing people away, the stubbornness to let someone in. I think the time of events in the book was executed well that helps lay out the foundation of the growth of the characters.
Characters:
GOSH DO I LOVE ALL OF THEM. Each character added to the complexity of grief for Miguel. And Harold is definitely the star of the show. And that's all I got to say about that.
Ending:
The closing of this book was very emotional for me. I'm grieving the lost of a friend, and while it wasn't a romantic relationship, I think the lesson in this book is helping me heal and to appreciate and tell the people who are in my life now, how much they mean to me. Harold eventually passes at the end but knowing he fulfilled his mission to Amelia May and finds her at the end, is heartwarming to say the least. He helped Miguel fix his mistakes with Fiona and the friends he has at the bookstore and I can positively say, he definitely was the best boy. I think I'll have to relive this book again when I'm in my feels again.
Overall: 5/5!!!!!
I cried and felt all the feels. That in itself..... makes me love it. Thank you for teaching me that moving on will never be the same as letting go. :)
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
4.5⭐️ This isn’t usually the type of book I pick up, and I knew right away it was going to break my heart but I didn’t expect it to be such a beautifully sad and at the same time happy story. Dog Person is told through the eyes of Harold, the dog, making it both unique and heartwarming. It’s a touching story of loss, finding love, and the comfort of a bookstore. Definitely a must read for anyone who’s a dog person! Tears cried over this book were happy tears.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I appreciate the opportunity. All thoughts are my own.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts. I appreciate the opportunity. All thoughts are my own.
September 26, 2025
Dog Person by Camille Pagán is such a sweet and heartwarming read. It had me laughing, crying, yelling at fictional characters etc. Told through the eyes of a dog, this book beautifully balances cozy vibes with a moving story about loving and losing, grief, healing, and finding love and purpose again. It’s both tender and uplifting, making it a wonderful choice for anyone who wants a story that feels comforting while also carrying emotional depth.
August 4, 2025
First of all, I'd like to thank NetGalley and Ballentine Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Let me start out by saying, I am not the typical romance reader. I find a lot of the books to be cringe and eye-roll worthy. However, this book has NONE of that. I absolutely devoured this book. This is my first ARC from NetGalley and as a dog person, myself, this book was perfect. From the imperfect and flawed characters that embrace who they are to the beautifully written story, this book earned every single star I gave it.
This book is for anyone who has loved a dog or been lucky enough to have felt the love of a dog. Soul dogs are real and this book proves it.
Let me start out by saying, I am not the typical romance reader. I find a lot of the books to be cringe and eye-roll worthy. However, this book has NONE of that. I absolutely devoured this book. This is my first ARC from NetGalley and as a dog person, myself, this book was perfect. From the imperfect and flawed characters that embrace who they are to the beautifully written story, this book earned every single star I gave it.
This book is for anyone who has loved a dog or been lucky enough to have felt the love of a dog. Soul dogs are real and this book proves it.
Want to read
July 22, 20257/12/25 I’m a dog person so this book just calls to me ❤️🐾 so on the tbr it goes
August 6, 2025
I received this as an Arc from NetGalley. As with almost any book written from the perspective of a dog, I knew I would be teary-eyed at some point.
This story is told from the perspective of Harold, a 14 year old dog who is coping with the loss of his person while looking out for Miguel, his other owner who was also left behind. Amelia is who they are both mourning; Miguel’s partner for over a decade and Harold’s owner for nearly his whole life. She found Harold abandoned and adopted him, showing him how to trust humans again. Funny enough, she also showed Miguel how to trust. But Amelia passed away 18 months ago and now Harold has one final mission to see through before his time also comes to an end. Amelia tasked Harold with helping Miguel find love again, and that’s where this story leads.
Harold knows time is slipping away from him, but Miguel is letting life pass him by too. Miguel’s become a bit reclusive and he may lose the bookstore he and Amelia opened together due to increasing costs. Harold isn’t sure how to overcome this until the perfect opportunity arises. Miguel brings Harold to Chicago to track down an author who was a no-show for an event at the bookshop, leaving Miguel in a financial tight spot. However, Miguel doesn’t find the author he finds Fiona, the author’s sister. Harold knows almost immediately this is what his Amelia wanted for Miguel - someone to show him how to love and trust again.
This is a sweet book. There are moments where Harold is very wise for a dog, understanding what grief is and what it means to love in different forms. There are other moments where he is just a dog - to paraphrase Harold “You’re showing me words but I can’t read.” And that’s funny. There were many times I stopped to look at my own dog and wonder what thoughts he might have about me and my habits.
I appreciated Harold’s perspective as he navigated his role in Miguel’s journey. Harold knows he’s prepping Miguel to be okay without him. While I loved the perspective of Harold, I didn’t connect much with Miguel and I think that’s because we are only inside Harold’s head. Harold makes observations about Miguel, like “there’s color in his cheeks and a spring in his step,” but I didn’t necessarily feel that from Miguel, because we have no insight into his own thoughts. While it’s still a very heartwarming story about a dog dealing with grief and loss but still finding hope, the romance part of it was lackluster. Miguel and Fiona are solid characters and Miguel’s development was satisfying, but having only the dog be the narrator means we lost out on a bit of the nuance and complexities that would arise from Miguel and Fiona’s budding romance.
The epilogue was bittersweet. I had to hug my dog after I finished it.
This story is told from the perspective of Harold, a 14 year old dog who is coping with the loss of his person while looking out for Miguel, his other owner who was also left behind. Amelia is who they are both mourning; Miguel’s partner for over a decade and Harold’s owner for nearly his whole life. She found Harold abandoned and adopted him, showing him how to trust humans again. Funny enough, she also showed Miguel how to trust. But Amelia passed away 18 months ago and now Harold has one final mission to see through before his time also comes to an end. Amelia tasked Harold with helping Miguel find love again, and that’s where this story leads.
Harold knows time is slipping away from him, but Miguel is letting life pass him by too. Miguel’s become a bit reclusive and he may lose the bookstore he and Amelia opened together due to increasing costs. Harold isn’t sure how to overcome this until the perfect opportunity arises. Miguel brings Harold to Chicago to track down an author who was a no-show for an event at the bookshop, leaving Miguel in a financial tight spot. However, Miguel doesn’t find the author he finds Fiona, the author’s sister. Harold knows almost immediately this is what his Amelia wanted for Miguel - someone to show him how to love and trust again.
This is a sweet book. There are moments where Harold is very wise for a dog, understanding what grief is and what it means to love in different forms. There are other moments where he is just a dog - to paraphrase Harold “You’re showing me words but I can’t read.” And that’s funny. There were many times I stopped to look at my own dog and wonder what thoughts he might have about me and my habits.
I appreciated Harold’s perspective as he navigated his role in Miguel’s journey. Harold knows he’s prepping Miguel to be okay without him. While I loved the perspective of Harold, I didn’t connect much with Miguel and I think that’s because we are only inside Harold’s head. Harold makes observations about Miguel, like “there’s color in his cheeks and a spring in his step,” but I didn’t necessarily feel that from Miguel, because we have no insight into his own thoughts. While it’s still a very heartwarming story about a dog dealing with grief and loss but still finding hope, the romance part of it was lackluster. Miguel and Fiona are solid characters and Miguel’s development was satisfying, but having only the dog be the narrator means we lost out on a bit of the nuance and complexities that would arise from Miguel and Fiona’s budding romance.
The epilogue was bittersweet. I had to hug my dog after I finished it.
September 24, 2025
I finished Dog Person and am writing this with tears in my eyes. It’s one of the most beautifully written and deeply relatable stories I’ve read in a long time. As someone who has an aging pup, it was so interesting to see life from Harold's perspective and have him as the narrator.
With my own “grandpa dog,” I often find myself wondering what he thinks and hoping it’s something like Harry’s perspective. I don’t usually gravitate toward books written from the viewpoint of a dog, and there probably are not many, or at least good ones, but this one was so different, it captured something raw, profound, and utterly human through a canine lens.
For some reason, the last two books I have read have touched on heart conditions, grief, and the unknown. I do wish there had been. been some kind of trigger warning because my open heart surgery is still so new, and having Amelia, the owner, and Harry both have heart conditions, one leading to a death early on and one having Harry pass away, it was really hard to read. But Camile Pagan wrote their stories with so much honesty and tenderness that I could get through those pages even with the tears in my eyes.
Dog Person is both incredibly sad and achingly beautiful. The line about “so many tomorrows that I won’t be a part of” gutted me in the best way possible because Harry accomplished his mission and felt that he could move on and know that Miguel was left in the best hands, but it was going to be so sad not being apart of Miguels nextt chapter. It perfectly captures that ache of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time.
This book will stay with me for a very long time, and I know it will remain one of my favorites.
Thank you NetGalley, Camille Pagan for sending me this ARC
With my own “grandpa dog,” I often find myself wondering what he thinks and hoping it’s something like Harry’s perspective. I don’t usually gravitate toward books written from the viewpoint of a dog, and there probably are not many, or at least good ones, but this one was so different, it captured something raw, profound, and utterly human through a canine lens.
For some reason, the last two books I have read have touched on heart conditions, grief, and the unknown. I do wish there had been. been some kind of trigger warning because my open heart surgery is still so new, and having Amelia, the owner, and Harry both have heart conditions, one leading to a death early on and one having Harry pass away, it was really hard to read. But Camile Pagan wrote their stories with so much honesty and tenderness that I could get through those pages even with the tears in my eyes.
Dog Person is both incredibly sad and achingly beautiful. The line about “so many tomorrows that I won’t be a part of” gutted me in the best way possible because Harry accomplished his mission and felt that he could move on and know that Miguel was left in the best hands, but it was going to be so sad not being apart of Miguels nextt chapter. It perfectly captures that ache of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of time.
This book will stay with me for a very long time, and I know it will remain one of my favorites.
Thank you NetGalley, Camille Pagan for sending me this ARC
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