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Dog Person: A Novel
“Not since A Dog's Purpose have I been so besotted by a novel's canine. Just like a good dog, Harold and this beautiful book will break your heart open and mend it all at once.”—Colleen Oakley, USA Today bestselling author of Jane & Dan at the End of the World
In this delightfully heartwarming novel, an elderly dog named Harold is determined to help his grieving owner, Miguel, find a reason to go on after loss. Now if only Miguel would stop getting in Harold’s 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 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 . . . and he can’t help but wonder if his Amelia was right when she said there are no coincidences in life.
Harold is 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.
In this delightfully heartwarming novel, an elderly dog named Harold is determined to help his grieving owner, Miguel, find a reason to go on after loss. Now if only Miguel would stop getting in Harold’s 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 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 . . . and he can’t help but wonder if his Amelia was right when she said there are no coincidences in life.
Harold is 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.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
146 people are currently reading
14347 people want to read
About the author
Camille Pagán
14 books1,833 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 502 reviews
April 21, 2026
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ After the death of his owner, Amelia May, Harold is troubled with completing the task of finding love for her partner, Miguel, since he hardly ever goes out, especially to the bookstore he and Amelia owned. But the place is struggling financially, and when a renowned author is a no-show for the bookstore’s event, Miguel is desperate to save the place his late partner loved with her whole heart. So he and Harold set out to find the missing author, but instead find his sister, Fiona, and her eleven-year-old daughter, Amelia. Harold is pleased with this new development because he thinks there may be sparks flying between lonely, heartbroken Miguel and the secretive Fiona (who doesn’t like dogs), but time is something Harold doesn’t have, and Miguel is set on being alone forever. Can Harold help Miguel find love again so he can have his happy ending?
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: Happier by Marshmello, Bastille
1:26 ───ㅇ───── 3:34
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ TL;DR: I didn't love it because it could have been better imo, but I'm not mad that I read it.
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ The first half of this book was great. I was hooked from the very beginning because 1) I love it when dogs or any animal, really, is the narrator, and 2) the premise for this story was right up my alley because books about finding love again after loss will always be my favorite. I was anticipating this to break my heart, and I was super excited for that.
Although it was still touching, it didn’t break my heart, and I think it’s because the second half of the book felt like it dragged on. I fear we lost the plot because nothing that happened felt like it was supposed to happen. Does that make sense? Almost as if everything was spontaneous and had no reason to be there, that’s what the second part felt like. And I thought it was odd that Harold sounded more like a puppy than an aging dog. I thought he would sound like Shadow from Disney's Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (gosh, I love that movie), and at times he did, but he also sounded quite...young? Eh, I'm not making any sense. You can just forget I said anything. 😂
Don’t get me wrong–I didn’t hate it or anything. But it did get tedious to read about the will-they-won’t-they because it’s obvious they will, but they won’t. Why? I don’t know. I mean, it was obvious there was attraction and maybe some sparks flying, but I wasn’t completely sold on the romance. Maybe the reason is that we only got to see them together from Harold’s perspective, and not knowing how they were feeling about one another, and what they thought about the whole situation and their possible romance. So that part was a bit disappointing.
Also, why did Amelia May not think ahead and write a will or something stating that all her royalties from her romance novels (yeah, she was an author. Who isn’t?) will go to Miguel and the bookstore? She knew she was terminally ill, yet she didn’t plan on where her money would go or talk to her accountant or lawyer or just someone about what she wanted it to go to. That wasn’t very bright. I’m not trying to be mean or anything, but all the problems Miguel faced wouldn’t have existed if Amelia had thought things through. But I guess that’s why it was an issue, because we need conflict to get the ball rolling. It just didn’t make sense to me.
Anyways, I think the only characters I liked in the book were Harold and Dane. Oh, and the other employees at the bookstore, but they didn’t really show up that much. I also liked Miguel’s sister, but like the employees, she was hardly there. Miguel, Fiona, and Amelia (Fiona’s daughter) were okay, but I didn’t like them. Miguel seemed kinda selfish and a bit rude, especially when the third-act conflict happens, and he does nothing–and I mean nothing–to fix the situation. Like, girl, I’m sure you can do better, I swear. Fiona didn’t annoy me or anything, but she wasn’t exactly my favorite character either. But her daughter, Amelia, was kinda annoying and acted more like an adult than Miguel or her mother, which says a lot. 😅
But I did think it was cool that this took place in the great year of 2003. I’m biased, of course, because that’s the year I was born, so of course I think it’s a great year. 😏
All in all, I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst since my luck with books lately hasn’t been the greatest. 🤷♀ I enjoyed it to a certain extent, but I certainly didn’t love it, which is a shame. 😢
-‘๑’- Thank you to Ballantine | Delacorte Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. -‘๑’-
❗Content Warnings❗
Death of a loved one & mentions kidnapping.
Swearing: You know what…I don’t think there was.
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning the couple "mating," which I thought was funny. (🌶/5)
✺✳ ┅ ⑅ ┅ ✳✺
ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ: Happier by Marshmello, Bastille
1:26 ───ㅇ───── 3:34
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ TL;DR: I didn't love it because it could have been better imo, but I'm not mad that I read it.
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ The first half of this book was great. I was hooked from the very beginning because 1) I love it when dogs or any animal, really, is the narrator, and 2) the premise for this story was right up my alley because books about finding love again after loss will always be my favorite. I was anticipating this to break my heart, and I was super excited for that.
Although it was still touching, it didn’t break my heart, and I think it’s because the second half of the book felt like it dragged on. I fear we lost the plot because nothing that happened felt like it was supposed to happen. Does that make sense? Almost as if everything was spontaneous and had no reason to be there, that’s what the second part felt like. And I thought it was odd that Harold sounded more like a puppy than an aging dog. I thought he would sound like Shadow from Disney's Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (gosh, I love that movie), and at times he did, but he also sounded quite...young? Eh, I'm not making any sense. You can just forget I said anything. 😂
Don’t get me wrong–I didn’t hate it or anything. But it did get tedious to read about the will-they-won’t-they because it’s obvious they will, but they won’t. Why? I don’t know. I mean, it was obvious there was attraction and maybe some sparks flying, but I wasn’t completely sold on the romance. Maybe the reason is that we only got to see them together from Harold’s perspective, and not knowing how they were feeling about one another, and what they thought about the whole situation and their possible romance. So that part was a bit disappointing.
Also, why did Amelia May not think ahead and write a will or something stating that all her royalties from her romance novels (yeah, she was an author. Who isn’t?) will go to Miguel and the bookstore? She knew she was terminally ill, yet she didn’t plan on where her money would go or talk to her accountant or lawyer or just someone about what she wanted it to go to. That wasn’t very bright. I’m not trying to be mean or anything, but all the problems Miguel faced wouldn’t have existed if Amelia had thought things through. But I guess that’s why it was an issue, because we need conflict to get the ball rolling. It just didn’t make sense to me.
Anyways, I think the only characters I liked in the book were Harold and Dane. Oh, and the other employees at the bookstore, but they didn’t really show up that much. I also liked Miguel’s sister, but like the employees, she was hardly there. Miguel, Fiona, and Amelia (Fiona’s daughter) were okay, but I didn’t like them. Miguel seemed kinda selfish and a bit rude, especially when the third-act conflict happens, and he does nothing–and I mean nothing–to fix the situation. Like, girl, I’m sure you can do better, I swear. Fiona didn’t annoy me or anything, but she wasn’t exactly my favorite character either. But her daughter, Amelia, was kinda annoying and acted more like an adult than Miguel or her mother, which says a lot. 😅
But I did think it was cool that this took place in the great year of 2003. I’m biased, of course, because that’s the year I was born, so of course I think it’s a great year. 😏
All in all, I was hoping for the best but expecting the worst since my luck with books lately hasn’t been the greatest. 🤷♀ I enjoyed it to a certain extent, but I certainly didn’t love it, which is a shame. 😢
-‘๑’- Thank you to Ballantine | Delacorte Press and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own. -‘๑’-
❗Content Warnings❗
Death of a loved one & mentions kidnapping.
Swearing: You know what…I don’t think there was.
Spice: No–only kissing and mentioning the couple "mating," which I thought was funny. (🌶/5)
April 12, 2026
Giving my dogs extra kisses today
April 22, 2026
This review has taken me a while to write. This is the first book I've read by Camille Pagán and I don't think it was a great place to start. I was expecting something cute and this book had a few giggle moments, but overall I found it a bit repetitive and sad. I think the cover may have fooled me.
The story is told from the perspective of an elderly dog whose person passed 6 seasons ago and he was left with the task of helping her partner find love again. The problem is that her partner doesn't want to find love or even leave the house, so what's a dog to do? I was expecting cute doggy antics trying to get people to fall in love, but this is an older dog not a rambunctious pup. There is a young girl who was a great character and I really enjoyed her parts.
Unfortunately, our MMC comes across as a bit of a curmudgeon. He is grieving the loss of his partner and worried about finances and the possibility of having to close his book shop. He is basically grieving, stressed, financially strapped, and closed off to others. Then he meets our FMC. We don't get to know her very well, but somehow we are supposed to belief the feelings grow quickly and deep. I just didn't feel it. We see the behavior of the MMC through Harold, the dog, but we never really get his perspective. What about her interested him? We also never really get the perspective of the FMC, so everything just feels very surface level.
The storyline was good and of course, there is growth of characters. There are a couple of side characters that I liked a lot, but again some of the romance bits there also felt thrown in without basis. I think if we had a little bit more of the human main character's perspectives I would have enjoyed this one a lot more. Also, some of the repetition of thought needed to be edited out.
3.25 stars because I did giggle and tear up a couple times each.
Side note: I received an ebook of this one from NetGalley, but the formatting made it very difficult to read. It basically looked like one big long paragraph and I kept losing my place. I do not know if that will be changed for the published version, but I hope it is. In order to finish and review this book I purchased the audio version. It was narrated by Mark Bramhall and he did a wonderful job. It was a much better listening experience.
trigger warning:
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The story is told from the perspective of an elderly dog whose person passed 6 seasons ago and he was left with the task of helping her partner find love again. The problem is that her partner doesn't want to find love or even leave the house, so what's a dog to do? I was expecting cute doggy antics trying to get people to fall in love, but this is an older dog not a rambunctious pup. There is a young girl who was a great character and I really enjoyed her parts.
Unfortunately, our MMC comes across as a bit of a curmudgeon. He is grieving the loss of his partner and worried about finances and the possibility of having to close his book shop. He is basically grieving, stressed, financially strapped, and closed off to others. Then he meets our FMC. We don't get to know her very well, but somehow we are supposed to belief the feelings grow quickly and deep. I just didn't feel it. We see the behavior of the MMC through Harold, the dog, but we never really get his perspective. What about her interested him? We also never really get the perspective of the FMC, so everything just feels very surface level.
The storyline was good and of course, there is growth of characters. There are a couple of side characters that I liked a lot, but again some of the romance bits there also felt thrown in without basis. I think if we had a little bit more of the human main character's perspectives I would have enjoyed this one a lot more. Also, some of the repetition of thought needed to be edited out.
3.25 stars because I did giggle and tear up a couple times each.
Side note: I received an ebook of this one from NetGalley, but the formatting made it very difficult to read. It basically looked like one big long paragraph and I kept losing my place. I do not know if that will be changed for the published version, but I hope it is. In order to finish and review this book I purchased the audio version. It was narrated by Mark Bramhall and he did a wonderful job. It was a much better listening experience.
trigger warning:
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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.
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.
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.
April 9, 2026
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really wanted to love this one, but didn’t really enjoy the style of writing and it felt more like a mid-grade level to me. Thank you to Ballantine for the opportunity!
I really wanted to love this one, but didn’t really enjoy the style of writing and it felt more like a mid-grade level to me. Thank you to Ballantine for the opportunity!
April 5, 2026
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.
Dog Person, told from a dog's perspective, captures the richest emotions---love, loss, found families, and healing....all set at a bookstore! I don't think it gets any better than this, and Pagan 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.
Dog Person, told from a dog's perspective, captures the richest emotions---love, loss, found families, and healing....all set at a bookstore! I don't think it gets any better than this, and Pagan 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.
April 23, 2026
Review to come later. Right now, after reading ending of this incredible book, I’m crying. Both happy and sad tears, I am grateful to have read this book.
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.
April 25, 2026
4.5⭐️
"I've fulfilled my purpose."
This story was beautiful😭🫶
Anything dog related in books or movies make me cry🥲 This was no exception.
Dog person for life🐕💞
"I've fulfilled my purpose."
This story was beautiful😭🫶
Anything dog related in books or movies make me cry🥲 This was no exception.
Dog person for life🐕💞
April 2, 2026
A light hearted story told from a dogs POV where one of his owners passes away but he takes it upon himself to help the widow find love again. This also had a plot about the lengths that indie bookstore owners have to go through to survive (which I loved)! This takes place in 2003 during the introduction of e-books which I thought was cool as well.
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!
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.*
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.
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.
September 5, 2025
The dog dies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
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!
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.
March 20, 2026
Dog Person by Camille Pagan is a tender and bittersweet novel of grief and second chances. It has all of the hallmarks of a traditional romance but told from the unique perspective of Harold, a wise and loving senior dog. Harold captured my heart, leading me through a tear-stained journey that finished with an inspiring ending.
The story is an ode to romance novels and perfectly predictable. It follows 14-year old Harold as he attempts to fulfill his promise to his favorite person, Amelia, in the time he has left. On her deathbed, romance writer Amelia asks Harold to take care of her partner Miguel and help him to find love again. Harold gets help from an equally wise and sensitive 11-year old, also named Amelia. I was charmed by Harold and Amelia as they waited quite patiently for their (admittedly frustrating) adults to get over themselves and realize that they were in love. Overall this is a breezy yet heartfelt read, offering a fresh take for romance readers who also love dogs. 3.75/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story is an ode to romance novels and perfectly predictable. It follows 14-year old Harold as he attempts to fulfill his promise to his favorite person, Amelia, in the time he has left. On her deathbed, romance writer Amelia asks Harold to take care of her partner Miguel and help him to find love again. Harold gets help from an equally wise and sensitive 11-year old, also named Amelia. I was charmed by Harold and Amelia as they waited quite patiently for their (admittedly frustrating) adults to get over themselves and realize that they were in love. Overall this is a breezy yet heartfelt read, offering a fresh take for romance readers who also love dogs. 3.75/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
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.
April 6, 2026
Dog Person is a story about grief and finding hope written from the perspective of a 14-year-old aging dog named Harold who lost his person Amelia and promised to take care of her partner Miguel after she was gone. But as Harold nears the end of his doggie life, it is clear they are taking care of each other. As you can imagine, it is a sob fest. Whether grieving a loss of a human or pet, this one will both rip your heart out and give you comfort. Best read with a cucumber eye mask on standby.
Thank you to Ballantine | Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Thank you to Ballantine | Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
May 2, 2026
The ending !!!😭😭😭
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.
April 22, 2026
When a card-carrying *dog person* sees a novel entitled "Dog Person," what is that person to do?? I'll tell you what they do... they READ THAT BOOK, that'swhat they do!
Camille Pagano delivers a truly heartwarming and uniquely told story of great love, great loss, and the power that unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty have to honor those things within any person's life.
OH! Did I mention that it has a main character who is a DOG?!
A 🦮 named Harold whom you will not soon forget!!
Hallelujah, and be prepared to grab the tissue box! This novel will make you smile. It will make you laugh. And just like real life can, it will sometimes make you cry.
Harold is an absolutely delightful 'Old Man' who is able to break the fourth wall and *speak* directly to the reader. Cudos, as well, go to the author for placing this story firmly within the world of books, authors, and bookstores! And while we're at it, it could not get any better than portraying dogs as welcome companions AND caregivers in their own way! 🐾🐾
Thank you, Camille Pagán for using magical realism so very well within your more serious story themes of love, betrayal, catastrophic illness, loss, and debillitating grief. It was also embraced beautifully by your characters on their journey toward finding joy, happiness, hope, and love in all of its iterations.
My sincere thanks to the author, their publisher, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read this novel. It was published on April 7, 2026.
Camille Pagano delivers a truly heartwarming and uniquely told story of great love, great loss, and the power that unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty have to honor those things within any person's life.
OH! Did I mention that it has a main character who is a DOG?!
A 🦮 named Harold whom you will not soon forget!!
Hallelujah, and be prepared to grab the tissue box! This novel will make you smile. It will make you laugh. And just like real life can, it will sometimes make you cry.
Harold is an absolutely delightful 'Old Man' who is able to break the fourth wall and *speak* directly to the reader. Cudos, as well, go to the author for placing this story firmly within the world of books, authors, and bookstores! And while we're at it, it could not get any better than portraying dogs as welcome companions AND caregivers in their own way! 🐾🐾
Thank you, Camille Pagán for using magical realism so very well within your more serious story themes of love, betrayal, catastrophic illness, loss, and debillitating grief. It was also embraced beautifully by your characters on their journey toward finding joy, happiness, hope, and love in all of its iterations.
My sincere thanks to the author, their publisher, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to read this novel. It was published on April 7, 2026.
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.
April 20, 2026
I loved this story. The audio version was great - much like Remarkably Bright Creatures, I enjoyed the narrator, from Harold's point of view. I knew going in that the story would break my heart, and it did - but in the best way.
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!!
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