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The Pug List: A Ridiculous Little Dog, a Family Who Lost Everything, and How They All Found Their Way Home
“What if a wheezing, sneezing, allegedly house-trained, ticking time bomb of an orphan pug is the key to helping a family feel at home again, after an arsonist set their house—and life—on fire? If you asked me, I would have said it’s a bad idea; we can do better. Unfortunately no one asked me, and The Pug List is my family’s story.”
In the fire’s aftermath of insurance battles royal, rebuilding plans, parenting in the face of life’s hard questions and a scorching case of post-traumatic stress, now is absolutely the worst possible time to adopt a dog. But to Alison’s seven-year-old daughter, Eden, it’s the perfect time—and The Relentless Campaign begins.
Until one day Alison peeks inside Eden’s diary—dubbed “The Pug List”—and realizes in one fell swoop that her girl’s heart is on the line, and resistance is futile (“The pugs make me happy FOREVER.”).
Enter “Outrageous” Oliver, and the hilarity, healing, and irresistible hope that follows.
In the fire’s aftermath of insurance battles royal, rebuilding plans, parenting in the face of life’s hard questions and a scorching case of post-traumatic stress, now is absolutely the worst possible time to adopt a dog. But to Alison’s seven-year-old daughter, Eden, it’s the perfect time—and The Relentless Campaign begins.
Until one day Alison peeks inside Eden’s diary—dubbed “The Pug List”—and realizes in one fell swoop that her girl’s heart is on the line, and resistance is futile (“The pugs make me happy FOREVER.”).
Enter “Outrageous” Oliver, and the hilarity, healing, and irresistible hope that follows.
208 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2016
30 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 25, 2016
I very rarely read memoir. But here I find that I just read two in a row and loved them both.
As for The Pug List - I can't say enough good about it. There's always a risk when reading a friend's book (I've known Alison nearly my entire life). Usually I pause before starting to read, anxiety over whether or not the book will be good.
I didn't feel anxiety over Alison's work. I knew it would be amazing.
I was not disappointed.
Beautiful writing, moments of great humor and other moments of deep emotion. Sound Spiritual application and complete honesty.
I can't say enough how highly I recommend this book.
As for The Pug List - I can't say enough good about it. There's always a risk when reading a friend's book (I've known Alison nearly my entire life). Usually I pause before starting to read, anxiety over whether or not the book will be good.
I didn't feel anxiety over Alison's work. I knew it would be amazing.
I was not disappointed.
Beautiful writing, moments of great humor and other moments of deep emotion. Sound Spiritual application and complete honesty.
I can't say enough how highly I recommend this book.
January 24, 2018
If you are thinking of reading this book because you think it will be a cute little story about a cute little dog, I will go ahead and tell you that you shouldn't read it. If, however, you would like to read about how a family survives a tragedy while desperately clinging to hope, each other, and God, then this just may be the book for you.
It's true that the pug doesn't even show up until the last quarter of the book, but that's actually the perfect place for him. If he had entered the story earlier, we would never really understand why he was so very necessary to Ms. Hodgson's family -- and most importantly, to her youngest daughter. The struggles, triumphs, and everything in between are all part of this family's story. And part of Oliver the pug's.
If you are looking for a nice dog story to read, then you should move along to other selections.
If, however, you are looking for a beautiful, terrible story about loss, love, and hope against all odds, I can't recommend it highly enough.
It's true that the pug doesn't even show up until the last quarter of the book, but that's actually the perfect place for him. If he had entered the story earlier, we would never really understand why he was so very necessary to Ms. Hodgson's family -- and most importantly, to her youngest daughter. The struggles, triumphs, and everything in between are all part of this family's story. And part of Oliver the pug's.
If you are looking for a nice dog story to read, then you should move along to other selections.
If, however, you are looking for a beautiful, terrible story about loss, love, and hope against all odds, I can't recommend it highly enough.
May 20, 2016
I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The Pug List. What a beautiful story of a wonderful family and their dogs. Now, I might be a little biased because having 3 pugs, I am partial to any story about pugs. However this story was so much more than the story of a pug, it was the touching beautiful story of a family and their experience dealing with a dramatic event. I could relate in so many ways to the story as they lost their home in a fire, and my home was very badly damaged in Hurricane Sandy. I could relate to all the talk of dealing with the insurance company and the rebuilding process. I so enjoyed reading the stories of little Eden and her best friend Oliver. I also could relate to the author's spot on depictions of Oliver the pug and the things that pugs do. Even though they are each their own little creatures, there are some definite traits that most pugs have and as a pug owner you laugh and shake your head at the antics that they get into. You know them all too well yourself. I currently have 3 pugs, but at one time I had 9. There truly is nothing that compares to the love and snuggles of a pug. If you love pugs, stories about them, or just dogs in general this is the story for you! I will be posting a review of this book on my YouTube channel- ReadingwithPugs
July 18, 2016
The title would lead you to believe this biography is about a pug, however, it is actually about a family that loses their home to a fire. Their youngest daughter wants nothing more than a pug, which is not exactly top of mind when your world is turned upside down.
I found the first quarter of the book to be very engaging. I laughed, I got emotional. After that though, my interest waned through some of the detail of life after the fire.
Overall, it was a unique read with some sweet moments after a major catastrophe.
I found the first quarter of the book to be very engaging. I laughed, I got emotional. After that though, my interest waned through some of the detail of life after the fire.
Overall, it was a unique read with some sweet moments after a major catastrophe.
October 24, 2024
It was sooo cute. Its such a shame what the family went through, but I loved their story. I have been through a few of the trials they too went through. Its so nice to know that you are not alone. I love Jack and Oliver. Our dog Pepper had a brain tumor, and she didn't make it. But I am so glad Oliver did!
I would defiantly recommend! 5 stars!
I would defiantly recommend! 5 stars!
June 2, 2023
I agree with others who’ve said that if you of thought this was going to be a story that focuses on the pug, this may not be the book for you as the dog doesn’t show up until well into the book. I think the title is a bit misleading in that way. Yes, there is a pug, and yes the pug plays an important role, but this is not the pug’s story; it is the author’s.
I myself picked it up thinking it was a story about a dog. But it really is much more than that and I enjoyed the other aspects of this book and the author’s honest and sometimes very sad reflections on what her family endured and how they endured. I am not religious but understand that there can be very positive power in believing in something. This provided some of the hope in the book and positive, happy moments as well.
I myself picked it up thinking it was a story about a dog. But it really is much more than that and I enjoyed the other aspects of this book and the author’s honest and sometimes very sad reflections on what her family endured and how they endured. I am not religious but understand that there can be very positive power in believing in something. This provided some of the hope in the book and positive, happy moments as well.
January 20, 2025
I LOVED this book. It was just a sweet sweet read. I love pugs and reading about how they make people happy. We don't deserve dogs. I loved how this family turned their tragedy in to something good and could see the good that came from the tragedy.
May 12, 2016
This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
My mom read this and thought it was boring. I can kind of see where she's coming from - the description of their search for a pug definitely could have been more compact - but I still disagree.
I mean, can you imagine how horrible it would be to have your house burn to the ground? You say "yeah, that would be horrible," but in the back of your head you think that it's a pretty small disaster in the grand scheme of things - at least no one in Hodgson's family died, right?
But think about it. Every CD you own, every book, every photo and purse and item of clothing and piece of furniture. All of it is gone, and you'll never get it back. Ever.
I'm going to go off to college next year. In many ways, as a homeschooler, I'll be at a disadvantage when it comes to adjusting to college life. In another very real way, however, I'll have an advantage. Why? Because I've moved house seven times in my short life. My identity, my home, isn't any one set of four walls, and I won't be one of those kids who go through the shock of moving for the very first time. No, I'll have my books and my quilt and my dresser knick-knacks and my Taylor Swift collage - and I'll be home. It takes very little to make me feel at home, because my physical sense of belonging is tied to objects instead of to a building.
All that to say, I can't imagine how horrible it would be to me if our house burned down. I would move into a different residence, of course - but then I wouldn't have my belongings to make me feel at home, and I would be miserable. That's why, while I was reading The Pug List, my heart constricted. I can't imagine the horror of losing every single thing I ever owned. I don't think I could take it as well as the Hodgons did; I'd become obsessed with replacing every single item I'd lost, and then I'd be tortured about the things I would never be able to get back, and I'd cry myself to sleep over all of the memories tied to the things lost in the fire. I'm not even joking, I would literally break down over just the thought of, say, that random keychain my grandfather gave me ten years ago which shows up underfoot every six months. I'd think about how I could never see that little heart keychain again, and I - well, I just wouldn't be able to handle it.
So I guess you can see why I was so fascinated with watching the Hodgsons dealing with and moving past the fire. If the very thought of losing my stuff is so upsetting to me, how did they do it? How did they get through the trauma of watching their life disappear? That's the question that will lure readers in and keep them. It's certainly what hooked me, and I think I learned the answer: you push through because there's nothing else you can do. You have no choice but to roll with the punches.
I just hope I'll never have to roll with a punch as big as losing everything I own.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review.
My mom read this and thought it was boring. I can kind of see where she's coming from - the description of their search for a pug definitely could have been more compact - but I still disagree.
I mean, can you imagine how horrible it would be to have your house burn to the ground? You say "yeah, that would be horrible," but in the back of your head you think that it's a pretty small disaster in the grand scheme of things - at least no one in Hodgson's family died, right?
But think about it. Every CD you own, every book, every photo and purse and item of clothing and piece of furniture. All of it is gone, and you'll never get it back. Ever.
I'm going to go off to college next year. In many ways, as a homeschooler, I'll be at a disadvantage when it comes to adjusting to college life. In another very real way, however, I'll have an advantage. Why? Because I've moved house seven times in my short life. My identity, my home, isn't any one set of four walls, and I won't be one of those kids who go through the shock of moving for the very first time. No, I'll have my books and my quilt and my dresser knick-knacks and my Taylor Swift collage - and I'll be home. It takes very little to make me feel at home, because my physical sense of belonging is tied to objects instead of to a building.
All that to say, I can't imagine how horrible it would be to me if our house burned down. I would move into a different residence, of course - but then I wouldn't have my belongings to make me feel at home, and I would be miserable. That's why, while I was reading The Pug List, my heart constricted. I can't imagine the horror of losing every single thing I ever owned. I don't think I could take it as well as the Hodgons did; I'd become obsessed with replacing every single item I'd lost, and then I'd be tortured about the things I would never be able to get back, and I'd cry myself to sleep over all of the memories tied to the things lost in the fire. I'm not even joking, I would literally break down over just the thought of, say, that random keychain my grandfather gave me ten years ago which shows up underfoot every six months. I'd think about how I could never see that little heart keychain again, and I - well, I just wouldn't be able to handle it.
So I guess you can see why I was so fascinated with watching the Hodgsons dealing with and moving past the fire. If the very thought of losing my stuff is so upsetting to me, how did they do it? How did they get through the trauma of watching their life disappear? That's the question that will lure readers in and keep them. It's certainly what hooked me, and I think I learned the answer: you push through because there's nothing else you can do. You have no choice but to roll with the punches.
I just hope I'll never have to roll with a punch as big as losing everything I own.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2016
Three adjectives to describe this book would be promising, confusing, and misleading. “The Pug List: A Ridiculous Little Dog, a Family Who Lost Everything, and How They All Found Their Way Home” is a non-fiction book written by Alison Hodgson and published by Zondervan in the spring of 2016. When I first learned about this book, I was sure it would be a sweet story filled with anecdotes about a pug named Oliver and his new family who is struggling to recover from a terrible house fire. In reality, though, this isn’t what the book delivered...
The story begins before the house fire occurs, and walks the reader, at a maddeningly slow pace, through the entire process not only of the fire itself but also the relocation, the insurance issues, the rebuilding process, the charity of friends and family, the emotions, and the general chaos of each and every bit of aftermath. This detailed saga lasts for approximately two-thirds of the book, jumping back and forth between past and present in a confusing sequence. Finally, on page 129 (of 208) there is a chapter entitled “The Pug List”, and the main point of the story begins... The youngest daughter wants a pug. The remainder of the book tells of their struggles to adopt a pug, and finally the story of how Oliver the pug became a member of the family. Although this portion is supposed to be an inspirational picture of healing, it actually just annoyed me. The pug didn’t really seem as hilarious or extraordinary as the book’s back cover said he was. In fact, the family treated him as a spoiled child... Who allows one or two dogs to sleep on their daughter’s bed every night, after she admits that she never sleeps well with them there? This is just one example of many.
Overall, I was disappointed with this book and do not intend to recommend it to others, or read it again myself. Apart from the misleading storyline mentioned before, several other key points combine to make this a book to be approached with caution... God’s name was at least partially misused several times, and several swear words were uttered or alluded to. Additionally, the author and narrator of the story was extremely unlikable at some points, and barely tolerable at others. In conclusion, I honestly can’t think of a single feature that is strong enough to redeem this unlikeable book. Even pug-lovers are likely to be annoyed at the misleading nature of a story that promised inspiration.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The story begins before the house fire occurs, and walks the reader, at a maddeningly slow pace, through the entire process not only of the fire itself but also the relocation, the insurance issues, the rebuilding process, the charity of friends and family, the emotions, and the general chaos of each and every bit of aftermath. This detailed saga lasts for approximately two-thirds of the book, jumping back and forth between past and present in a confusing sequence. Finally, on page 129 (of 208) there is a chapter entitled “The Pug List”, and the main point of the story begins... The youngest daughter wants a pug. The remainder of the book tells of their struggles to adopt a pug, and finally the story of how Oliver the pug became a member of the family. Although this portion is supposed to be an inspirational picture of healing, it actually just annoyed me. The pug didn’t really seem as hilarious or extraordinary as the book’s back cover said he was. In fact, the family treated him as a spoiled child... Who allows one or two dogs to sleep on their daughter’s bed every night, after she admits that she never sleeps well with them there? This is just one example of many.
Overall, I was disappointed with this book and do not intend to recommend it to others, or read it again myself. Apart from the misleading storyline mentioned before, several other key points combine to make this a book to be approached with caution... God’s name was at least partially misused several times, and several swear words were uttered or alluded to. Additionally, the author and narrator of the story was extremely unlikable at some points, and barely tolerable at others. In conclusion, I honestly can’t think of a single feature that is strong enough to redeem this unlikeable book. Even pug-lovers are likely to be annoyed at the misleading nature of a story that promised inspiration.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 30, 2016
I loved this book! It was so articulate and heartfelt. Having been through the experience of a tree falling on my house during a storm, causing extensive damage and living in a hotel for 6 months while repairs were being made, I can somewhat empathize with this author. And I say somewhat, because we didn't lose near as much as you do to a house burning down.
This author is very transparent in how she felt and what her and her family goes through after the fire. She's honest about her faith and shares, with humor, the ups and downs they go through and the real life post-traumatic stress they deal with. More than once, she brought tears to my eyes describing her struggle, as the mother, to help her kids deal with the aftermath and to help them each, in their own way, to feel safe again.
This book is not about a Pug. What it is about is a real life family who experiences a real life trauma and how after everything they've gone through, God directs them to a little Pug who brings healing to a little girls heart and joy and hope to the rest of the family.
*Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
This author is very transparent in how she felt and what her and her family goes through after the fire. She's honest about her faith and shares, with humor, the ups and downs they go through and the real life post-traumatic stress they deal with. More than once, she brought tears to my eyes describing her struggle, as the mother, to help her kids deal with the aftermath and to help them each, in their own way, to feel safe again.
This book is not about a Pug. What it is about is a real life family who experiences a real life trauma and how after everything they've gone through, God directs them to a little Pug who brings healing to a little girls heart and joy and hope to the rest of the family.
*Thanks to BookLook Bloggers for a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
April 19, 2016
On January 1st of this year, my family of five lost our house and everything we owned, minus the clothes on our back and our cars, to a house fire. Our poor dog, Roo didn't make it out either. Which out of everything we've lost, has been the hardest on us all, but especially like me. Very similar to how Oliver and Eden have bonded, was my relationship with Roo. She'd sleep in the bed with her head on my pillow.
Listening to Alison's experience was hard for me at some points because it took me back to parts I don't want to think of, but it was also very therapeutic for me. To be able to hear how someone else, who also has a strong faith in God, go through something very similar to the life I am living now, made my heart feel good.
Thank you Alison Hodgson, for writing from your heart and sharing your experience! God Bless you and your family and fur babies.
Listening to Alison's experience was hard for me at some points because it took me back to parts I don't want to think of, but it was also very therapeutic for me. To be able to hear how someone else, who also has a strong faith in God, go through something very similar to the life I am living now, made my heart feel good.
Thank you Alison Hodgson, for writing from your heart and sharing your experience! God Bless you and your family and fur babies.
December 30, 2016
I have heard of kindred spirits but this book took it to a whole new level. when I read the cover my husband was sure it was about our Pug journey. From the relentless campaign to falling hard for a dog you never thought you wanted. The description is our Pug to a T, sneezing as a personal greeting and being our son's personal shadow, what a sweet book about a Pug and his family. I highly recommend especially to fellow pug rescue families!
June 7, 2016
I didn't connect very much to some of her religious points (as I am not religious) but FREAKING PUGS OKAY. I LOVE ME SOME PUGS.
June 4, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Nothing earth shattering, just a nice, encouraging story about a real family and real issues and a very cute dog.
January 18, 2024
A heartwarming story about a family forced to rebuild after a fire literally leaves them with just the clothes on their back. Much like Hodgson and her family, losing my home and all my stuff to fire is one of my greatest fears. She focused a lot on the frustration of it all, how you have to catalogue every item, no matter how trivial, that was lost in the fire, but that insurance will decide what it is willing to cover, taking nothing into account about its value to the family. Example: their son is deaf, so specific modifications were made to the house to accommodate his needs, but insurance sees 'doorbell' and assigns the value of a basic model, not one that flashes so a deaf person can know someone is at the door.
Each of their children grieved their losses in their own way, and for their youngest daughter, she poured her emotions into a journal of how much she wants a pug of her own. The family had a dog who survived the fire, a black lab, but for the girl, it was love at first sight when she met a pug. Her parents are naturally against the idea, with the insurmountable task of rebuilding after the fire in front of them, but as the girl's commitment to getting the pug progresses to earning enough money to cover adoption and vet costs herself, they eventually relent.
Hodgson uses the later past of the book to detail the lengths they went to get the pug, from showing the extensive vet records of their Lab, who had a bevy of medical issues as a puppy, to getting their hopes dashed by an unscrupulous rescue owner who adopted out the pug the family was coming to meet a mere minutes before they arrived. Finally, they find the right pug, which is black in color as opposed to the fawn pugs they'd been eyeing earlier, which eases Hodgson's mind that she'd have to decorate the new house to somehow hide black hair shed from the Lab and blonde hair from the pug. The pug isn't exactly as advertised, particularly in the matter of housebreaking, much to Hodgson's dismay, but the effect he has to repair the family's spirits makes up for his shortcomings in other departments.
Hodgson also provides an epilogue on how the family's story continues after the natural end of the book, when they are settled in their rebuilt home with their two dogs, as the pug's story takes an unfortunate turn. The book truly ends with the family navigating its health challenges, and although Hodgson provides her Instagram handle, it appears she is no longer keeping either it or the Facebook page updated, though the pug is still pictured, along with a second pug who appears to have joined the family soon before the updates stopped.
Each of their children grieved their losses in their own way, and for their youngest daughter, she poured her emotions into a journal of how much she wants a pug of her own. The family had a dog who survived the fire, a black lab, but for the girl, it was love at first sight when she met a pug. Her parents are naturally against the idea, with the insurmountable task of rebuilding after the fire in front of them, but as the girl's commitment to getting the pug progresses to earning enough money to cover adoption and vet costs herself, they eventually relent.
Hodgson uses the later past of the book to detail the lengths they went to get the pug, from showing the extensive vet records of their Lab, who had a bevy of medical issues as a puppy, to getting their hopes dashed by an unscrupulous rescue owner who adopted out the pug the family was coming to meet a mere minutes before they arrived. Finally, they find the right pug, which is black in color as opposed to the fawn pugs they'd been eyeing earlier, which eases Hodgson's mind that she'd have to decorate the new house to somehow hide black hair shed from the Lab and blonde hair from the pug. The pug isn't exactly as advertised, particularly in the matter of housebreaking, much to Hodgson's dismay, but the effect he has to repair the family's spirits makes up for his shortcomings in other departments.
Hodgson also provides an epilogue on how the family's story continues after the natural end of the book, when they are settled in their rebuilt home with their two dogs, as the pug's story takes an unfortunate turn. The book truly ends with the family navigating its health challenges, and although Hodgson provides her Instagram handle, it appears she is no longer keeping either it or the Facebook page updated, though the pug is still pictured, along with a second pug who appears to have joined the family soon before the updates stopped.
November 8, 2021
It is so rare for me not to finish a book, but I just couldn't with this one. I made it about halfway through before I gave up. I picked this up because I love a good dog book, and I especially love pugs, but I will say that at the halfway point where I stopped, there had been a brief mention of looking for pugs on an online adoption site, and that was about it. Instead, there was a lot of minutiae about what happens after a house fire.
Don't get me wrong, I feel terrible that this family lost their house, and you can tell from the writing what a traumatic event it was. But this feels more like a personal journal of exactly what happened afterward... which doesn't seem to match up to how this book is being promoted. Reading it in a time of so very many troubles, I also found the tone a little off-putting. There was a scene in a mall where the author is using a Red Cross-issued credit card to buy some replacement clothing, specifically mentioning that it is from J Crew and Macy's - it seems emblematic of some of the confusing messaging regarding the intersection of traumatic events and socioeconomic status. I do feel sorry for this family for what they had to endure, but I also think it's worth mentioning that a lot of people aren't in a position to buy clothing from these retailers even on their best day, much less immediately after a loss like this.
Don't get me wrong, I feel terrible that this family lost their house, and you can tell from the writing what a traumatic event it was. But this feels more like a personal journal of exactly what happened afterward... which doesn't seem to match up to how this book is being promoted. Reading it in a time of so very many troubles, I also found the tone a little off-putting. There was a scene in a mall where the author is using a Red Cross-issued credit card to buy some replacement clothing, specifically mentioning that it is from J Crew and Macy's - it seems emblematic of some of the confusing messaging regarding the intersection of traumatic events and socioeconomic status. I do feel sorry for this family for what they had to endure, but I also think it's worth mentioning that a lot of people aren't in a position to buy clothing from these retailers even on their best day, much less immediately after a loss like this.
June 5, 2017
Well-written and brutally honest account of a family's rebuilding their lives following the loss of their home due to arson. The author describes how she and her family faced this devastating loss and how it affected each family member as well as their journey toward healing that they found through their faith, the strength of their relationships with one another, and the power of the healing power of unconditional love they experienced through their adoption of a little black pug, who himself was in need of rescue, following his confinement in a cage in a puppy mill for the first 4 years of his life.
Highly recommended for dog lovers as well as people of faith and those struggling with their faith following any kind of loss: fire, divorce, loss of health, etc.
Highly recommended for dog lovers as well as people of faith and those struggling with their faith following any kind of loss: fire, divorce, loss of health, etc.
March 29, 2022
I read this book aloud to my husband—as far as we could handle it. At first we enjoyed it but as it continued so much of the book was self-focused, complaining, and whining. It is hard not to rate it 5 stars since it is written from the author’s tragedy of losing her home in a fire. I understand writing this may have been a large part of her therapy, but I was looking for a cute book about dogs. When so many chapters were drowned in mundane details like insurance adjustors and neighbors who irritatingly stopped by to ask about the fire it just seemed to go on and on. Finally, it just got too mundane so we stopped reading. I’m sure the family got a cute pug but we just wanted to go on to another more interesting book. I got it on a $.99 sale. Now I know why.
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August 4, 2021When the Hodgson family loses nearly everything in a fire (except for their lives), they need to heal. They have a loving, extended family who help them recover from their great loss, and they have dozens of kind, generous neighbors and church members who also help them. They are able to build a new home and furnish it, which is very helpful, but their hearts also need to heal.
That's where the "ridiculous little dog" comes in. They already had a dog before the fire, but their youngest daughter, Eden, is determined to get another one - and she wants a pug. After many setbacks, the family finally adopts a pug, and he changes everything.
That's where the "ridiculous little dog" comes in. They already had a dog before the fire, but their youngest daughter, Eden, is determined to get another one - and she wants a pug. After many setbacks, the family finally adopts a pug, and he changes everything.
December 24, 2022
This sweet story is about a family who lost their home to arson and adopted a pug. They are so courageous! I found myself riveted to the first third of the book about the escape from the fire and their grip on God amidst the frustrations with insurance and so much more. The author's sardonic sense of humor, spiritual insight into what helps / doesn't help amidst tragedy, and her lively vocabulary made the story deep and poignant. However, it felt raw and unfinished in the second half. For me, the frequent passive aggressive jabs by name at people she disliked were understandable, but swallowed up the beautiful message of hope and healing.
August 10, 2023
Maybe it's because I'm not a dog person, but especially not a pug dog person. While the theme of the story isn't the care of the pug breed, some of the things the family went through for the special needs of their pug seemed extreme.
Though it was heart wrenching to lose all their belongings, the book seemed to be a recitation of the pain and effort it took to find wholeness again. Then mentioning the awful car accident in Canada no less--well, this family certainly has its share of unfortunate events. If it had not been for book club, I probably would have put it in a DNF pile...
Though it was heart wrenching to lose all their belongings, the book seemed to be a recitation of the pain and effort it took to find wholeness again. Then mentioning the awful car accident in Canada no less--well, this family certainly has its share of unfortunate events. If it had not been for book club, I probably would have put it in a DNF pile...
January 30, 2018
A book of hope and recovery after a family lost their house to arson and how a little black pug brought them hope and helped them to feel alive again. Being a huge pug fan this book made total sense to me. There is nothing better to lift your spirits and make you feel good about life than the love of a good dog <3
August 12, 2018
A very nice book, sweet and easy to read. It felt like two books in one: the first half was all about their house fire, and the second half was [finally] about pugs. Of course, I would have preferred much more all-things-pug! But it was interesting to read about the housefire and how they coped with it.
July 16, 2019
I picked up this book thinking it would be good to give a friend who is a pug lover and thought I would read it before giving it away. It was a quick, easy read, but it is more about losing everything in a house fire and how it affected a family, and then in the last quarter of the book how getting a pug helped them heal. However I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2024
Despite the subtitle, about 75% of the book elapses before they get the dog. Does definitely unlock the “fear of my house burning down.” (yes, I checked my smoke alarm after reading this.)
Also, two chapters devoted to dogs they wound up not getting. Really kinda made me not want to go with a pug rescue, despite that being the obvious option, if I was getting one, which I’m not.
Also, two chapters devoted to dogs they wound up not getting. Really kinda made me not want to go with a pug rescue, despite that being the obvious option, if I was getting one, which I’m not.
January 2, 2019
I saw Alison Hodgson speak at a church event this Christmas season and she was hilarious! I'm glad I purchased her book because it was a great read. It was quick, entertaining, and moving. It's really made me think about how much value I place on my things and how much they don't truly matter.
March 11, 2019
It's amazing how this story touched me. Normally I don't read books about dogs because if the dog dies I'm a wreck. But Oliver's on Intstagram, so I know he's doing okay!
Anyone who's gone through trauma should read this book.
Anyone who's gone through trauma should read this book.
November 5, 2021
A bit more religion than I really like (like - any) but not obnoxiously so and a very interesting story about what was entailed in the aftermath of a house fire and how the adoption of a pug helped heal the family
May 28, 2023
Heartbreaking and humorous at the same time. A great look at all the emotions and humanity as a mother processes a house fire and her daughter's passion for getting a pug puppy. Definitely struck a chord with me as I had a house fire as a child. And the laughter brought on by a pug.
May 15, 2017
A sweet story. Not earth-shatteringly deep but did cause me to give thought to how it would feel to deal with the loss of home due to fire. And convinced me that a Pug is not the dog for me.
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