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The Dog Who Spoke with Gods: A Novel
When Elizabeth, a young pre-med. student happens upon Damien, a dog being used in laboratory research on her campus, she has no way of knowing how drastically her life- and her beliefs- will be changed. Without meaning to, she slowly becomes drawn into the dog's fate and is soon torn between the love and respect she has come to feel for Damien and the sense of loyalty and obligation she feels for the medical profession as well as her father and grandfather, both cardiac surgeons.
With an uncanny ability to write convincingly about life from the point of view of a canine, Diane Jessup tells an extraordinary story of friendship and loyalty. Few writers have ever shown the world of man's closest friend as clearly and movingly. For anyone who has ever loved a dog this is a must read.
With an uncanny ability to write convincingly about life from the point of view of a canine, Diane Jessup tells an extraordinary story of friendship and loyalty. Few writers have ever shown the world of man's closest friend as clearly and movingly. For anyone who has ever loved a dog this is a must read.
360 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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640 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 22, 2019
Damien is a pit bull. Out in the world on his own, he is the subject of a study based on feral dogs. After devastating injuries result from the study he is "rescued" by the scientist and finds himself doomed to the role of a lab animal at the local university.
Enter Elizabeth, a young pre-med student with a part time job as a handler for said university. After coming in contact with Damien, she finds her long held views on research animals suspect which puts her at odds with her family, the university and herself. She begins a quest to save Damien and in the process finds that he has talents that set him far above the average canine.
The plight of lab dogs is front and center and the draconian techniques are explicit. I had to put this book down several times because it broke my heart.The characters were complex in that the author forced them to confront their actions for the reader. The moral conflict of the individual was realistic.And the author having extensive knowledge of the breed was spot on with Damien's character.
Now, the reader is asked to suspend reality when it comes to Damien's special talent. He can talk ok? It is fiction after all. And for the sake of the storyline it works.
Being a dog mom to multiple rescues over the years, this book hit home. Dogs truly are man's soul mates. There are deep tenets given in this story. I found them profoundly true. This is a book I will be passing on to friends.
Enter Elizabeth, a young pre-med student with a part time job as a handler for said university. After coming in contact with Damien, she finds her long held views on research animals suspect which puts her at odds with her family, the university and herself. She begins a quest to save Damien and in the process finds that he has talents that set him far above the average canine.
The plight of lab dogs is front and center and the draconian techniques are explicit. I had to put this book down several times because it broke my heart.The characters were complex in that the author forced them to confront their actions for the reader. The moral conflict of the individual was realistic.And the author having extensive knowledge of the breed was spot on with Damien's character.
Now, the reader is asked to suspend reality when it comes to Damien's special talent. He can talk ok? It is fiction after all. And for the sake of the storyline it works.
Being a dog mom to multiple rescues over the years, this book hit home. Dogs truly are man's soul mates. There are deep tenets given in this story. I found them profoundly true. This is a book I will be passing on to friends.
January 17, 2011
I had a love/hate relationship with this book. I loved it because it was about the best souls in the world...dogs. I hated it because it tore me up with what they did to him. And yet, I loved it because it brought out those really raw emotions. It was extremely heartwrenching and I just couldn't put it down.
Jessup has been working with Pit Bulls for over 25 years and has also written a non-fiction book about the breed. This book fantasizes on the side of these dogs we DON'T hear about in the news and you'll fall in love with this wonderful animal...and perhaps gain a little insight and compassion for the breed.
I really love it when books make me research other things. This book sent me on a journey to learn more about research animals. While sad, it's good to be informed.
Jessup has been working with Pit Bulls for over 25 years and has also written a non-fiction book about the breed. This book fantasizes on the side of these dogs we DON'T hear about in the news and you'll fall in love with this wonderful animal...and perhaps gain a little insight and compassion for the breed.
I really love it when books make me research other things. This book sent me on a journey to learn more about research animals. While sad, it's good to be informed.
April 13, 2008
To say I enjoyed this book would not be altogether true. I had to keep laying it aside because I couldn't read for crying! It's about how a pre-med student gains new insight to the abuse and exploitation of animals in research labs through an unexpected friendship with a pit bull. The pit bull is an abandoned feral dog who through unusual circumstances winds up in a lab. Although pit bulls are not generally used in research the author creates a believable and exciting plot. She decrys the horrors of animal research but does not resort to propaganda. The characters in the story are complex individuals who though not evil, must confront their own indifference to and participation in the suffering of animals. They have dilemmas about loyalty to humankind versus compassion for animals. If you have never thought much on this topic be prepared for a jolt when you read this book!
January 26, 2014
Worst book I have ever read about dogs. Not only does the main dog get abused. A ton. The plights of the other dogs that are abused are ignored. Only Damien is viewed as special because apparently he can speak. English. Because a 19-going-on-5-year-old wuvs him enough to stare longingly into his eyes and give him huggsies. But does not wuv him enough to set him fwee cause she might get into twouble by her daddy and gampy. I am only finishing because I have a goal and not enough time to start over on a quality book. I am also slightly curious if Dr. Joseph "Cruella De" Seville will get his.
DOGS CAN'T MAKE an "S" SOUND!!! AAAAARRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHH!! There is no way a pit bull says "SGO" as Let's Go.
DOGS CAN'T MAKE an "S" SOUND!!! AAAAARRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHH!! There is no way a pit bull says "SGO" as Let's Go.
March 30, 2008
WARNING: if you are an animal lover, especially someone who has recued animals, this book is heartwrenching. I read this with tears in my eyes while petting my rescued dog.
March 21, 2010
I absolutely loved this book. As the proud owner of a rescue pit bill I can say that the characterization was spot on (except for the talking part). If you are a dog lover you will probably be in tears a number of times throughout the story.
I hope this book will cause people to reconsider the way we are told by the news to view the pit bull. It also caused me to look more closely at animal testing. After reading the book I was moved to adopt another shelter do and to join a pit bull rescue.
I don't think anyone can read this book without being moved.
I hope this book will cause people to reconsider the way we are told by the news to view the pit bull. It also caused me to look more closely at animal testing. After reading the book I was moved to adopt another shelter do and to join a pit bull rescue.
I don't think anyone can read this book without being moved.
August 28, 2015
This book was not only very hard to read because of the abuse and tragedy, but it's not at all what I thought it was going to be about. The two main characters, Elizabeth and Damien, were very likable, which is what kept me reading. But the premise of a talking dog is far-fetched. As a major dog lover, it did, however, open my eyes to the cruelty of animal research, particularly using dogs, who truly are man's best friend and rely on us so steadfastly that their use in labs is beyond disturbing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2019
As a dog lover, this was hard to read at times. Research on animals can be cruel. And some of the physicians/researchers can be heartless. It lost me when only one dog was deemed worthy of the quite frankly unbelievable obsession of the protagonist. Everyone’s behavior including Damien’s (the dog) was more realistic than Elizabeth’s. 3/5
January 30, 2024
Excellent book!
We used audio book during our drives and enjoyed the entirety….
We used audio book during our drives and enjoyed the entirety….
January 7, 2011
I read this book several years ago, but it will always stay in my mind. I would challenge anyone who reads this book to finish it without having changed perceptions about the bond between animals and humans. The story of Damien, a pit bull used as a lab animal, had a profound effect on me although it did make my heartache with the descriptions of what these lab animals had to endure. You will fall in love with Damien, and by the end of the book, you will have no doubt that dog is man's best friend. Elizabeth, the heroine of the story, learns much about love and loyalty as the action packed plot progresses.
Diane Jessup's depictions of Damien's behavior and motivations were portrayed in such a manner were extremely accurate and provides a touching insight into canines. The story was very thought provoking, and also offered a look at the pros and cons of animal experimentation and research. The issues of scientific experimentation and animal activism are handled honestly throughout this book, but one would have to be emotionless to not be horrified by what "humanity" is capable of in regards to animals. This story will also change your perception of the pit bull breed. I will warn that this is not an easy book to read due to the subject matter, but is an emotional, and sometimes magical, story that will have you questioning whether it truly is fictional or based on true events. This book had me in tears several times, but is definitely an excellent read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever had the privilege of loving and being loved by a dog.
Diane Jessup's depictions of Damien's behavior and motivations were portrayed in such a manner were extremely accurate and provides a touching insight into canines. The story was very thought provoking, and also offered a look at the pros and cons of animal experimentation and research. The issues of scientific experimentation and animal activism are handled honestly throughout this book, but one would have to be emotionless to not be horrified by what "humanity" is capable of in regards to animals. This story will also change your perception of the pit bull breed. I will warn that this is not an easy book to read due to the subject matter, but is an emotional, and sometimes magical, story that will have you questioning whether it truly is fictional or based on true events. This book had me in tears several times, but is definitely an excellent read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever had the privilege of loving and being loved by a dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2010
I love pit bulls/bully breeds and was hoping that this book would be something I'd love just as much. Unfortunately I couldn't get into it. The author is an incredible wealth of knowledge about the breed but the tone of the book was overwhelmingly sad. I couldn't finish it. I kept finding myself look for that redeeming quality but was let down again and again. Not something I'd recommend for the soft of heart.
May 19, 2011
I personally didn't like the portion where the dog crossed the line between being just a dog and becoming humanized. I have read books of "speaking" dogs and was always immediately turned off when the dogs started speaking.
This book was not for me, but it was recommended by my co-worker who absolutely loved it.
This book was not for me, but it was recommended by my co-worker who absolutely loved it.
October 19, 2023
I was afraid I might not be able to read about mistreated dogs but Ms Jessup really knows how to navigate the horrors yet keep us focused on the heroine's compassion and growth which Damien teaches her.
January 30, 2024
I read this book years ago and I came back to it to have the husband unit and I read it again. There are only a handful of books I reread, this book was worth it.
August 7, 2021
You find “the” dog in a university research kennel. You’ve never had a dog and your people are dead set against seeing a dog as anything more than a research tool. Will you go the distance for this dog?
Riveting.
Riveting.
April 24, 2017
Here is a sentence from the summary on the back of this book: "With an uncanny ability to write convincingly about life from the point of view of a canine, Diane Jessup tells an extraordinary story of friendship and loyalty."
This book earns 2 stars from me because one of the two things promised in this sentence comes true. Jessup's method of expressing a dog's understanding of and relationship with people, the environment, and himself, I think, is striking, poignant, and, I imagine, realistic. I felt strongly for the dog and his purpose throughout the story.
As for an extraordinary story, I think Jessup failed to accomplish this because she focused far too much on creating an "extraordinary" plot rather than creating an extraordinary journey for her characters. The major plot points (middle and climax) were unrealistic and unsatisfying.
Because Jessup focused on unlikely scenarios in order to keep her story going, she abandoned the possible journeys her characters could have taken. Almost no one changed. The protagonist's life was ripe for development, but every time her views were questioned by antagonists or bolstered by supporting characters, the conversations played out in the same way (either stiff or preachy, depending on the opinion of the character). The protagonist remained consistently vacillating and vacant concerning her beliefs until the last few chapters. Unfortunately, Jessup had made the plot's stakes so high that the protagonist's sudden and weak change was laughable. Her actions would seem right, but were unbelievable and bizarre when considered realistically. Rather than let the characters change each other, Jessup took the reins of the plot and led it to an unsatisfying end (if you could call it an end at all).
I do not doubt, having read this book, that Jessup has a strong understanding of the canine soul. While I risk sounding absolutely pretentious, she fails to understand the soul of a story. Because of this, her beautiful idea ended up in a book that I wanted to throw across the room by the time I finished it.
This book earns 2 stars from me because one of the two things promised in this sentence comes true. Jessup's method of expressing a dog's understanding of and relationship with people, the environment, and himself, I think, is striking, poignant, and, I imagine, realistic. I felt strongly for the dog and his purpose throughout the story.
As for an extraordinary story, I think Jessup failed to accomplish this because she focused far too much on creating an "extraordinary" plot rather than creating an extraordinary journey for her characters. The major plot points (middle and climax) were unrealistic and unsatisfying.
Because Jessup focused on unlikely scenarios in order to keep her story going, she abandoned the possible journeys her characters could have taken. Almost no one changed. The protagonist's life was ripe for development, but every time her views were questioned by antagonists or bolstered by supporting characters, the conversations played out in the same way (either stiff or preachy, depending on the opinion of the character). The protagonist remained consistently vacillating and vacant concerning her beliefs until the last few chapters. Unfortunately, Jessup had made the plot's stakes so high that the protagonist's sudden and weak change was laughable. Her actions would seem right, but were unbelievable and bizarre when considered realistically. Rather than let the characters change each other, Jessup took the reins of the plot and led it to an unsatisfying end (if you could call it an end at all).
I do not doubt, having read this book, that Jessup has a strong understanding of the canine soul. While I risk sounding absolutely pretentious, she fails to understand the soul of a story. Because of this, her beautiful idea ended up in a book that I wanted to throw across the room by the time I finished it.
February 2, 2011
This book sat on my bookshelf for at least five years before I finally decided to read it. It came highly recommended, so my hesitancy to read it was purely driven by the knowledge that I knew that since one of the main characters was a dog, it was bound to have a sad ending that would make me cry like a big fat baby.
This book was a slow read at first, I didn't really get into it until Damien was "rescued" and taken to the college and he and Elizabeth first crossed paths. I was touched by the devotion that Elizabeth had to this dog. Not only because she was raised to believe that dogs were unworthy of such devotion, but because the object of her devotion was a PIT BULL. Pit Bulls are surely THE most misunderstood breed of canines.
It is a rare thing in our society for people to be as devoted to a friend as Elizabeth was to Damien. Regardless of whether that friend is a human or an animal, it's still rare. Elizabeth could have walked away from Damien at any time and most people would have understood and would have held her blameless because Damien wasn't "her" problem. But she didn't care about that. She put her future and her relationship with her family on the line for the sake of her friendship with a dog that many people considered to be "worthless". In doing so she proved not only was Damien NOT worthless, he was extremely valuable.
I don't want to go too much in depth regarding the story line. As the author, that's really Diane Jessup's job and I don't want to take away from her wonderful story. However, I would like to say that the ending was rather brilliant. I was expecting a different outcome and was surprised with the route that Jessup took. It was no less sad than what I expected, but was surprising nonetheless. Not all stories can have good endings, and sometimes bad endings teach you more about the quality of the characters than you already thought you knew.
This book was a slow read at first, I didn't really get into it until Damien was "rescued" and taken to the college and he and Elizabeth first crossed paths. I was touched by the devotion that Elizabeth had to this dog. Not only because she was raised to believe that dogs were unworthy of such devotion, but because the object of her devotion was a PIT BULL. Pit Bulls are surely THE most misunderstood breed of canines.
It is a rare thing in our society for people to be as devoted to a friend as Elizabeth was to Damien. Regardless of whether that friend is a human or an animal, it's still rare. Elizabeth could have walked away from Damien at any time and most people would have understood and would have held her blameless because Damien wasn't "her" problem. But she didn't care about that. She put her future and her relationship with her family on the line for the sake of her friendship with a dog that many people considered to be "worthless". In doing so she proved not only was Damien NOT worthless, he was extremely valuable.
I don't want to go too much in depth regarding the story line. As the author, that's really Diane Jessup's job and I don't want to take away from her wonderful story. However, I would like to say that the ending was rather brilliant. I was expecting a different outcome and was surprised with the route that Jessup took. It was no less sad than what I expected, but was surprising nonetheless. Not all stories can have good endings, and sometimes bad endings teach you more about the quality of the characters than you already thought you knew.
November 7, 2012
I think I cried through this entire book! I really liked it - anyone who has owned a pit bull, or similar breed of dog will certainly recognize the terrific personality qualities so many dogs of that breed share... And while this book was more than a little preachy... and not really that good of a novel, in terms of the plot’s plausibility and characters, I enjoyed it nonetheless. The ending seemed a little unnecessary, but I did like the book, overall. There was even an Australian Cattle Dog briefly mentioned! I think that is book is really just for dog people. The preaching held a purpose, I suppose, but it was a heavy-handed in parts, especially since the audience for this book would not be just any sort of reader, but one that loves dogs. Still, it was an emotionally gripping novel, and a dog-enthusiast will most likely not be overly troubled by the message and themes presented here. But the soapbox preaching would be unlikely to convince any non-dog lovers, unfortunately.
February 5, 2012
I thought the book was okay. The description of dog behavior was really good. The depiction of a close relationship and affection between a dog and a person was also really good. The issues surrounding medical research on animals was profound.
I could have done without the "talking" but I suppose the author was trying to find a reason that a researcher would go to such great lengths to get the dog back. Some of the dialogue seemed unrealistic, especially with the Australian woman and there was quite a bit of repetition. Elizabeth irritated me at some points of the novel. Still, I finished the book and I cried. That must mean something.
I could have done without the "talking" but I suppose the author was trying to find a reason that a researcher would go to such great lengths to get the dog back. Some of the dialogue seemed unrealistic, especially with the Australian woman and there was quite a bit of repetition. Elizabeth irritated me at some points of the novel. Still, I finished the book and I cried. That must mean something.
October 19, 2016
Considering how much I love my dogs, I felt like this should have been an easy read based on reviews. It was anything but....
I'm sadly disappointed that I couldn't finish this book. I read other reviews that said it moved slowly, so I read more than halfway through and every night it was a struggle to pick-up. Nothing much seemed to be happening and while my heart went out to the dog in the book, and the determined protagonist, it wasn't enough to keep me going.
Time to find a more suspenseful book for this haunting time of year.
I'm sadly disappointed that I couldn't finish this book. I read other reviews that said it moved slowly, so I read more than halfway through and every night it was a struggle to pick-up. Nothing much seemed to be happening and while my heart went out to the dog in the book, and the determined protagonist, it wasn't enough to keep me going.
Time to find a more suspenseful book for this haunting time of year.
March 20, 2012
My new interest in viewpoints led me to this book. It is very hard to read, not because it's not a good book, but because the subject matter is so distressing. Testing (torturing) of animals is something that does occur, and something a civilized society should abhor, but I think the author might have created more interest in her cause with a little less graphic story. It was gut wrenching. It's a great book, but a lot of people won't be able to read it.
February 1, 2016
I tried. I really tried to like this book, but I gave up halfway through because the writing was simply SO bad. After the second or third run-on sentence, the second time the author used the word "disorientate," and the non-stop proliferation of "kindas" and "sortas" throughout, I was losing my mind. Then the plot just started getting too pat and too obvious. It wasn't worth the time. Such a disappointment. :(
December 13, 2015
An interesting read, but I really didn't like the end. I don't want to give any spoilers, but it just wasn't believable, especially how she cared more about saying goodbye to the man she met only days before than her father and grandfather who'd raised her. Definitely a book for dog lovers.
May 16, 2014
I had a really really hard time with this book. it was extremely stressful to me, reading about what that dog went through...and (spoiler!!!!!!) "lux, stay" ripped my heart to shreds. I bawled at the end. one of the best, hands down. I'm getting a pit bull.
February 13, 2016
Wonderful and touching story! Love for your pets are limitless and I honestly would do anything for them. They're our companions, our family. This book made me smile, cry (many times) and enraged me. I am glad I read this book but I would not read it again, it broke my heart.
June 14, 2025
okay.....I am just utterly pissed. I just finished this book. I'm so upset. I'm crying and.....just mad. I HATED the ending. This book was VERY VERY long, and I feel like I invested time in it. What a disappointment. The ending was AWFUL. I hate books with terrible endings. First of all, the damn dog starts talking halfway through the book which sobered me up from what i thought the book was gonna be and screamed FICTION but i was willing to push on because liked the dog+human bind and needed to reach that "happy ending". whelp....happy ending never came. Couldn't even get the researcher to change and show any mercy even while watching a human die.
Awful. terrible book. I would 0 star it but will be gracious and generous by offering 2 stars just for parts of love between dog and human.
ugh, what a waste of time.
*and I own the damn book 🤦♀️🤦♀️
Awful. terrible book. I would 0 star it but will be gracious and generous by offering 2 stars just for parts of love between dog and human.
ugh, what a waste of time.
*and I own the damn book 🤦♀️🤦♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2022
A tragic book about a dog that is not tragic because the dog dies. Damien's exploitation in the name of research was heartbreaking, and I think seeing that exploitation from the perspectives of multiple characters was incredibly compelling, and would hopefully move people that otherwise don't know or oppose these practices. The way the story was written, I was unclear on what Jessup's views around e-collars were until near the end. I have a soft spot for pit bulls, and this book gave me a deeper understanding into their drives and needs - and I want so badly to be able to provide a loving home for a pit some day, but damn if this didn't make me rethink whether I'm up to the task.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
How beautiful. The way the author writes about pit bulls males it so clear that she loves her animals. There is a special divinity that she brings out in the character of Damien. You are filled with joy and also wrecked with sadness for what the dog experiences. It's written, I think (if I recall the definition correctly) as 3rd person omniscient so you get to know everyone's thoughts intermittently, including the dog's. It's not a novel I really expected but I'm grateful for having read it. And I loved the foreword where the author outlines how the book happened. That made me even more intent to read it.
June 19, 2017
I agree totally with the author that Pit Bulls have been given a bad name because people fail to realize the inherent characteristics of the breed and do not learn how to live with or train the dog. However her total condemnation of the use of Electronic collars is way off the mark. If a dog has been properly trained and the person utilizing said collar understands how to use it, it can save an animal's life.
The point of the novel was valid but there were some faults in its execution and it would have benefited from some judicious editing.
The point of the novel was valid but there were some faults in its execution and it would have benefited from some judicious editing.
July 14, 2017
It's a DOG book so it automatically gets 4 stars. One of the things I like about this book was that the author has a clear view of pit bulls and how dangerous they can be. She doesn't hesitate to talk about the fact that they were bred to be vicious and that fighting nature is still inside of them, and can come out when they feel it necessary. I learned to respect pit bulls and appreciate their loyalty. The seemingly pointless animal testing was disappointing to read about. People can be so cruel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews