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The Last Dog: Book 1 of 2
2018 Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review (8/11/18) ~ 2018 Book Excellence Award Winner (6/26/18) After the Unified World Pact of 2045, people lived in a state of peace and prosperity previously unknown in human history. The World Guild, a new global government, managed all the needs of humanity and the animals it loved. Then in 2086, a security breach of Xavier Labs in Colorado and Zheng Industries in China released the deadly experimental agent XSKL435. Anyone outside was dead within minutes. As statistics on the death toll are gathered from all over the world, Abby, the six-week old dog-daughter of Bill and Teresa Maxwell, was one of only four known surviving canines. News services soon announce that the other three dogs had succumbed to the deadly poison. Abby was now the last dog. You’re invited on a journey with a puppy who longs for home after she is confiscated and held captive at a lab, and the family who are determined to get her back at all costs. After escaping from the lab, Abby must quickly learn how to survive in the wild. Bill and Teresa must devise a plan to find Abby without being arrested themselves. Neither Abby, or her parents know whether their plans will work, if they will survive the journey, or if they will be reunited. But love of family drives them onward.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2017
1 person is currently reading
909 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Greenfield Ireland
97 books70 followersD.E. Greenfield is the award-winning author of 21 published novels and 7 nonfiction books. Her five series consists of cozy mystery, sci fi/fantasy, billionaire shapeshifters, and dystopian. There's also a stand-alone sci-fi romantic adventure, and she adapted 4 of her screenplays into book format. She also has created over 50 themed notebooks.
Two of her screenplays were optioned, and she worked on a screenwriter-for-hire project. Dawn has a certificate from the Professional Program in Screenwriting from UCLA (2002) and is currently in classes with ScreenwritingU.
Artistic Origins, has been around since 1995. Besides writing, she coaches writers, edits, formats and publishes clients’ books.
Her former day job as an award-winning technical writer played a major role in her fiction writing. She is detailed-oriented, the organizational queen of the known universe, and never misses a deadline.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/degreenfi...
You will find two online classes on my website.
If you would like to discuss editing, formatting, coaching, or publishing services, send an email to Dawn@dawngreenfieldireland.com, or visit the website for more information.
https://www.degreenfield.com
Two of her screenplays were optioned, and she worked on a screenwriter-for-hire project. Dawn has a certificate from the Professional Program in Screenwriting from UCLA (2002) and is currently in classes with ScreenwritingU.
Artistic Origins, has been around since 1995. Besides writing, she coaches writers, edits, formats and publishes clients’ books.
Her former day job as an award-winning technical writer played a major role in her fiction writing. She is detailed-oriented, the organizational queen of the known universe, and never misses a deadline.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/degreenfi...
You will find two online classes on my website.
If you would like to discuss editing, formatting, coaching, or publishing services, send an email to Dawn@dawngreenfieldireland.com, or visit the website for more information.
https://www.degreenfield.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 3, 2018
This story is not only original, but science fiction at its absolute best. While the story is suitable for young adults, it has enough substance to satisfy even a hardcore science fiction fan like myself. Animal lovers will especially love it, since one of the main characters is a dog.
The story is set in the 2080s in a dystopian setting. The author provides background in the prologue, which explains how different events in the 21st century, of both a political and natural disaster variety transformed the United States. It was a story in itself, which was not only tremendously interesting and entertaining, but showed how much thought and creativity the author has invested to develop this outstanding story.
Probably the most important technological angle is the development of the Dot, invented by one of the main characters, Bill Maxwell, which enables dogs to talk. The human birth rate has been greatly compromised, so few are able to have children. Thus, having dog and cat "children" is the norm. Anyone who's ever had a beloved pet knows they are like our children. Then add the ability to have them talk to you and you can imagine how amazing that would be.
However, another disaster comes along, which kills millions of people as well as nearly all the dog and cat children, except a puppy named Abby, who belongs to Bill and Teresa Maxwell. However, Abby is taken by the government under the pretense of trying to find any other canine survivors and cloning or otherwise finding a way to re-establish the canine population. Meanwhile, a robotic dog has also been created, which is endowed with artificial intelligence. One of these in particular, named Rex, is another major character who is entirely endearing.
While all of this probably sounds pretty far-fetched, the author has done a fantastic job of creating a futuristic world where it all comes off as believable. Furthermore, if you're an animal lover, chances are you already talk to your pets and can imagine them talking back. The gist of the story relates to if and how the Maxwell's and Abby will ever be reunited. I absolutely loved it and know that I will someday read it again, which is the highest recommendation I can ever give a book because my TBR is so long, it's a rare book indeed that I indulge in more than once.
If you're a science fiction fan you'll love the technologies and if you're a dog or cat lover, you'll love the pet angle. I highly recommend this heart-warming and original story from one of my favorite authors.
The story is set in the 2080s in a dystopian setting. The author provides background in the prologue, which explains how different events in the 21st century, of both a political and natural disaster variety transformed the United States. It was a story in itself, which was not only tremendously interesting and entertaining, but showed how much thought and creativity the author has invested to develop this outstanding story.
Probably the most important technological angle is the development of the Dot, invented by one of the main characters, Bill Maxwell, which enables dogs to talk. The human birth rate has been greatly compromised, so few are able to have children. Thus, having dog and cat "children" is the norm. Anyone who's ever had a beloved pet knows they are like our children. Then add the ability to have them talk to you and you can imagine how amazing that would be.
However, another disaster comes along, which kills millions of people as well as nearly all the dog and cat children, except a puppy named Abby, who belongs to Bill and Teresa Maxwell. However, Abby is taken by the government under the pretense of trying to find any other canine survivors and cloning or otherwise finding a way to re-establish the canine population. Meanwhile, a robotic dog has also been created, which is endowed with artificial intelligence. One of these in particular, named Rex, is another major character who is entirely endearing.
While all of this probably sounds pretty far-fetched, the author has done a fantastic job of creating a futuristic world where it all comes off as believable. Furthermore, if you're an animal lover, chances are you already talk to your pets and can imagine them talking back. The gist of the story relates to if and how the Maxwell's and Abby will ever be reunited. I absolutely loved it and know that I will someday read it again, which is the highest recommendation I can ever give a book because my TBR is so long, it's a rare book indeed that I indulge in more than once.
If you're a science fiction fan you'll love the technologies and if you're a dog or cat lover, you'll love the pet angle. I highly recommend this heart-warming and original story from one of my favorite authors.
April 20, 2018
For some reason, I've always been a bit skeptical when it comes to books with animals as the main characters, although by now I shouldn't be - some of the great classics of literature are about animals or from the POV of animals - think Watership Down, Animal Farm, Maus, White Fang, and Charlotte's Web. These are all books I love. It didn't take long after beginning The Last Dog to realize that I was in good hands and this was a very capable author creating a very interesting world with wonderful and dynamic characters.
First of all, the story begins with this fascinating sort of historical missive. You can tell the author put a lot of thought into possible outcomes for the future, and many of them feel very plausible. In fact, these first few pages are fertile ground for creating new stories, if she were to choose. At some points, I wanted to spend more time on these various historical blips, but I also realized that there is limited time/space/attention for such things. But this list of historical events serves an important purpose helping us to feel the gap in history between our current moment and the time in which this story takes places, far in the future. Something interesting happens as we examine this list because things happen so quickly, each event/epoch like a blip, these massive changes make life, earth, and the way we've organized our world feel distant and absurd, in a good way.
There are some really interesting and unique ideas about future technologies too, not least of which is the advancements in animal communication devices. The multi-purpose DOT, for some reason, made me think of Dave Eggers' "The Circle." There are also some great social/psychological changes in the future - the oddity of news/newscasters and the color-coded N-bits.
I felt it was just a little slow getting to the action, but the author does a great job of setting up the "normalcy" of the world. And so when the action hits, it really hits.
In general, there's good prose, good dialogue, good scenery description, sympathetic characters, and good action.
As I was reading this book I had the feeling that each aspect was thoroughly thought out. And then when I reached the end, "Acronyms and Terms," my suspicions were confirmed.
First of all, the story begins with this fascinating sort of historical missive. You can tell the author put a lot of thought into possible outcomes for the future, and many of them feel very plausible. In fact, these first few pages are fertile ground for creating new stories, if she were to choose. At some points, I wanted to spend more time on these various historical blips, but I also realized that there is limited time/space/attention for such things. But this list of historical events serves an important purpose helping us to feel the gap in history between our current moment and the time in which this story takes places, far in the future. Something interesting happens as we examine this list because things happen so quickly, each event/epoch like a blip, these massive changes make life, earth, and the way we've organized our world feel distant and absurd, in a good way.
There are some really interesting and unique ideas about future technologies too, not least of which is the advancements in animal communication devices. The multi-purpose DOT, for some reason, made me think of Dave Eggers' "The Circle." There are also some great social/psychological changes in the future - the oddity of news/newscasters and the color-coded N-bits.
I felt it was just a little slow getting to the action, but the author does a great job of setting up the "normalcy" of the world. And so when the action hits, it really hits.
In general, there's good prose, good dialogue, good scenery description, sympathetic characters, and good action.
As I was reading this book I had the feeling that each aspect was thoroughly thought out. And then when I reached the end, "Acronyms and Terms," my suspicions were confirmed.
April 28, 2018
A dog story unlike any other!
What an imagination this writer has! I hadn’t read a dystopian novel before because I didn’t think I’d enjoy that niche of fiction, but I definitely enjoyed this book. Also, as a dog lover, I certainly enjoyed the dog characters and the story! The Last Dog is a good read that holds the reader’s interest from beginning to end. It’s an original, and I can pretty much guarantee you that you haven’t read anything like it before. It combines the best of a dog story with science fiction and will appeal to readers of both genres. Readers who like to think about the future of the world will also enjoy comparing their own theories to the ones in this world of the 2080s. Highly recommended!
What an imagination this writer has! I hadn’t read a dystopian novel before because I didn’t think I’d enjoy that niche of fiction, but I definitely enjoyed this book. Also, as a dog lover, I certainly enjoyed the dog characters and the story! The Last Dog is a good read that holds the reader’s interest from beginning to end. It’s an original, and I can pretty much guarantee you that you haven’t read anything like it before. It combines the best of a dog story with science fiction and will appeal to readers of both genres. Readers who like to think about the future of the world will also enjoy comparing their own theories to the ones in this world of the 2080s. Highly recommended!
July 16, 2018
( Format : audiobook )
"There is nothing more important than family."
In a near futuristic world (the 2080's), only one person in 100 can conceive so the adoption of a dog has superseded having children and each one is treated as a beloved child. This has been made even more possible by the invention of the Dot, a device injected into everyone including domestic pets, which not only tracks the wearer's location and activities but also, in the case of dogs (and cats, but they sensibly can't be bothered), gives them the ability to understand and speak human language. So, like any human child, the new puppy son or daughter is not trained but educated, thus increasing the animal's intellectual development.
This story follows one particular family, the Maxwells, the actual inventors not only of the dot itself but also many of the things which have changed society. They are, of course, very rich, smugly comfortable and have a super intelligent beloved dog daughter named Lillith who has recently presented them with a litter of puppies. But disaster is about to destroy their complacently happy lives in the form of a poison attack which kills millions and wipes out almost every dog worldwide. One puppy survives - and the Maxwell's problems are just about to start ...
An interesting concept, a fascinating background world, one which this reader would have liked to have been explored further, and a story for every dog lover. Whilst being personally fond of the canine species, some of the licky kisses and slobbering indulgent love (of the humans) became rather nauseating if trying to take the contents seriously. Best to think of this as a comedy cartoon, along the lines of 101 Dalmatians. Cute adventure very suitable to hear with a child or two.
Narrator Kelley Hazen was superb. Her deliciously full bodied, well modulated voice is very easy on the ear and has an additional hint of laughter suffusing the already warm delivery. Her voicing of all of the protagonists is distinctly individual, making the 'X said', 'Y said', 'Z asked', in the story redundant and slightly annoying - fine to read in text, not so much in audio. A good performance which kept this reader going to the end.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy of The Last Dog, via Audiobook Boom. This is not a book where suspension of disbelief is necessary, it has to be thrown away completely. There were numerous inconsistences but given the entire thesis, these hardly mattered. As previously mentioned, this would make a really excellent full length cartoon film. Good fun, then, especially for children and anyone totally besotted by dogs
"There is nothing more important than family."
In a near futuristic world (the 2080's), only one person in 100 can conceive so the adoption of a dog has superseded having children and each one is treated as a beloved child. This has been made even more possible by the invention of the Dot, a device injected into everyone including domestic pets, which not only tracks the wearer's location and activities but also, in the case of dogs (and cats, but they sensibly can't be bothered), gives them the ability to understand and speak human language. So, like any human child, the new puppy son or daughter is not trained but educated, thus increasing the animal's intellectual development.
This story follows one particular family, the Maxwells, the actual inventors not only of the dot itself but also many of the things which have changed society. They are, of course, very rich, smugly comfortable and have a super intelligent beloved dog daughter named Lillith who has recently presented them with a litter of puppies. But disaster is about to destroy their complacently happy lives in the form of a poison attack which kills millions and wipes out almost every dog worldwide. One puppy survives - and the Maxwell's problems are just about to start ...
An interesting concept, a fascinating background world, one which this reader would have liked to have been explored further, and a story for every dog lover. Whilst being personally fond of the canine species, some of the licky kisses and slobbering indulgent love (of the humans) became rather nauseating if trying to take the contents seriously. Best to think of this as a comedy cartoon, along the lines of 101 Dalmatians. Cute adventure very suitable to hear with a child or two.
Narrator Kelley Hazen was superb. Her deliciously full bodied, well modulated voice is very easy on the ear and has an additional hint of laughter suffusing the already warm delivery. Her voicing of all of the protagonists is distinctly individual, making the 'X said', 'Y said', 'Z asked', in the story redundant and slightly annoying - fine to read in text, not so much in audio. A good performance which kept this reader going to the end.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me a complimentary copy of The Last Dog, via Audiobook Boom. This is not a book where suspension of disbelief is necessary, it has to be thrown away completely. There were numerous inconsistences but given the entire thesis, these hardly mattered. As previously mentioned, this would make a really excellent full length cartoon film. Good fun, then, especially for children and anyone totally besotted by dogs
July 21, 2018
The Last Dog is an idealistic, emotional and somewhat scary look at our possible world some seventy years into the future. Our peaceful society enjoys all the comforts and benefits a liberal government can bestow upon us. In other words, all our needs are met. Unfortunately humans still make mistakes. Labs in Colorado, USA and China release a toxic poison that kills tens of millions along with nearly all the canines around the world. Was it a mistake or an ill-fated attempt at population control? Ultimately, Abby an English Bulldog Black Lab mix is the only dog to survive the catastrophe. Hence, the last dog title. Strangely, limited child births along with an oppressive world government put canines in the replacement position as children among families around the globe. As you can see, the near total loss of canines was much more traumatic than first imagined. The government of course immediately confiscated Abby for study. Our protagonist parents, Bill and Teresa are deeply troubled with the loss of Abby, but can see no alternative than to comply. Bill is a wealthy inventor entrepreneur who has developed, among other amazing gadgets, an AI implant that enables canines to learn and talk. Yes. Abby possesses this implant and is quite the little intelligent gabfest. Also very cute I might add, which brings all the pleasure and emotion to the story. The government supplied the scary part. The remainder of the story surrounds Abby escaping confinement and her travels to join back with her human parents. It’s a great story full of humor, spirit and compassion. This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
June 28, 2018
The Last Dog
: Dawn Greenfield Ireland
This is a very interesting concept. In the future a society where animals are family, Oh! wait that happens now. When a deadly poison is released and anyone that comes in contact dies. There are four dogs left and they are confiscated to try and repopulate the species. I loved the chance to compare now to then. The abiloty of dogs to comunicate with human speech is fine, but my favorite in this whole book was "felines weren't interested in speech because they wanted to keep their humans guessing." The author must have a cat in her life. I've enjoyed this enough to listen to it a second time. I would like to see a continuation to this story, at least a sequale if not a trilogy.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Kelley Hazen is amazing with all the voices!!!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: Dawn Greenfield Ireland
This is a very interesting concept. In the future a society where animals are family, Oh! wait that happens now. When a deadly poison is released and anyone that comes in contact dies. There are four dogs left and they are confiscated to try and repopulate the species. I loved the chance to compare now to then. The abiloty of dogs to comunicate with human speech is fine, but my favorite in this whole book was "felines weren't interested in speech because they wanted to keep their humans guessing." The author must have a cat in her life. I've enjoyed this enough to listen to it a second time. I would like to see a continuation to this story, at least a sequale if not a trilogy.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Kelley Hazen is amazing with all the voices!!!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 9, 2018
I loved working on this audiobook. Not just because I love dogs. And not just because I truly love collaborating with Dawn Greenfield-Ireland. Dawn's science fiction/new world order has a big heart. Her tech is creative and fun to imagine. Her characters are completely fleshed out and a pleasure to give life. THE LAST DOG takes us into a word with real plausibility - dogs as children. Heck, we are nearly living that now! With clearly defined good guys and bad, many 'smiles' along the way, and a heroine & hero you can't help but pull for along with the family that loves them - THE LAST DOG is a mix of 2001:..., Dr. Strangelove and The Incredible Journey. I loved it and I bet you will too.
May 17, 2018
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and found it very entertaining and thought provoking. The story takes place in the near future. With so few children, that people adopt "dog children" that can speak and express themselves with the help of technology. A deadly experimental agent is release around the world and only one dog is left. Abby is taken away from her family and this is the tale of her and her "parents" adventure in the aftermath. There is a little bit of everything in this book, intrigue, humour, suspense and action. The narrator performance of so many characters is superb and really enhance this great tale.
November 16, 2018
I received this book as an ARC from the author. This is an amazing book. It could easily be plausible in the near future. I would hate to see our world come to this state but it could definitely happen. The story is consists of the majority of the United States being run by The New World Order. New world or not, the crime level is still rampant. Technology is super intelligent and people live lives mostly behind secure doors. There are very few children and pets. In fact the main characters are childless. They have dog children. These pets have communication devices and they learn quickly. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll just leave it at that. If you love your pets you should certainly read this book. A wonderful story.
April 4, 2023
This was a great concept for the genre, it did everything that I was expecting. Dawn Greenfield Ireland has a great writing style and I enjoyed what I read. It had a great concept for a scifi genre and I'm glad I read this. I can't wait to read more from the author as I enjoyed this book.
"She held the door open and Abby stepped outside the glass house. Abby’s hackles stood straight in the air as the dog-bots approached. Abby scratched the floor with powerful strokes. She slowly circled the pack, making a vicious growl. The dog-bots remained passive as they shifted their directions when Abby passed by."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"She held the door open and Abby stepped outside the glass house. Abby’s hackles stood straight in the air as the dog-bots approached. Abby scratched the floor with powerful strokes. She slowly circled the pack, making a vicious growl. The dog-bots remained passive as they shifted their directions when Abby passed by."
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 25, 2024
A devastating attack leaves only Abby, a young pup, alive at the Maxwell's home. Science allows her to talk and she's very intelligent. The world has changed and many species as well as humans have died. Robot dogs are being developed and Rex is the leader. Abby becomes the Alpha of this pact and with her intelligence plots to escape from the lab where she's been taken to from her human family. Can she reunite with her family and can Rex evolve into the dog he wants to be. Can Abby's new mate, a wolf adapt along with their pups? An interesting take on a possible future. I wanted to root for them all and to their success at bringing down the bad guys and reaching their safe place. I received the ARC of this book and I am freely leaving this review
August 22, 2018
First off we need to take a moment, to mourn the loss of the shrunk.
Now that is done, moving on. I took a little to get used to the idea of dogs/cats as peoples actual children. With a world where only 1 in 100 women can have children, it does make sense. Hell, I view my dog as my baby, but it did still take a little to get used too. That and a talking dog. That funny enough was easier to accept.
The story was just so original and unique. I’ve never read anything close to it before. Which kept it so fresh and exciting. You really felt for all the characters and what they were going through.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
Now that is done, moving on. I took a little to get used to the idea of dogs/cats as peoples actual children. With a world where only 1 in 100 women can have children, it does make sense. Hell, I view my dog as my baby, but it did still take a little to get used too. That and a talking dog. That funny enough was easier to accept.
The story was just so original and unique. I’ve never read anything close to it before. Which kept it so fresh and exciting. You really felt for all the characters and what they were going through.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
January 17, 2025
BOOK:-The Last Dog
by Dawn Greenfield Ireland.
A canines story reflecting on the events from the beginning of the new world order.It will be fit for a cartoon or animation series.It looks at US human rights policies that withstood the drastic changes of the era;the US journey from being the fastest nation on the planet to physical fitness;the effect on the people's religious life;the world movement to a virtual world;the development and easy access of alternative energy and price; development of technology to translate dogs and canines thoughts and communication and climate change.I am thinking the title should have being the larynx dot
by Dawn Greenfield Ireland.
A canines story reflecting on the events from the beginning of the new world order.It will be fit for a cartoon or animation series.It looks at US human rights policies that withstood the drastic changes of the era;the US journey from being the fastest nation on the planet to physical fitness;the effect on the people's religious life;the world movement to a virtual world;the development and easy access of alternative energy and price; development of technology to translate dogs and canines thoughts and communication and climate change.I am thinking the title should have being the larynx dot
December 14, 2023
I was interested in the premise. It was a little slow at first but once started it was a rush to finish the story. Wonderful job. Look forward to reading more of her work. Well worth the price of hard copy. Please if you only one book before the New Year make it this one. You won’t be sorry.
May 20, 2019
More hard sci-fi than my normal reads, but interesting to incorporate the animal kingdom in the word building, rather than just relying on prople and robots. Definitely unique!
April 29, 2025
dystopian tale with a tail
I liked the storyline, believed in the characters , was intrigued by the science but absolutely loved the alpha dog.
I liked the storyline, believed in the characters , was intrigued by the science but absolutely loved the alpha dog.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews