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The Dog Under The Bed #1
The Dog Under The Bed
This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for a home, but not just a home, simply someone to show him he matters, that he is loved by someone.
Arthur is a small dog, lost and alone on the streets of Warrington, simply trying to survive. Afraid and hungry, he runs constantly away from trouble, until he finds an unusual escape, into the house of a family, and underneath a young boy's bed. That is when the fun really begins...
Unknown to Stan, Nancy, Abigail and Billy, this little doggy has hidden himself well, and so begins his adventure to stay hidden, for once warm and safe, snug under the bed.
Read as Arthur sneaks around the house, barely avoiding being caught as he secretly raids the fridge, drinks from the only source of fresh water, and plays with a room full of cuddly toys.
Find out why he was lost and alone, and how he rediscovers himself.
The Dog Under The Bed is a heart-warming tale that touches on all of our love and affection for man's and woman's best friend, and how one lucky dog uses all of his wily instincts to find out once and for all what it is to be a part of a loving family.
Funny, surprising and full of love, the Dog Under The Bed will remind us all just why we love them so much.
Quote from the novel:
"Carefully he went, not wishing to be discovered, but also because he didn’t want to spoil the little boy’s dreams, envious of being so happy, able to sit and allow his mind to wander off to something amazing, without a care in the world of it ending. Such was the life of a child."
"The air blowing up was cool and fresh, a constant reminder of the life he had lived, offering a kind of freedom to do as he pleased, but still it came at a cost. Unable to ignore the call any more he crept down the stairs, constantly on the lookout for trouble. Light filtered through from the lounge door and the kitchen, but everywhere else helpfully was dark. Feeling even bolder he continued, down again, until he stood on the last step, just able to peer out. He could hear Billy running and playing, enjoying himself so much. It was quite dark out, but the snow brought a vibrance to everything, offering an illumination combined with the grace of winter which no other season could quite provide."
Arthur is a small dog, lost and alone on the streets of Warrington, simply trying to survive. Afraid and hungry, he runs constantly away from trouble, until he finds an unusual escape, into the house of a family, and underneath a young boy's bed. That is when the fun really begins...
Unknown to Stan, Nancy, Abigail and Billy, this little doggy has hidden himself well, and so begins his adventure to stay hidden, for once warm and safe, snug under the bed.
Read as Arthur sneaks around the house, barely avoiding being caught as he secretly raids the fridge, drinks from the only source of fresh water, and plays with a room full of cuddly toys.
Find out why he was lost and alone, and how he rediscovers himself.
The Dog Under The Bed is a heart-warming tale that touches on all of our love and affection for man's and woman's best friend, and how one lucky dog uses all of his wily instincts to find out once and for all what it is to be a part of a loving family.
Funny, surprising and full of love, the Dog Under The Bed will remind us all just why we love them so much.
Quote from the novel:
"Carefully he went, not wishing to be discovered, but also because he didn’t want to spoil the little boy’s dreams, envious of being so happy, able to sit and allow his mind to wander off to something amazing, without a care in the world of it ending. Such was the life of a child."
"The air blowing up was cool and fresh, a constant reminder of the life he had lived, offering a kind of freedom to do as he pleased, but still it came at a cost. Unable to ignore the call any more he crept down the stairs, constantly on the lookout for trouble. Light filtered through from the lounge door and the kitchen, but everywhere else helpfully was dark. Feeling even bolder he continued, down again, until he stood on the last step, just able to peer out. He could hear Billy running and playing, enjoying himself so much. It was quite dark out, but the snow brought a vibrance to everything, offering an illumination combined with the grace of winter which no other season could quite provide."
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2018
712 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
D.J. Cowdall
20 books10 followersDJ Cowdall is the author of the hugely popular 'The Dog Under The Bed Series'. He is a British Author, having spent many years writing and publishing short stories, now writing novels of all types
Released January 2018, his novel, "'The Dog Under The Bed", is a charming and funny tale about a stray dog in need of a home, which has received a huge response from readers
He has also authored a book about his time living in Africa and his experiences with his two amazing dogs, titled 'Two Dogs In Africa'
Following the success and acclaim of "The Dog Under The Bed", David has released a follow up titled 'The Dog Under The Bed 2: Arthur On The Streets', which is available now on Amazon worldwide in Kindle and paperback
Also available from DJ Cowdall are a varied selection of books, such as 'I Was A Teenage Necromancer series', 'The Kids of Pirate Island' and 'The Magic Christmas Tree'
Out now is his latest book, 'Missing', and due this summer is the conclusion to the 'Dog Under The Bed' series, subtitled: 'What Happened Next'
He is the father of one Daughter, Maya, and she is his biggest fan!
Check out his website at:
http://www.davidcowdall.com
Sign up on there for his newsletter and for details on forthcoming novels and events.
Feel free to contact him any time at:
d.cowdall@gmx.co.uk
https://twitter.com/djcowdall
https://www.facebook.com/DJCowdall
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Released January 2018, his novel, "'The Dog Under The Bed", is a charming and funny tale about a stray dog in need of a home, which has received a huge response from readers
He has also authored a book about his time living in Africa and his experiences with his two amazing dogs, titled 'Two Dogs In Africa'
Following the success and acclaim of "The Dog Under The Bed", David has released a follow up titled 'The Dog Under The Bed 2: Arthur On The Streets', which is available now on Amazon worldwide in Kindle and paperback
Also available from DJ Cowdall are a varied selection of books, such as 'I Was A Teenage Necromancer series', 'The Kids of Pirate Island' and 'The Magic Christmas Tree'
Out now is his latest book, 'Missing', and due this summer is the conclusion to the 'Dog Under The Bed' series, subtitled: 'What Happened Next'
He is the father of one Daughter, Maya, and she is his biggest fan!
Check out his website at:
http://www.davidcowdall.com
Sign up on there for his newsletter and for details on forthcoming novels and events.
Feel free to contact him any time at:
d.cowdall@gmx.co.uk
https://twitter.com/djcowdall
https://www.facebook.com/DJCowdall
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 14, 2019
I've never written a one-star review before - and this book only gets the one star for the cover. Typically, if I can't give at least three stars I don't review. I'm aware not all books fit all readers so I hand the book on and pick another. However, in the case of The Dog Under The Bed, I can't in good conscious even hand it on to Goodwill. I picked this book as the cover was sweet and I was looking for an animal theme. But this is not actually a book. It's a first draft of an essay written by a struggling student. The author appears unfamiliar with the basics of writing and story telling. "Point of view" is likely an unknown term. The mechanics of writing are so poor I started to skim the pages after reading just five of them. Example: "Mother looked on, holding onto her phone to her ear, looking out of the window, directly towards Arthur's direction." I will have nightmares for months. Please don't, as the author suggests, allow your children to read this. The Dog Under The Bed gets the dubious award of being the only book for which I've ever requested a refund. I respectfully ask the author to make use of the many writing resources available before publishing again. Currently he gives indie authors a bad name.
December 2, 2019
It made me cry several different times!!!!!!
Arthur is just a little dog who needs a warm dry place to sleep on a winter's night. Slipping into an open door, he finds a room with a space under the bed just his size. When he wakes he finds he is locked in the house and then the fun starts!! He is a living pup that through no fault of his own is now a street dog. I'm an animal rescuer when I can be one. I've see many terrified little dog looking for luv in all the wrong places. ALL he has is memories of the couple who were once his family, before the cruelty of the world pulled them apart. Be ready to cry if your heart luvs dogs as I do but also be prepared to laugh till you cry at some of the things he gets into trying to stay hidden in this paradise he has found. A great book to be shared by the whole family including your own fur baby. Highly recommended for all ages.
Arthur is just a little dog who needs a warm dry place to sleep on a winter's night. Slipping into an open door, he finds a room with a space under the bed just his size. When he wakes he finds he is locked in the house and then the fun starts!! He is a living pup that through no fault of his own is now a street dog. I'm an animal rescuer when I can be one. I've see many terrified little dog looking for luv in all the wrong places. ALL he has is memories of the couple who were once his family, before the cruelty of the world pulled them apart. Be ready to cry if your heart luvs dogs as I do but also be prepared to laugh till you cry at some of the things he gets into trying to stay hidden in this paradise he has found. A great book to be shared by the whole family including your own fur baby. Highly recommended for all ages.
Read
July 9, 2021Cute little easy read. I love me a cute little dog story from time to time
May 4, 2018
A nice little quick read.
I chose this book because I am an avid dog book person. I myself have two standard poodles and have thought many times to write stories about their antics. I have up and engineering job when I got sick and got a Poole as a comfort dog. As most owners know there are very expensive dogs to groom. My groomer made an offer that if I work in shop two th a week he would teach me how to groom. Th a was right years ago an i can groom every breed there is. This has given me the insight of a dogs mind, and that I s why I love these kind of books
I chose this book because I am an avid dog book person. I myself have two standard poodles and have thought many times to write stories about their antics. I have up and engineering job when I got sick and got a Poole as a comfort dog. As most owners know there are very expensive dogs to groom. My groomer made an offer that if I work in shop two th a week he would teach me how to groom. Th a was right years ago an i can groom every breed there is. This has given me the insight of a dogs mind, and that I s why I love these kind of books
May 10, 2019
This author, unknown to me, is British according to the information available. During the first half of the book I kept threatening to myself to give it a DNF. There are a lot of grammar, punctuation, and other errors that jumped off the page and made it difficult to read for content instead of with my teacher hat on. (At those points I wondered if it was British slang, but will never know for sure.)
But the story did have a cute draw, and it's very short (just under 100 pages), so I kept reading. The ending is good, with an unexpected part that was well crafted. So -- in spite of the things that are wrong or problematic, it was a short and sweet read.
A young reader just beginning with chapter books might enjoy it, although there should be guidance about all the odd language and grammar.
But the story did have a cute draw, and it's very short (just under 100 pages), so I kept reading. The ending is good, with an unexpected part that was well crafted. So -- in spite of the things that are wrong or problematic, it was a short and sweet read.
A young reader just beginning with chapter books might enjoy it, although there should be guidance about all the odd language and grammar.
December 6, 2018
Life on the street is harsh and dangerous, will Arthur ever find a loving home again?
Once a loved and grateful companion to a wonderful couple, Arthur is frightened by the loud noises the woman's son made upon finding her lifeless body. As a dog, Arthur couldn't recognize that sound as anguish and ran away to begin the era of his homelessness. Coming upon an open door, Arthur couldn't resist the warmth and the promise of food. If only he could stay hidden! Arthur takes his chances and enters the house not knowing what lied ahead except adventure!
Once a loved and grateful companion to a wonderful couple, Arthur is frightened by the loud noises the woman's son made upon finding her lifeless body. As a dog, Arthur couldn't recognize that sound as anguish and ran away to begin the era of his homelessness. Coming upon an open door, Arthur couldn't resist the warmth and the promise of food. If only he could stay hidden! Arthur takes his chances and enters the house not knowing what lied ahead except adventure!
May 17, 2019
You'll never guess the ending! No peaking.
This book had me at the cover. I knew as soon as I saw it I had to read it. It did not disappoint. The proof readers missed a few things but I was so into the story I didn't care. It brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. There's nothing worse for me than reading about a poor innocent dog on the streets. They are innocent victims and far too many. Nothing warns my heart more than an animal finding their forever home. I'm an advocate for animals and enjoy reading stories like this one and hope you will too!
This book had me at the cover. I knew as soon as I saw it I had to read it. It did not disappoint. The proof readers missed a few things but I was so into the story I didn't care. It brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. There's nothing worse for me than reading about a poor innocent dog on the streets. They are innocent victims and far too many. Nothing warns my heart more than an animal finding their forever home. I'm an advocate for animals and enjoy reading stories like this one and hope you will too!
October 26, 2019
I loved this book. I cried so much at the end. His dreams were so very sad! Great ending.
However, this book being self-published, is in desperate need of an editor. I don't like self-published books because they are so hard to read with lots and lots of typos in it. I know this is a book written in England and know different words are used but, seriously, some sentences did not make sense. If this book is reissued, please use a Publisher. This would win awards if this book was Published properly.
I still gave it 5 Stars for the great and heartwarming storytelling.
However, this book being self-published, is in desperate need of an editor. I don't like self-published books because they are so hard to read with lots and lots of typos in it. I know this is a book written in England and know different words are used but, seriously, some sentences did not make sense. If this book is reissued, please use a Publisher. This would win awards if this book was Published properly.
I still gave it 5 Stars for the great and heartwarming storytelling.
August 6, 2021
This is a very interesting but tender story! Ordinarily,I read a little then do other things only to get into the book again......but days or even weeks later. Not this book! I had trouble reading it and having to put it aside for the night! It is a very touching and tender story and one that will tug at your thinking for a long time. That and tug at your heart strings for a long time as well.This is a 5* book inspire of spelling errors and punctuation
errors. Have fun with this little dog who has the world in his paws. It is captivating! I hope you love it too!
errors. Have fun with this little dog who has the world in his paws. It is captivating! I hope you love it too!
December 25, 2018
First book ever...
This is the first book I've borrowed, and read - but don't know how to turn it back in. This is the first book I've read that has lots of misspelled words and grammatical errors. But then maybe it's just my upbringing and education. The book held my interest, but it got a little tiresome with the doggie hiding in different areas of the house. The book has a nice ending.
This is the first book I've borrowed, and read - but don't know how to turn it back in. This is the first book I've read that has lots of misspelled words and grammatical errors. But then maybe it's just my upbringing and education. The book held my interest, but it got a little tiresome with the doggie hiding in different areas of the house. The book has a nice ending.
May 12, 2020
A feel good book
I am writing this review in May 2020. At a time when the world is fallen around us, it feels good to read a story about a brave little brown dog, who, after years on the street finds a home, but on his own terms. He hides under the boy's bed, finds good when the family is out, used the plants for his currencies but remains hiding while dreaming of the old lady who once lived him. Will the family finally find him? A must read.
I am writing this review in May 2020. At a time when the world is fallen around us, it feels good to read a story about a brave little brown dog, who, after years on the street finds a home, but on his own terms. He hides under the boy's bed, finds good when the family is out, used the plants for his currencies but remains hiding while dreaming of the old lady who once lived him. Will the family finally find him? A must read.
May 28, 2020
I thought the storyline subject matter was wonderful delightful. What I found absolutely painful and dreadful to get through was the reading of such grammatical errors, lack of proofreading and someone to guide the man to make this the wonderful story it should have been. It saddens me when I see a book get this fair to only find such travesties to a book that could have done and been wonders for all ages.
June 11, 2021
Clever premise and sweet story
It's so nice to read a book about a dog that doesn't require a box of tissues to go with it. This is just a clever, engaging story about a lost but resilient and remarkably resourceful street dog who finds an open door and a warm place to sleep in a house where he manages to stow away under a little boy's bed. its a fun read and a nice change of pace from nonfiction or novels with more intricate plots and complicated characters.
It's so nice to read a book about a dog that doesn't require a box of tissues to go with it. This is just a clever, engaging story about a lost but resilient and remarkably resourceful street dog who finds an open door and a warm place to sleep in a house where he manages to stow away under a little boy's bed. its a fun read and a nice change of pace from nonfiction or novels with more intricate plots and complicated characters.
December 6, 2021
A promising premises, but an undelivered promise. The book is average at best. None of the characters, including the dog, stood out. More than that, while some of the adventures were cute, for the most part it was not really entertaining. Even the “heart-warming” ending lacked in substance.
Overall, not really a good book. Short and simple, an easier read. Not highly recommended for anyone looking for something that is impactful in a heartfelt way.
Overall, not really a good book. Short and simple, an easier read. Not highly recommended for anyone looking for something that is impactful in a heartfelt way.
October 29, 2018
Brief, enjoyable read
The story is somewhat implausible, however it was a fun, quick read that was written from a street dog's perspective. I never really figured out how the pooch ended up in the house but as the story progressed we did figure out how his homeless situation came about. I could see myself reading this as a bedtime story to my 7-10 year-old grand kids. Enjoyed!
The story is somewhat implausible, however it was a fun, quick read that was written from a street dog's perspective. I never really figured out how the pooch ended up in the house but as the story progressed we did figure out how his homeless situation came about. I could see myself reading this as a bedtime story to my 7-10 year-old grand kids. Enjoyed!
February 27, 2019
Wow, want an amazing story!! I have been looking for months for a good book only to ready a few chapters in other books then put them down. This was amazing!
It kept me wondering what would happen next for the little dog. Loved it and would read again!!! so good, such a feel good book.
It kept me wondering what would happen next for the little dog. Loved it and would read again!!! so good, such a feel good book.
May 14, 2019
Nice but ended abruptly
I loved the book. The journey of Arthur was fun. His escapades were hilarious. His dreams of his first owner was endearing however; the ending was so sudden. I would have appreciated the revelation to be built up but it was over so quickly and uneventful. A "scoobydo" type of revelation for such a lovely, lively story.
I loved the book. The journey of Arthur was fun. His escapades were hilarious. His dreams of his first owner was endearing however; the ending was so sudden. I would have appreciated the revelation to be built up but it was over so quickly and uneventful. A "scoobydo" type of revelation for such a lovely, lively story.
October 7, 2019
A good story. It leaves you feeling good. A happy ending. Arthur found his way home and love and kindness again. Keep the stories with happy endings coming, it helps renew our faith in mankind.
I love books with happy endings. It leaves you feeling good añd happy at the end of the story and wishing it would contiue on with Arthur’s life and adventures.
I love books with happy endings. It leaves you feeling good añd happy at the end of the story and wishing it would contiue on with Arthur’s life and adventures.
April 20, 2021
Not my usual read
But exactly what I needed. This big eyed, big bottomed, little dog has more character than most people. Which is what I think of most dogs. His ability to hide is based on peoples single mindedness. And his ability to make you laugh is or cry is based on your humanity.
But exactly what I needed. This big eyed, big bottomed, little dog has more character than most people. Which is what I think of most dogs. His ability to hide is based on peoples single mindedness. And his ability to make you laugh is or cry is based on your humanity.
July 6, 2021
A short and heart tugging book
Well, I did not see the ending coming, although I had hoped for Arthur that all would turn out well. I have adopted dogs for over twenty years. They have always turned out to be wonderful exercise buddies, companions, caretakers when you are ill, true friends.
This book reminded me why I think shelter dogs are the best.
Well, I did not see the ending coming, although I had hoped for Arthur that all would turn out well. I have adopted dogs for over twenty years. They have always turned out to be wonderful exercise buddies, companions, caretakers when you are ill, true friends.
This book reminded me why I think shelter dogs are the best.
July 13, 2018
Terrific tender story, gives us all hope for love and kindness
Excellent story and character development. Steady emotive writing without being maudlin. Arthur is a treat! Move over Jack Sparrow, Arthur is here!
Excellent story and character development. Steady emotive writing without being maudlin. Arthur is a treat! Move over Jack Sparrow, Arthur is here!
October 28, 2018
Charming Story
This is a tale that is heart warming and draws you in even as you know it's a modern fairy tale. The only reason I rated it a four rather than five is because the lack of editing detracts from the reading enjoyment.
This is a tale that is heart warming and draws you in even as you know it's a modern fairy tale. The only reason I rated it a four rather than five is because the lack of editing detracts from the reading enjoyment.
January 10, 2019
Totally did not end the way I expected! It was a thousand times better! A little odd following the dictation from the dog but I adapted well around chapter 3. Makes me wonder what my dog thinks about!
March 13, 2019
Wonderful Ending
Want a book that keeps you wondering what the dod will do next and if he gets caught, then ends well? Then this is your book, must read, wish there was mor to it. Didn’t like how it just ended . Would have liked to know how Arthur adjusted.
Want a book that keeps you wondering what the dod will do next and if he gets caught, then ends well? Then this is your book, must read, wish there was mor to it. Didn’t like how it just ended . Would have liked to know how Arthur adjusted.
June 19, 2019
I absolutely loved this story! If you are a dog lover, you will, too. I am not sure that the book was edited...maybe an early print...but the story hooked me, and I got past the errors. I've downloaded the 2nd book in the series.
July 9, 2019
Didn’t See That Coming
I really enjoyed this very funny, charming, mysterious story. Arthur was truly a dog’s dog. He displayed every characteristic of every dog I’ve had; especially the eating! Loved it. The ending was quite a surprise and I didn’t see it coming.
I really enjoyed this very funny, charming, mysterious story. Arthur was truly a dog’s dog. He displayed every characteristic of every dog I’ve had; especially the eating! Loved it. The ending was quite a surprise and I didn’t see it coming.
January 15, 2020
A cute dog story
I felt sad for this dog who had lost his person. I was happy he was so ingenious to find a place to stay, under a little boy's bed. Now I'll have to find the other books in the trilogy to find out more about his past and his future.
I felt sad for this dog who had lost his person. I was happy he was so ingenious to find a place to stay, under a little boy's bed. Now I'll have to find the other books in the trilogy to find out more about his past and his future.
February 15, 2020
Wonderful book
Really enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down until the end. Would highly recommend this book especially to everyone who loves and understands the love of a dog.
Really enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down until the end. Would highly recommend this book especially to everyone who loves and understands the love of a dog.
June 17, 2020
Great story
If you love dogs and happily ever afters you will love this story. I normally avoid anything that will make me cry and this one did but it was well worth reading. I Hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
If you love dogs and happily ever afters you will love this story. I normally avoid anything that will make me cry and this one did but it was well worth reading. I Hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
December 26, 2020
3 because it was a good, fast read. But I had pages in the book where they shouldn't be and the author really need to hired an editor to proofread. Some mistakes and some (I am assuming) British wording/slang. But I did enjoy the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews