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The Last Dogs
A Middle Grade classic from from USA Today bestselling author Joe Siple (The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride).
In a time when nearly all dogs have been euthanized as a safety precaution, fifth-grader Ashley Dubois and her friend Mason discover a book that claims something unbelievable-that people and dogs once lived happily together. They seek a mad scientist named Dr. Bukowski to discover the truth.
Meanwhile, Amy-Bell, a Great Dane mix, is separated from her owners during a round-up of the few remaining dogs. As the reluctant leader of a small group of dogs who escaped, Amy-Bell tries to care for them.
When Ashley and Mason find Dr. Bukowski and his pack of renegade dogs, they're shocked to find the animals aren't vicious killers. So they join the quest to save the last dogs-Amy-Bell and her pack-before it's too late.
In a time when nearly all dogs have been euthanized as a safety precaution, fifth-grader Ashley Dubois and her friend Mason discover a book that claims something unbelievable-that people and dogs once lived happily together. They seek a mad scientist named Dr. Bukowski to discover the truth.
Meanwhile, Amy-Bell, a Great Dane mix, is separated from her owners during a round-up of the few remaining dogs. As the reluctant leader of a small group of dogs who escaped, Amy-Bell tries to care for them.
When Ashley and Mason find Dr. Bukowski and his pack of renegade dogs, they're shocked to find the animals aren't vicious killers. So they join the quest to save the last dogs-Amy-Bell and her pack-before it's too late.
- GenresDystopiaMiddle Grade
129 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2020
503 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 12, 2020
My 8yo daughter and I were able to get an early copy of this book! It's a dual POV story, told from the perspectives of a dog named Amy-Bell and a girl named Ashley. Here's my 8yo daughter's review:
"A little bit funny, a little bit sad, but very heartwarming. This is a good book for readers who like dogs and couldn't bear to have a world without them."
"A little bit funny, a little bit sad, but very heartwarming. This is a good book for readers who like dogs and couldn't bear to have a world without them."
March 20, 2020
This is a gorgeous story for Middle-Grade students that covers a lot of aspects that link to our own society that could be discussed with the readers/with students. Set in a future USA, where dogs are now illegal and hunted down as 'dangerous animals', two children discover the truth behind the propaganda and set out to save the last dogs in the USA. The story deals with issues of genetic engineering, media/propaganda, as well as how a dog can truly be a person's best friend. I highly recommend this for any readers that love dogs, no matter your age!
March 18, 2020
My Review: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley, the following is my honest review and opinion. Can you imagine life where dogs are the mortal enemy and being exterminated to extinction? Yeah, me neither, so as a dog lover I was really intrigued by this book. It was a perfect book to pick up during Middle Grade March. It is great for young readers from 7 to 10 but I think readers of all ages would really enjoy it. The story takes place in Colorado in a setting about 70-80 years in the future, so it makes it easy for young readers to picture. I enjoyed the characters and quirky Dr. Bukowski was a great character, a grown up figure but like that odd great uncle. We also get the point of view from one of the dogs, Amy-Bell, which I think a lot of dog lovers will really enjoy. As an adult reader, I really enjoyed the story but it feels like just the tip of the iceberg, there is so much more that can happen after this story ends.
June 8, 2021
Scary scenario
I cannot imagine a world without my dogs. They are family. I can see the liberal guru's in government now trying to push this down our throats.
I cannot imagine a world without my dogs. They are family. I can see the liberal guru's in government now trying to push this down our throats.
March 1, 2020
I received this book "The Last Dogs" from NetGalley and all opinions expressed are my own. Although this is a middle school book I did like other books by Joe Sipple so I read this one. I love books about dogs and this was a quick read. A fun story!
March 8, 2020
Amy-Bell doesn’t understand why her owners are pushing her out thee window from the top floor of the house. They yell at her to run. Even though the soldiers don’t catch her, they take her owners away for a ten year prison term for harboring a dog. It has come to pass that all dogs hav been determined illegal to own as they are so vicious. Amy-Bell has run into the forest. She runs so long that she is exhausted and doesn’t understand why she had to run away. She is thirsty and drinks from a pond. Eventually Amy-Bell becomes the leader of the group of dogs. They successfully live together until inter is almost here. They won’t survive unless they can find a human to help them. Sadly the human calls the soldiers immeditely. They are all caught. Will they die? Malcolm at school grabs Ashley o tell her about his discovery of a reference book he read in the library. Ashley tells him not now as they need to get to class. After class they run to the library to read about dogs being man’s best friend. That confuses them. They go to see Dr. Bukowski to find out about dogs. Will they?
In this book, I was amazed to learn what the title meant. It’s a fascinating story with twists and turns in their adventures. Malcolm is handicapped and gets very angry when someone calls him a cripple. Ashley doesn’t believe dogs can be friendly. I think in a way it also has a hint of what racism is. I think that because being afraid of someone different is a type of racism. It’s an excellent read about dogs and humans.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
September 15, 2020
This a book for all dog lovers, as it shows how things can end up through our very misguided actions. Ashley and Mason best friends forever, come upon an old book in the library that discusses a time when dogs were man’s best friend, and everyone had one they loved and cherished. Though they try to find out more information, they are denied access to information because, when they begin searching for information on their computer, it shouts out, “Classified Information. Access denied. Dissatisfied, the pair sets out on an adventure to find out what really happened and what, if anything, is still going on. The book follows their progress on this adventure, along with that of a few discarded/lost dogs. Are there any answers to be found? What will happen along the way?
As I said, this is a good book for dog lovers. As the journey for the truth moves along, the reader will cheer on the dogs who are managing to survive, as well as the courageous pair who will face any obstacle to find out what is really going on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found it easy to recognize the dog breeds just from reading how they acted and reacted. The humans in the book were also quite interesting to watch. Ashley and Mason are definitely not your average kids, but are fairly intelligent and resourceful in their endeavors. However, do not think this is a feel-good story because there are many somber moments throughout, as you read what the pair and their counterpart dogs are going through. I recommend this book to any dog lover or “wanna-be” dog lover, as it will touch and warm your soul. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
As I said, this is a good book for dog lovers. As the journey for the truth moves along, the reader will cheer on the dogs who are managing to survive, as well as the courageous pair who will face any obstacle to find out what is really going on. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found it easy to recognize the dog breeds just from reading how they acted and reacted. The humans in the book were also quite interesting to watch. Ashley and Mason are definitely not your average kids, but are fairly intelligent and resourceful in their endeavors. However, do not think this is a feel-good story because there are many somber moments throughout, as you read what the pair and their counterpart dogs are going through. I recommend this book to any dog lover or “wanna-be” dog lover, as it will touch and warm your soul. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.
March 27, 2025
The fact that this is an introductory level story for middle grades should not prevent adults of all ages from taking an hour or so to read.
For once, the story is simple. It is heart-warming. It's genuinely thoughtful and kind. Whether or not it could actually happen, no one knows, but we live in a troubled, insanely artificial world, where morality or good conscience, fair behavior and upstanding conduct seem to withdraw more and more every day.
This story is not as impossible as it might seem. We have power hungry, greedy, immoral and evil persons in our world, governing the behaviors of the rest of us, and in a dystopian sense of ugliness that only humans can affect, it might just come down to a balance of who is really a friend, and to whom?
I would hope that canines are never viewed as being dangerous and combative, but where there is money to be made, there are all sorts of crimes to be advanced. So much for my moralizing.
I enjoyed this little story. It took me about an hour to read it, its only about 115 pages long. But it tells the story of dedication to truth, willingness to believe in oneself and trust in the inherent goodness of our fellow human beings. I would like to think we could all behave as the kids in this story, with open minds, hearts and the faith in our own curiosity to seek the good and fight against the evil.
Yes, it is a story for kids, but there are lessons to be learned for adults. I was more than satisfied with the ending, which I won't reveal because I think you should read it and judge for yourselves if there might still be hope for people to live with honor. I hope so.
For once, the story is simple. It is heart-warming. It's genuinely thoughtful and kind. Whether or not it could actually happen, no one knows, but we live in a troubled, insanely artificial world, where morality or good conscience, fair behavior and upstanding conduct seem to withdraw more and more every day.
This story is not as impossible as it might seem. We have power hungry, greedy, immoral and evil persons in our world, governing the behaviors of the rest of us, and in a dystopian sense of ugliness that only humans can affect, it might just come down to a balance of who is really a friend, and to whom?
I would hope that canines are never viewed as being dangerous and combative, but where there is money to be made, there are all sorts of crimes to be advanced. So much for my moralizing.
I enjoyed this little story. It took me about an hour to read it, its only about 115 pages long. But it tells the story of dedication to truth, willingness to believe in oneself and trust in the inherent goodness of our fellow human beings. I would like to think we could all behave as the kids in this story, with open minds, hearts and the faith in our own curiosity to seek the good and fight against the evil.
Yes, it is a story for kids, but there are lessons to be learned for adults. I was more than satisfied with the ending, which I won't reveal because I think you should read it and judge for yourselves if there might still be hope for people to live with honor. I hope so.
September 22, 2020
For the love of dogs
I'm a 69 year old lady and I read your book this afternoon. I can't imagine a world without dogs. My husband and I have been married for 48 years and we have had dogs all of those years. Right now we have two Anatolian Shepherds. But, I must say that your ending was a little weak. Depends who you are writing for adults, or teenagers. This would be a good book to read in a class and have classroom discussions about. Maybe you could add a teacher's discussion guide for that type of setting and promote your book to those settings. But let me also say, I absolutely loved your Mr Murray book. You could do the same thing with it for teachers. Good luck. Just watch your endings. Mrs. Sheila Jones
I'm a 69 year old lady and I read your book this afternoon. I can't imagine a world without dogs. My husband and I have been married for 48 years and we have had dogs all of those years. Right now we have two Anatolian Shepherds. But, I must say that your ending was a little weak. Depends who you are writing for adults, or teenagers. This would be a good book to read in a class and have classroom discussions about. Maybe you could add a teacher's discussion guide for that type of setting and promote your book to those settings. But let me also say, I absolutely loved your Mr Murray book. You could do the same thing with it for teachers. Good luck. Just watch your endings. Mrs. Sheila Jones
May 9, 2024
Your daughters did great! 😊
The reason I began this book was because it was the only book available by Joe Siple, after reading the The Wishes books. So when I got to the end and he talked about how The Lost Dogs came about, well I had to read it.
I must say that I became very anxious when they caught the dogs and were going to kill them. I had to put the book down, animals hurting is hard for me. But I picked it back up to finish the store. And what a story it is! I hope you sit down with your family to have a sequel. We need to know that everyone realizes dogs are only mean when raised to be mean or for a medical reason.
Mr. Simple you have done a fantastic job showing your daughters the process of writing. Kudos 👍✌
The reason I began this book was because it was the only book available by Joe Siple, after reading the The Wishes books. So when I got to the end and he talked about how The Lost Dogs came about, well I had to read it.
I must say that I became very anxious when they caught the dogs and were going to kill them. I had to put the book down, animals hurting is hard for me. But I picked it back up to finish the store. And what a story it is! I hope you sit down with your family to have a sequel. We need to know that everyone realizes dogs are only mean when raised to be mean or for a medical reason.
Mr. Simple you have done a fantastic job showing your daughters the process of writing. Kudos 👍✌
January 26, 2024
Delightful, thought provoking story
This was a delightful fantasy with an embedded lesson about prejudice, truth and justice. Although the focus of prejudice and injustice in this story is directed at our beloved canine friends, it can easily be extended to other victims.
As a mother and grandmother, as well as a retired Middle School and High School English teacher and counselor, I can envision many opportunities for using this book as a great resource for teaching positive character values at home as well as in the classroom.
Thank you to Joe Simple and his daughters for this heartwarming story.
This was a delightful fantasy with an embedded lesson about prejudice, truth and justice. Although the focus of prejudice and injustice in this story is directed at our beloved canine friends, it can easily be extended to other victims.
As a mother and grandmother, as well as a retired Middle School and High School English teacher and counselor, I can envision many opportunities for using this book as a great resource for teaching positive character values at home as well as in the classroom.
Thank you to Joe Simple and his daughters for this heartwarming story.
June 18, 2020
A twist of fate.
This is a story of innocence, treachery and bravery. What would our lives be like without our faithful canine companions? This story speaks to a much more horrific truth as well, the truth of accepting lies without investigation and some people's desire to dominate and destroy just because they can. It also raises questions about the morality of animal testing. Let's be grateful that this is just a a story that reminds us of how wonderful it is to love and be loved unconditionally by our best friends, our pets.
This is a story of innocence, treachery and bravery. What would our lives be like without our faithful canine companions? This story speaks to a much more horrific truth as well, the truth of accepting lies without investigation and some people's desire to dominate and destroy just because they can. It also raises questions about the morality of animal testing. Let's be grateful that this is just a a story that reminds us of how wonderful it is to love and be loved unconditionally by our best friends, our pets.
October 1, 2023
Greatly entertaining
This author has a wonderful way to tell a story. He is so good at building his characters. He also does a great job of building a relationship between the characters and you as the reader. I have read several of his books and completely enjoyed each one. I highly highly Recommend Joe Siple if you are looking for a great author to involve you in an adventure.
This author has a wonderful way to tell a story. He is so good at building his characters. He also does a great job of building a relationship between the characters and you as the reader. I have read several of his books and completely enjoyed each one. I highly highly Recommend Joe Siple if you are looking for a great author to involve you in an adventure.
May 9, 2024
Short but sweet!
Scientists tinkering with the abilities of “man’s best friends” leads to the near total extinction of dogs worldwide in this novel. Meanwhile, two innocent children’s encounter with an apparent mad Scientist leads to a daring quest to save the beloved species. Although the premise is unimaginable, the hopeful conclusion is uplifting!
Joe Simple is becoming one of my favorite authors.
Scientists tinkering with the abilities of “man’s best friends” leads to the near total extinction of dogs worldwide in this novel. Meanwhile, two innocent children’s encounter with an apparent mad Scientist leads to a daring quest to save the beloved species. Although the premise is unimaginable, the hopeful conclusion is uplifting!
Joe Simple is becoming one of my favorite authors.
September 18, 2024
Would it ever be possible?
I enjoyed this book. I have often said that I wish dogs could tell us how they feel and what they want. Most make you know when something is wrong but it is just a guessing game to find out specifically what is wrong. I live in a community that dogs are pampered and spoiled. I can't phantom this happening but then there are so many things today that I think are hard to understand.
I enjoyed this book. I have often said that I wish dogs could tell us how they feel and what they want. Most make you know when something is wrong but it is just a guessing game to find out specifically what is wrong. I live in a community that dogs are pampered and spoiled. I can't phantom this happening but then there are so many things today that I think are hard to understand.
October 31, 2022
Imaginative and Hopeful
This is a good book for upper elementary age students, especially ones who love dogs. There is some killing of small animals in order for displaced domesticated dogs to survive but no graphic descriptions. Not for very young children. Not a read aloud bedtime story
This is a good book for upper elementary age students, especially ones who love dogs. There is some killing of small animals in order for displaced domesticated dogs to survive but no graphic descriptions. Not for very young children. Not a read aloud bedtime story
November 7, 2023
Dogs really are Man's best friend.
This story shows how a good idea can go very badly. Sometimes scientists are so excited about their experiments and what they are learning that they may not stop to consider the consequences. I really liked this story because it ended on a happy note. It gave hope that in the future, dogs would again be Man's best friend.
This story shows how a good idea can go very badly. Sometimes scientists are so excited about their experiments and what they are learning that they may not stop to consider the consequences. I really liked this story because it ended on a happy note. It gave hope that in the future, dogs would again be Man's best friend.
May 19, 2020
Too Scary to Be True
As I sit here looking at my 3 dogs and remembering the many that I have lived with over six decades, this book scared the sh-- out of me. Never could I live in that world. Nope, not ever.
As I sit here looking at my 3 dogs and remembering the many that I have lived with over six decades, this book scared the sh-- out of me. Never could I live in that world. Nope, not ever.
November 29, 2020
Very interesting!
The story and characters come to life and you imagine how the world might be without dogs... not a pretty picture... it's a nice read... would be wonderful for middle grades!
The story and characters come to life and you imagine how the world might be without dogs... not a pretty picture... it's a nice read... would be wonderful for middle grades!
December 13, 2020
Sweet, "schweet," story!
As designated "narrator" in my family, the adventure, humor, and message was enjoyed and captured by all ages. Thank you for the non-use of profanity and I hope that you continue successfully and stay HEALTHY! Sincerely, Dennis R. Pijor
As designated "narrator" in my family, the adventure, humor, and message was enjoyed and captured by all ages. Thank you for the non-use of profanity and I hope that you continue successfully and stay HEALTHY! Sincerely, Dennis R. Pijor
March 23, 2021
What a horrible thought!
I am 70 years old and needed to read a feel good book. This book was thoughtfully written and gave me hope that there is someone to stop misconceptions about people and our beautiful pets. Thank you for writing this.
I am 70 years old and needed to read a feel good book. This book was thoughtfully written and gave me hope that there is someone to stop misconceptions about people and our beautiful pets. Thank you for writing this.
October 26, 2021
A new perspective
Great story that can possibly provide a new perspective on dogs and government. Each chapter goes between two stories, and end up colliding in a great effort to change the world. Short, easy read and very much worth the time. I loved it!
Great story that can possibly provide a new perspective on dogs and government. Each chapter goes between two stories, and end up colliding in a great effort to change the world. Short, easy read and very much worth the time. I loved it!
February 1, 2022
Awesome
I found this book and I am glad I did . I read I in one sitting , I loved it! One minute I was crying and the next thing I was laughing. I love dogs and I was worried about it being the last dogs, but was overjoyed with the book. Thanks !
I found this book and I am glad I did . I read I in one sitting , I loved it! One minute I was crying and the next thing I was laughing. I love dogs and I was worried about it being the last dogs, but was overjoyed with the book. Thanks !
June 19, 2022
Keep man’s best friend…
Enjoyable. Touches on so many layers and possibilities. The looking glass isn’t far off from today’s world. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did and I’m 75 years old, so it’s not just for young kids.
Enjoyable. Touches on so many layers and possibilities. The looking glass isn’t far off from today’s world. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did and I’m 75 years old, so it’s not just for young kids.
June 18, 2023
Imagine A World Without dogs
A short story about a misunderstanding of the "man's best friend" species. The beginnings of straightening out that mistake after horrendous years of loss.
A short story about a misunderstanding of the "man's best friend" species. The beginnings of straightening out that mistake after horrendous years of loss.
October 4, 2023
always a.joyful. read
The simplicity and complexity of love revealed in this story. Mr. Siple's insights are on target. His style is one that always keeps me interested in the stories of his characters.
The simplicity and complexity of love revealed in this story. Mr. Siple's insights are on target. His style is one that always keeps me interested in the stories of his characters.
March 8, 2024
Loved "The Last Dogs"
Wow what a gut wrenching story! As a dog and cat lover it had me in tears, and cheering. I will recommend that my Grandkids read it. So glad I read it. Now.looking for more books By Joe Siple.
Wow what a gut wrenching story! As a dog and cat lover it had me in tears, and cheering. I will recommend that my Grandkids read it. So glad I read it. Now.looking for more books By Joe Siple.
June 22, 2025
A world where dogs are our enemy? Unthinkable!! A good book to get tweens and older thinking about how their actions can influence current affairs and make a difference in how things are perceived. An enjoyable read for all ages.
July 23, 2025
Wonderful story
At first I wasn't sure I could read this book
It started out as scientists experimenting on dog's. But the story took a different turn and I read it in one day
Highly recommend
At first I wasn't sure I could read this book
It started out as scientists experimenting on dog's. But the story took a different turn and I read it in one day
Highly recommend
August 16, 2025
very creative!
I loved this story line. Although it’s sad that think something like this could happen. The only reason I didn’t give it more stars is because it wasn’t long enough! Tell us MORE!
I loved this story line. Although it’s sad that think something like this could happen. The only reason I didn’t give it more stars is because it wasn’t long enough! Tell us MORE!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews