In the Doghouse: A Couple's Breakup from Their Dog's Point of View

by Teri Case, Jeremy Basko (Narrator)

Skip is a rescued dog who wants to matter. He loves living in a blissful pack with his human couple, John and Lucy, and he has bow-vowed never to lose them. But when John walks out after seven happy years, Skip and Lucy’s world is turned upside down. Skip is determined to guide Lucy through her identity crisis, but he’s guarding a secret: he’s to blame for the breakup and her broken heart.

Now, with the help of a hoarder neighbor, a stray cat, and a boy with autism, Skip must build a new pack for himself and Lucy before she discovers his canine treason and kicks him to the curb.

“'IN THE DOGHOUSE' is a story of love, loss, guilt, and new beginnings told from the hilarious yet wise perspective of the lovable family dog.”
- Cathey Nickell, Author

“Teri Case has done it again! She's a gifted storyteller, no matter whose point of view she's writing from.”
- Kathryn Brown Ramsperger, Author

"Incredible! So fresh, uplifting, bittersweet, heartfelt, and emotionally honest. There’s a list of people in my life who need to read this book for so many reasons."
- Lizette Clarke, Author Accelerator




RUNNING TIME => 8hrs. and 39mins.

©2019 Teri Case (P)2019 Teri Case

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit

Audible Audio

First published April 16, 2019

About the author

Teri Case is the award-winning author of Tiger Drive and In the Doghouse. Finding Imogene (Jan. 2024) is her third novel. She now lives in Washington, D.C. She often travels—watching, learning, and writing about people who want to matter.

Teri runs the Tiger Drive Scholarship for students who want to reach, learn, and grow beyond their familiar environment by attending college.

www.tericase.com

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Doghouse is a refreshing and unexpected story, one featuring a beloved dog as its main character! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Skip is a rescue dog. He lives with Lucy and John, and he absolutely loves them. One day John leaves Lucy (and Skip) and doesn’t come back. Skip has a secret. He’s to blame for John leaving.

Skip has to take matters into his own hands and enlists the help of an eclectic group of friends: a cat, a child with Autism, and a neighbor with some baggage. He has to build a new “pack” for Lucy so she can get over her loss and be happy again.

First off, In the Doghouse isn’t just a silly “dog” book. Lucy’s break-up was authentic, and we’ve all been there. That said, Skip is a witty dog. He is clever and insightful, and it’s just plain fun to hear his inner voice. He had me chuckling quite a few times.

In the Doghouse is poignant and so thoughtful. It’s a book for dog and animal lovers everywhere. We know our pets can feel our emotions, and Skip most definitely feels for Lucy and wants to help her. The writing is silky smooth, and it’s easy to keep flipping the pages to see what happens next for Lucy and Skip.

I can easily tell Teri Case has a heart for dogs. Skip is a memorable and heartwarming character. Overall, this is an engaging and original read and one I highly recommend when you want your spirits lifted thanks to a beloved dog.

I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[Lisa Manterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teri Case has done it again. This time she convinces us to give our hearts to Skip, a smart, lovable canine who is convinced he's responsible for the break-up of his owners, John and Lucy. As Skip tries to comfort Lucy and make amends, they discover a new "pack" in an unlikely set of neighbors.

Case is dead-on in her portrayal of Lucy's break-up heartbreak, and I found myself laughing out loud at Skip's witty insights. But this book isn't only about the laughs. As with her debut novel, "Tiger Drive", Teri Case digs into some meaty topics, including loneliness, mental health, addiction, and grief.

If you love books about real relationships, I highly recommend this book. Dog lovers will go bananas for it, but this cat lady loved it too.

[Carrie Lahain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy is blindsided when, with their wedding on the horizon, her fiance tells her he "needs space" and moves out of their tiny apartment in a quirky San Francisco Victorian. Almost as devastated is Skip, the couple's seriously co-dependent rescue dog. Skip feels responsible for the breakup and is convinced that if Lucy ever finds out the real story, she'll hand him a one-way ticket back to the animal shelter. What follows is a warm and hilarious comedy of errors as Skip tries keep his secret while also attempting to lead his reduced "pack" into a new life.

The characters are realistically drawn and sympathetic, even when they behave badly or are so in denial you want to shake them. Skip is a clever and sensitive (though not wholly reliable) narrator. With his funny, wise, and sometimes panicked observations/reactions, I couldn't help but connect to him on a thoroughly human level. At the same time the author never lets us forget that Skip is indeed a dog.

The San Francisco setting is evoked in colorful detail, as are the oddball inhabitants populating Lucy and Skip's "new normal." I enjoyed watching Skip's relationship with the autistic Thomas develop through shared reading of Harry Potter. Lucy's relationship with the mysterious Manny was another high point. It was fun to watch her assumptions and prejudices topple one after the other, even as she (and Skip) drew him out of the self-imposed isolation he so stubbornly tries to cling to.

IN THE DOGHOUSE is a delightful emotional roller-coaster. You can't help but be swept into the hopes, fears, and insanity of its two-legged and four-legged characters.

[Cathey Nickell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a page-turner that I couldn't put down. I enjoyed the relationship between Lucy and her dog, Skip. It's lighthearted, tender... and also hilarious. Skip won me over from the first moment, and I couldn't wait to see how the book ended (but I won't post a spoiler!). What a clever premise: discussing a couple's breakup from the viewpoint of the family dog. You really get into Skip's head, and I sometimes forgot he was not human! I loved it and highly recommend.

I was given an advance reader copy of "In the Doghouse" in exchange for an honest review.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skip, the rescue dog, is one of my favorite narrators of all time. I also enjoyed the chapters that were written from the viewpoint of Skip's human, Lucy, (in third person), but it was Skip's chapters that made this novel so unique. One of the most hilarious scenes was a doga (yoga with your dog) session narrated by Skip.

This is an endearing tale of Skip and Lucy who have been abandoned by John. The book had moments of laugh out loud humor intertwined with scenes of heart-breaking emotion. Thanks to Lucy's new job and the many secondary characters, several different themes are explored in addition to the main couple's relationship, among them autism, assisted living, grief, and therapy dogs. But central to the story is the relationship between animals and their humans.

This is a quick, enjoyable read. Highly recommend to all, especially animal lovers.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dogs are the best people, sometimes. This novel is proof positive that's a true statement. Lucy is great, all the secondary characters are relatable and believable, and the plot takes a couple of very surprising and satisfying twists. But Skip, HE is a leading man I can put all my support behind. He's an adorable, lovable mutt who looks like a wolf but loves with more fervor than Pepe le Pew. This dog takes his role in life very seriously, and gives everything he has to make sure his lady is happy and well-loved. But pack-building isn't all it's cracked up to be, and the people in Skip's life don't make things easy.

This novel is a brilliant roller-coaster ride through every conceivable emotion, but laughter is never more than a page away. It's clever, witty and worth every moment spent enjoying it--and then some.

[Cathy Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much I loved about this book. Firstly, as a dog lover, I’ve always wished I could be inside my dog’s head, to see the world through his eyes. And while Case admits to anthropomorphizing, it was so much fun to have Skip’s POV narrate Lucy and John’s breakup, with all his doggie perspectives and schemes. Secondly, having lived in the Richmond in San Francisco and worked as a nurse there, it was a step back in time to a wonderful time in my life. But most of all, it was the delightful cast of characters with all their humanness and struggles as well as the blend of humor and tenderness that makes this such an enjoyable read. I laughed and cried and felt uplifted by threads that were woven together in the final chapters. Thank you, Teri Case, for writing the book only you could write!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A great second novel by Teri Case! In the Doghouse is a story from a dog’s perspective and Teri totally gets it – a dog’s personality, the raw feelings of a human breakup, the steps and time it takes to heal a broken heart.

It is a light and fun read, yet it touches on the whole spectrum of human (and canine) emotions.

I pre-ordered two paperbacks for my mom and my aunt and I know they’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

[Kathy Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In The Doghouse” by Teri Case is the first book I’ve read in a really long time that had me crying. Not once, but twice! Skip is a lovable doggy who is the collateral damage of a relationship suddenly ending. He doesn’t quite understand what is going on, but sometimes hilariously rationalizes what is happening in his world through his keen senses. This is a fast paced story of loss, grief and moving ahead with lots of twists and turns. All the characters were fully developed and unique. Anyone who begins to read this book will not be able to put it down.

[Joan Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching, terrific dog’s tale
Please, please pick up Teri Case's, In the Doghouse. Perfect summer reading. A dog is the main character and he is trying his dogged-hardest to patch up a human romance, especially because he blames himself for breaking up his “pack.” Behind this silly premise and funny story is a gifted storyteller's warm wisdom about loss, family and love. (The dog is a dude; his human is a woman who ultimately finds her own strength.)

[Yamini · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale from a dog's perspective ✨️

It's been such a long time since I came across such a cute story. It reminds me of the movie: 'Di Dhadakne Do' where the story is also narrated from a dog's perspective. Though the storyline is totally different.

A couple has a one-sided breakup and now the Dog is left hanging in there with the better half to figure out everything else. Only the Dog knows more than the better half about this drifting apart scenario and is guilt-driven to protect the owner. Dubious of everything around her, the human is barely surviving the heartfall, walking through her life with baby steps.

The narration of this book is my favourite part, besides the Dog perspective. Readers will enjoy this book if they are looking for a tale of surviving heartbreak and moving on in the most unprecedented situations that life throws across your face. I am glad the story ended the way it did (without getting into the spoilers), coz had it gone in the other direction, I would be disappointed.

Thank you @katerockbooktours and @terilcase for the ALC.
Genre: #fiction #contemporary
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

[Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the simplicity of this book, in that these experiences with relationships are things we have all dealt with in some way, and having it narrated by the family dog was a perfect way to show the humanity in how we all interact with other people and our pets (because pets are our family too).

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed Skip's point of view and his dog-isms. I've often imagined my own dogs' perceptions and Skip was a good-natured fellow, he might even say dog-natured. The people were relatable too, dealing with relationships and new jobs. The drama and healing seemed natural and believable. I recommend this sweet book.

[Margo]

DNF

[Pamela Lamey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, a story told from a different perspective- made me laugh and cry.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Yes, I was captivated by the cute dog on the cover, but once I started reading, I couldn’t put this book down. It’s so much more than a dog story or a love story, it’s about a woman finding her place, and voice, in the world. Case delivers an extremely well-written book that will appeal to both dog lovers and those seeking a really good novel. Look forward to reading more of Case’s books.

[Steve Gougeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey folks, daddy Steve here with some doggiebook talk. About a week ago I finished listening to a book titled In The Doghouse by Teri Case.

I honestly don’t remember how she found Malcolm’s page but over a year ago, in December 2019, the author Teri Case commented on the big list of my doggiebook reviews about her book, In The Doghouse. She’d offered me to let her know if I wanted a code to review the audiobook version of it. At the time, I had a lot on my plate but I kept the note and contacted Teri almost a year later, in December 2020. She was gracious enough to offer me a free credit. This being said, everything that follows is my very honest opinion.

Going into this book, I thought I’d be faced with a cute rom-com kind of book. You know, how serious could this dog be talking about the breakup of his furparents? He’ll try to get the together I thought, it’ll be cute. There was much more than that. Not giving anything away but it’s a satisfyingly deep book, no joke. Oh sure, there are cute moments, as every doggiebook should have, but there is some soul searching done here, both from Skip the dog and from Lucy, the main character.

I really enjoyed this book. The narrator took me a little bit to get used to as I found him almost boring at first but once I was accustomed to his voice changes, he made the story fun to listen to. This is nothing new to me though since being French speaking first, I almost always have to adjust to a speaker’s (or reader’s) tone of voice before I enjoy it. Same thing happens with TV shows or movies...

Needless to say, this is another recommended read for me!

#Malcolmstories #doggiebooks


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[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wondered what our domesticated animal companions are thinking, Skip, a Timber Wolf-Labrador mix, will amaze and enlighten you. He’s the protagonist in Teri Case’s latest novel In the Doghouse. Without offering a spoiler-alert caveat, I can tell you the book’s subtitle, “A Couple’s Breakup from Their Dog’s Point of View,” is the perfect summary. Needless to say (but I’ll say it anyway), the title is a play on words. Someone’s in the doghouse, the Chateau Bow Wow, and it isn’t Skip, although he may at times have reason to tuck his tail between his legs.

In the Doghouse has a wider cast of characters, human and nonhuman alike, and one common denominator is their need to belong—from the stray in the pound waiting to be adopted to the aforementioned couple post-breakup. Skip is the personification of this need to belong and feel loved. It’s in his DNA. Wolves mate for life and are social animals. Belonging to a pack is happiness, while its loss is the opposite of happiness.

At one point early in the couple's breakup, Skip, left alone in the apartment, begins to howl for the return of his pack. After getting that out of his system, he begins to take matters into his own paws. It’s not all a romp in the dog park as he and Lucy, a busy RN who got de facto custody of Skip, reconfigure their lives.

In the Doghouse is a love story, with Skip’s unconditional love a constant throughout. It challenges the notion that pets are owned and somewhat removed from the complicated lives of their human masters. Skip is perceptive way beyond his keen sense of smell. He knows what Lucy and others are thinking and feeling and what makes people happy, as exemplified by the doga class he and Lucy start taking together.

Teri Case has written a doggone good tale. I’m certain my grandfather, a veterinarian for forty-five years, would have loved it. He knew in his heart that dogs are wiser than people, which is my In the Doghouse take-away.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Doghouse gets all the stars!
IN THE DOGHOUSE is loaded with what I expect from author, Teri Case--heart and hope. But DOGHOUSE contains a lot of humor too. Skip, a rescued Wolador (a wolf-lab mix), reacts to the breakup of his pack with his own brand of well-articulated dog logic. He feels sad and lonely and worries that he is to blame for the breakup of John and Lucy. Darn that Bunny, anyway.
While a couple’s undoing after ten years together is naturally fraught with emotion, telling the story from poor Skip’s point of view—along with his efforts to help Lucy cope--make it particularly sweet and poignant. Remember, a dog lives in the bow-now.
When Lucy finally stops crying, she decides to move forward and not go under. She and Skip step outside their comfort zone and get to know a few new people, together. Lucy starts a rewarding new job at an assisted living center. She and Skip connect with colorful, well-drawn neighbors in their building, including the mysterious but handsome hoarder next door and a young Harry Potter fan who also happens to be on the autism spectrum. She and Skip attend doga (dog yoga) classes. Slowly--and by fits and starts--they build a new and much larger pack.
Lucy changes, becomes a new and improved version of herself. Does she really want John back now? Skip’s not so sure that’s a good idea.
After reading two heavy, dark novels peopled by dysfunctional families with abused and neglected children (you know, typical literary fiction fare) I was in need of a palate cleanser. IN THE DOGHOUSE was the perfect antidote. Sure, there is some grief and loss, but also so much light and love. And if you are a dog person—or know one—I can’t recommend this feel-good book enough.

[Kathryn Ramsperger · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered what your dog is thinking, you'll love this novel. Author Teri Case definitely knows what's going on behind their loving eyes and puppy breath. They actually know more about communication and unconditional love than we do.

This is not a fluffy animal story, in spite of its humor. It's about love, loss, and grief. It's about breaking apart and picking up the pieces. It's about healing. You'll pick up In the Doghouse because you love animals, but you'll close it loving humans just a little bit more.

I haven't loved an animal protagonist like this since the Disney film "The Three Lives of Thomasina." Although we see life and love through a dog's eyes (mostly), this novel is about the comedy and tragedy of human relations, and how connection to love is the only way through this life.

I highly recommend this book, just as I do any of Teri Case's work. She's a gifted story teller with books and characters that will move you.

[Jora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoa.
Whoa.
Whoa.
Whoa.

Okay... overall In the Doghouse is a good book. You can feel Lucy's (the main human character's) hurt, and I loved how, in Skip's (the main dog character's) eyes, a pack can include great friends. Also, all of the side characters (that I can think of) evolved into a beloved and important main or central character. The non-human animals' personalities, too, developed over time.

The sheer amount of vulgar language (ie: cursing) was unnecessary and did not improve the story in a positive way. I do not appreciate it when even the dog is cursing. Also, we, as an audience, did not need to hear the word "joint" mentioned. They are unclean and horrible for you.

The "whoas" were necessary, though. I can't exactly explain why they were. The book was interesting, powerful, and emotional, and it had some nice twists, without the twists being a topsy-turvy change. They were surprising, though, at the time.

[John Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dog teaches its human about life while learning a thing or two along the way.

Skip lives in San Fransisco with Lucy and John, who are engaged to be married. One day, John leaves Lucy (and Skip) for another woman. Lucy, while hoping John returns, learns to live with herself by expanding her horizons and joining a broader community. She makes new friends (expands her pack) and starts a new job with new responsibilities. Meanwhile, Skip learns to overcome his anxiety and make friends of his own.

"In the Doghouse" is a book about resilience and growth after a breakup with the twist of seeing through a dog's POV. The dog is written well, and the canine insights into human behavior illuminate the story. The characters are well written, have understandable motivations, and are interesting people.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skip’s Da Man!

In The Doghouse — a book about a couple’s breakup told primarily from the perspective of a dog named Skip — deserves a wide readership among dog lovers and anyone who enjoys a well-written book that has it all. Author Teri Case has done an excellent job in creating a book that taps into the full range of human (and animal) emotions, as well as a highly memorable cast of primary and secondary cast of characters — with my favorite, by far, being Skip, an irresistible Wolfador (part Wolf, part Labrador) who will stay in your hearts long after finishing the book.

As a consequence, I found In The Doghouse to be the best book I’ve read this year and one of the better books I’ve read in the past couple of years.

#In The Doghouse #Net Galley

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from a novel written primarily in a dogs point of view but I wasn't disappointed. Skip is a lovable, loyal Wolf/labrador mix who sometimes is written a little too human, but it works. Dogs understand more than we give them credit for, which this novel plays on, and elevates that.

I loved reading Skip and Lucy's journey together after John, and the wonderful array of secondary characters that join them.

I often discuss on my podcast about what our dogs might be thinking and this novel is great for those who might wonder the same. Heart-warming and funny, a must for dog lovers.

I received an advance copy of In The Doghouse in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

f you love when an author has an anthropomorphic character, then you going to enjoy this book.

Skip loves going to a certain park so John treats him by taking him there. It in this park that John meets another woman and he acts on the attraction. Poor Skip, he can see it happening (her scent on his clothes, the pheromones, etc.) He feels so guilty that Lucy doesn't know. But once John leaves, Skip is there for her.

Great story of getting over a break-up, and moving forward with help from your furry friend. Lucy is so relatable. John is fleshed out - no caricature here. And Skip will steal your heart.

Looking forward to other books by this author.

I received an ARC from the publisher for an honest review.

[Cathey Nickell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel so so so much! The author writes in such a fun style, switching POVs back and forth between Skip -- a lovable dog -- and his frazzled master, Lucy. Skip has a hilarious outlook on life and considers himself Lucy's protector. It makes the whole premise so adorable, because Skip feels he has to take care of Lucy as she grieves her breakup from John. Skip is grieving too (he misses John!), and he's not sure he can handle being in charge of their now-smaller pack of two. I really loved the ending, but I won't post a spoiler. Well-written, funny, poignant, lasting. Such a fun read! I think this would make a great gift and is perfect for book clubs.

[Jeannine Harbison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was stuck in bed last week and was greatly in need of a refreshing mood lifter (after way too many books with Auschwitz in the title) and I stumbled across this new release. I was hooked by the end of the sample and really enjoyed this surprisingly well written book. Yes, we all know that animals don’t think like us, but don’t we all imagine that deep down they do? The broken romance/building your pack theme had a deeper meaning than I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend it! This author is new to me, but I will look forward to more from her.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a totally new way of looking at a break u from the perspective of the family dog. It is all about empowerment and how we place human emotions on our animals. The break up between John and Lucy has come after ten years of marriage and of Skip the wolfador(wolf X Labrador) blames himself almost like a child in a family that breaks apart does You know if he had only done this or that. The story is full of hope and heartbreak and the cast of characters are extremely well written A totally unusual book but a great read

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good in that warm fuzzy way. Skip is a rescue dog with a pack. Sometimes his pack is only he and Lucy, especially since John left them. It has been hard on Skip and on Lucy but they will learn to adjust their life and make changes in the pack that will benefit both of them. The story is about letting go of the past and making a new future. No matter what happens Skip and Lucy are what makes it all work.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book, it's moving, engaging and entertaining.
I like the different point of views and appreciated how Skip, the dog, was developed and how he sound so canine like.
It's a book about changes and creating a new life, it's full of food for thought and it's not the usual women's fiction/romance.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.