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A Street Dog Named Pup
Between dog and human there is a special bond. A bond that must never be broken . . . Pup and his boy are inseparable. But both their worlds change forever when Pup is cruelly taken away and abandoned. With nowhere else to turn, Pup becomes a Street Dog - part of a misfit pack fighting for survival on the streets. Pup clings to the hope of one day being reunited with his boy. But as time passes, his hope shrinks. Will he ever know love like his boy's again?
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Published February 3, 2022
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About the author
Gill Lewis
76 books100 followersBefore she could walk, Gill Lewis was discovered force-feeding bread to a sick hedgehog under the rose bushes. Now her stories reflect her passion for wild animals in wild places. She draws inspiration from many of the people she has had the fortune to meet during her work as a vet, both at home and abroad. Gill Lewis has a masters degree in Writing for Young People from Bath Spa University and won the 2009 course prize for most promising writer. Her first novel was snapped up for publication within hours of being offered to publishers. She lives in Somerset with her young family and a motley crew of pets. She writes from a shed in the garden, in the company of spiders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 25, 2021
It’s a children’s book, but don’t let that put you off. It’s just lovely.
Love that it’s from Pups point of view. Love the characters of his street friends their names and characteristics suit their breeds really well. It’s beautifully written. I had the audio version. The narrator is excellent.
Abandoned Pup is desperate to find his boy, his boy is looking for his pup.
Oh my it’s very emotional 😢it had me in floods of tears. I’m not sure what age group this is suitable for, as it covers some difficult subjects. It’s main theme is one of enduring love and the bond between humans and animals.
Favourite quote ‘death takes life but it can never take love’
I think rehoming centres should make prospective owners read this book before adoption.
April 22, 2024
I really Loved this book, it made me cry near to the very start, I think books that make you feel that much emotion should be some of the best there are. I have read many books when they make me cry but the ending and all the way through whenever someone dies or abandoned Pup I cried. It was an amazing book and I recommend it to everyone who loves emotional books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2021
It started with a dog mythology that reminded me of the rabbit mythology intro to Watership Down. It was interesting, but I wonder how young of children would be able to follow it.
Then chapter one nearly destroyed me. I knew it was a story about an abandoned pup, but seeing the betrayal through the dog's eyes devastated me. How could anyone be so cruel to an animal?
Pup's interactions with other street dogs held a gamut of emotions. Some were helpful and sympathetic, others saw him as a liability. The poor puppy was just lost in a world where he didn't know the rules and he missed the boy who loved him.
His character develops quickly, just as someone thrown into a difficult situation will learn quickly if they are to survive. The tone is of a book you might read to children, but I question how appropriate the content would be even for sensitive adults. There is a lot of death and we get a look into the world of illegal dog fighting and the worst side of human nature.
However, the story is well told and the various dog characters are very individual and well developed. It was a great read that brought tears to my eyes a couple times and made me want to throttle a few humans.
Then chapter one nearly destroyed me. I knew it was a story about an abandoned pup, but seeing the betrayal through the dog's eyes devastated me. How could anyone be so cruel to an animal?
Pup's interactions with other street dogs held a gamut of emotions. Some were helpful and sympathetic, others saw him as a liability. The poor puppy was just lost in a world where he didn't know the rules and he missed the boy who loved him.
His character develops quickly, just as someone thrown into a difficult situation will learn quickly if they are to survive. The tone is of a book you might read to children, but I question how appropriate the content would be even for sensitive adults. There is a lot of death and we get a look into the world of illegal dog fighting and the worst side of human nature.
However, the story is well told and the various dog characters are very individual and well developed. It was a great read that brought tears to my eyes a couple times and made me want to throttle a few humans.
May 1, 2021
Took a while to get going but my goodness this is a wonderful book and caused lots of sadness and the true life of some dogs :( so sad
September 6, 2021
Loved it..had me almost in tears.
September 22, 2021
My new favourite book. So beautiful and moving, I’ve sobbed my way through it.
May 10, 2022
Pup is lucky. He has a Boy who loves him. But he doesn't like it when Boy goes to school - he howls, loudly. His step father who is the kind of man that gives step parents a bad name, dumps pup in the street - Dead Dog Alley it is called by the bulldog that Pup meets there. The bulldog, Frenchi, takes Pup back to The Railway Den, they are led by Fifi, a small terrier.
Throughout the book we are told what The Boy is doing, firstly, he makes a clay model of Pup to remember him by.
They keep Pup with them, he's cute at the moment and is good for the crowds, as he grows he will be useful. But the Sewer Dogs led by Fang want to take their den because it is warmer and drier than the sewers.
After a fight with the Sewer Dogs in which Rex, their strongest dog who had been used for fighting by man, is hurt and Fifi dies. The dogs decided to find the lighter place, with sand and sea. They leave the den. But the fight had brought the attention of The Snatchers. Some of the dogs get away but Pup gets caught and Rex going back for him is caught too. They are taken to a animal shelter (Dogsdoom), but Rex hates it, he won't work with the humans and disappears one day when Pup is training. Fifi's brother, Roly, who is in the kennel he used to share with Fifi (she is the only dog to escape Dogsdoom) says Rex was taken through the door of no return because he was a forbidden and a biter. Saffy, the old lab from the pack, gets adopted.
But then Pup also gets adopted by a young man called Max, who he runs in the park with, waits for at home, and loves unconditionally. But one day Max runs into a lady when chasing Pup across a park. Pup soon loves the lady too. Then along comes a baby, Lena - and Max's mum comes to stay. She makes it plain they shouldn't have Pup, but his mistress is sure that Pup is safe with the baby. But when they go out Max's mum tries to take Lena out and Pup won't let her - he holds her arm in his jaws until Max comes home. Max calls the shelter, and they come to get Pup but when Max leads him out he bites Max's arm and runs away. Somehow he makes his way through the parks until he recognises the road and the houses - it's his Boy's house. He howls, and the door opens. His Boy is older, and is amazed when his stepfather says that Pup can stay. But the next day, His stepfather sells Pup while the Boy is at school, he also stands on the clay model of Pup. The Boy is distraught, and runs away.
But Pup's life becomes worse still. He understands now why Rex never trusted Humans. One night he is at his job when he realises he knows the small dog in front of him, Frenchi! He gets to him, they run as soon as they can. Frenchi takes Pup back to his human, a homeless man. But yet again something happens. And Pup goes back to Dogsdoom - this time he knows he isn't going anywhere - he's too big and a biter. In the shelter he meets Merle from the Railway pack -she also gets adopted. But Pup growls at the Lookers and the humans until.....
I loved this book and wanted to cry right at the beginning when the mum dog is telling her pups the story of Sirius in the stars.
Throughout the book we are told what The Boy is doing, firstly, he makes a clay model of Pup to remember him by.
They keep Pup with them, he's cute at the moment and is good for the crowds, as he grows he will be useful. But the Sewer Dogs led by Fang want to take their den because it is warmer and drier than the sewers.
After a fight with the Sewer Dogs in which Rex, their strongest dog who had been used for fighting by man, is hurt and Fifi dies. The dogs decided to find the lighter place, with sand and sea. They leave the den. But the fight had brought the attention of The Snatchers. Some of the dogs get away but Pup gets caught and Rex going back for him is caught too. They are taken to a animal shelter (Dogsdoom), but Rex hates it, he won't work with the humans and disappears one day when Pup is training. Fifi's brother, Roly, who is in the kennel he used to share with Fifi (she is the only dog to escape Dogsdoom) says Rex was taken through the door of no return because he was a forbidden and a biter. Saffy, the old lab from the pack, gets adopted.
But then Pup also gets adopted by a young man called Max, who he runs in the park with, waits for at home, and loves unconditionally. But one day Max runs into a lady when chasing Pup across a park. Pup soon loves the lady too. Then along comes a baby, Lena - and Max's mum comes to stay. She makes it plain they shouldn't have Pup, but his mistress is sure that Pup is safe with the baby. But when they go out Max's mum tries to take Lena out and Pup won't let her - he holds her arm in his jaws until Max comes home. Max calls the shelter, and they come to get Pup but when Max leads him out he bites Max's arm and runs away. Somehow he makes his way through the parks until he recognises the road and the houses - it's his Boy's house. He howls, and the door opens. His Boy is older, and is amazed when his stepfather says that Pup can stay. But the next day, His stepfather sells Pup while the Boy is at school, he also stands on the clay model of Pup. The Boy is distraught, and runs away.
But Pup's life becomes worse still. He understands now why Rex never trusted Humans. One night he is at his job when he realises he knows the small dog in front of him, Frenchi! He gets to him, they run as soon as they can. Frenchi takes Pup back to his human, a homeless man. But yet again something happens. And Pup goes back to Dogsdoom - this time he knows he isn't going anywhere - he's too big and a biter. In the shelter he meets Merle from the Railway pack -she also gets adopted. But Pup growls at the Lookers and the humans until.....
I loved this book and wanted to cry right at the beginning when the mum dog is telling her pups the story of Sirius in the stars.
April 5, 2021
This is an extraordinary story of Pup, a dog who loved and lost, again and again. Pup has an unbreakable bond with his Boy, but the adults don’t want Pup and he is abandoned in ‘Dead Dog Alley’. Frenchie, a street dog, finds and adopts him into the ‘crew’ where Pup learns to survive, avoiding the vicious Sewer dogs and the Snatchers who take street dogs to ‘Dogsdoom’. Pup experiences moments of joy and forges close bonds with the unusual dogs in his pack, each with their own heart-breaking story. Pup’s story takes many twists and turns while his love for and loyalty to his Boy continues.
Pup is an incredibly vivid character created by an author who clearly adores animals. I rooted for Pup throughout his trials and tribulations; I raged at the cruel humans; I laughed at the dogs’ antics; I felt my heart breaking for the Boy and for Pup; and I cried (repeatedly). It is an absolutely engrossing book and will appeal to all dog-lovers from age 10 and up, though I’d give a cautionary note for very sensitive children or those who have lost a dog recently. The illustrations – created by the author – are gorgeous, the pace is lively and the chapter length is perfect for class or evening read alouds (though you will have children begging for more).
I can’t wait for A Street Dog Named Pup to be published on 1 April 2021 as can think of dozens of my students who will love this book – including reluctant and struggling readers. It will fly off the shelves, and I feel privileged to have read a review copy from NetGalley.
Overall: a beautiful, inspiring, thrilling, moving – and that final chapter? Unforgettable.
Pup is an incredibly vivid character created by an author who clearly adores animals. I rooted for Pup throughout his trials and tribulations; I raged at the cruel humans; I laughed at the dogs’ antics; I felt my heart breaking for the Boy and for Pup; and I cried (repeatedly). It is an absolutely engrossing book and will appeal to all dog-lovers from age 10 and up, though I’d give a cautionary note for very sensitive children or those who have lost a dog recently. The illustrations – created by the author – are gorgeous, the pace is lively and the chapter length is perfect for class or evening read alouds (though you will have children begging for more).
I can’t wait for A Street Dog Named Pup to be published on 1 April 2021 as can think of dozens of my students who will love this book – including reluctant and struggling readers. It will fly off the shelves, and I feel privileged to have read a review copy from NetGalley.
Overall: a beautiful, inspiring, thrilling, moving – and that final chapter? Unforgettable.
August 15, 2021
This book was nothing more than absolutely stunning and one which sent your heart on a journey of both love and heart break.
In the beginning you learn about the story of the dog star which most mothers tell their pups as they are being fed. Our main character Pup wasn’t given that chance and only learns of this story after he is pulled away from his boy in the middle of the night.
He is bundled in to a car and left at Dead Dog Alley to fend for himself.
This is where he meets the Street Dogs, a mixed pack of dogs that look out for one another and have made their own family. The leader of the pack is a fiery little dog Lady Fifi, a jack russell/shih tzu cross.
Pup learns to stay safe and keep away from the Sewer Dogs and The Snatchers but eventually the ultimate happens and the Snatchers get him and take him to the dog pound. After a year of being there he finds Max and life is on the up once again and he finds his forever home…or does he?
This book is absolutely beautiful and it will make you view things from a totally different perspective and it is beautiful. This book takes a turn and you go from heartwarming to heartbreak and you emotions are pulled all over the place.
The last chapter in this!!! Wow…be prepared is all I will say.
I can’t recommend this book enough; it is just stunning and deserves all 5 stars
In the beginning you learn about the story of the dog star which most mothers tell their pups as they are being fed. Our main character Pup wasn’t given that chance and only learns of this story after he is pulled away from his boy in the middle of the night.
He is bundled in to a car and left at Dead Dog Alley to fend for himself.
This is where he meets the Street Dogs, a mixed pack of dogs that look out for one another and have made their own family. The leader of the pack is a fiery little dog Lady Fifi, a jack russell/shih tzu cross.
Pup learns to stay safe and keep away from the Sewer Dogs and The Snatchers but eventually the ultimate happens and the Snatchers get him and take him to the dog pound. After a year of being there he finds Max and life is on the up once again and he finds his forever home…or does he?
This book is absolutely beautiful and it will make you view things from a totally different perspective and it is beautiful. This book takes a turn and you go from heartwarming to heartbreak and you emotions are pulled all over the place.
The last chapter in this!!! Wow…be prepared is all I will say.
I can’t recommend this book enough; it is just stunning and deserves all 5 stars
November 20, 2024
Oh, my goodness, A Street Dog Named Pup nearly destroyed me! It was an emotional rollercoaster, and I was in tears on more than one occasion. This novel follows the story of Pup, who is loved and cherished by his boy. However, the boy's cruel fathers dumped Pup, and suddenly, Pup has to fend for himself. He becomes a street dog and joins a band of other stray dogs. Here, he learns about survival and loyalty, but he never forgets his boy and longs to find him again.
Pup's life in the city was horrible and, it seemed to go downhill even more the further I read. I hated the cruelty that Pup and the other stray dogs had to face at the hands of humans - it disgusted me! Pup was incredibly real, and my heart bled for the pain and desperation he felt.
The author wrote a powerful novel for all ages about animal welfare and the lack of respect some people show towards our four-legged companions. A Street Dog Named Pup is not for the faint-hearted, but it was a gripping read that had me hugging my own dogs a little bit tighter.
Pup's life in the city was horrible and, it seemed to go downhill even more the further I read. I hated the cruelty that Pup and the other stray dogs had to face at the hands of humans - it disgusted me! Pup was incredibly real, and my heart bled for the pain and desperation he felt.
The author wrote a powerful novel for all ages about animal welfare and the lack of respect some people show towards our four-legged companions. A Street Dog Named Pup is not for the faint-hearted, but it was a gripping read that had me hugging my own dogs a little bit tighter.
August 16, 2022
Firstly - I confess to being a real lover of Youth Fiction, it is one of my favourite genres and this one is right up with the best. The real gem I find in YF is the unerring way the storyteller goes right to the key issue, no mucking about, no hidden behind words but it deals directly with the import details and inevitably the issues cover the moral, ethical and society issues that our “thinking young folk” tackle daily.
This is a powerful story around animal welfare, humans interaction and lack of respect and care for the domestic animals we share our lives with. It makes you look deeply into the way you think about your animal mates and to examine the integrity of your love and respect for their lives.
And as a P.S. I really loved and chuckled at the crucial role of the cat in the life of this Pup, as a human who has shared her life with both cats and dogs this clever twist really rang true.
This is a powerful story around animal welfare, humans interaction and lack of respect and care for the domestic animals we share our lives with. It makes you look deeply into the way you think about your animal mates and to examine the integrity of your love and respect for their lives.
And as a P.S. I really loved and chuckled at the crucial role of the cat in the life of this Pup, as a human who has shared her life with both cats and dogs this clever twist really rang true.
March 10, 2021
I've read and enjoyed several books by this author, but this was the first I've read that was written from the animal's point of view. At first I didn't enjoy this as much as her other, but, as the story progressed I found it more and more compelling. I've owned dogs all my life, so some parts were very hard to read, even though I know these awful things go on. It's so sad when dogs are classed as dangerous when it is humans who cause that danger. I think this is an important book, because of the message it gives about how dogs, as all animals, deserve to be treated with respect.
September 7, 2021
I do love animal stories but, contrary to most people, my son and I didn't enjoy this very much. I can't put my finger on why. I loved the illustrations and it is well written. Of course heart-breaking and superb for empathetic engagement but it wasn't striking enough. There are a few stories with this theme and for me Dear Hound and Pax are first class and this one didn't reach those heights. Felix also felt the same in case you think I am just a miserable adult.
October 12, 2024
Beautifully written book from the dogs PoV. It isn’t all easy reading with lots of the narrative set on the street and the harsher and cruel hidden world. The eight dogs each have their individual stories and characteristics which add to the narrative. It was heart wrenching at times, warming at others. Deals with hardship, struggles, violence, broken relationships but also love, friendships, companionship, loyalty and hope.
July 3, 2022
I found this book to be hard going, the first few pages made me cry, but I persevered! It tells the story of Pup, a German Shepherd who is dumped and becomes a street dog. I kept wanting the happy ending, but it was a long time coming, with much heartbreak along the way. It is definitely a book that will stay with me for a while, but don't give it to kids or sensitive adults to read.
October 11, 2022
As it was a childen's book I wasn't expecting much, just a quick easy read and I love animals. My gosh was I wrong. This book was excellent, so heartfelt. It brought me to tears more than once.
I will never look at dogs the same way again and love that it was from Pup's perspective. I will definitely be re-reading this.
I will never look at dogs the same way again and love that it was from Pup's perspective. I will definitely be re-reading this.
April 9, 2021
Such a wonderful heartwarming book, Pup really loves his boy and knows only love and happiness until boy's father dumps him in an alley one night. Pup is scared and rescued by Frenchie who takes hime to join his pack and thus starts Pup's adventures. I was gripped by the story, which is at times heartbreaking but also hopeful and full of love, a fine line it navigates well. I really enjoyed the dog pack all the different characters matching their breeds, how they look after each other and avoid the 'snatchers'. The author also skilfully highlights the challenges of being street dogs as well as homelessness. Really, really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended especially for dog lovers.
With thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.
With thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a review.
October 20, 2024
Wow - what a captivating read. I loved that the book was written from the dog’s perspective and shows the good and bad side of humans. Everyone should read this book.
“Death takes life. But it cannot take love.” - powerful
“Death takes life. But it cannot take love.” - powerful
April 18, 2021
I would give this 10 stars if I could - superb book ❤️
If you're a dog lover, like me, you'll definitely need tissues 😭
If you're a dog lover, like me, you'll definitely need tissues 😭
April 20, 2022
A book for dog lovers both young and old. Heartwarming and heartbreaking.
August 1, 2022
Heartwarming tale of friendship, but I cried at the end x
January 15, 2023
OMG!! I’m going to look like hell tomorrow!! 😩😩😂 What a beautiful book though. I read it to my daughter and we both balled our eyes out.
March 19, 2023
This is my new favourite book! I absolutely recommend this for anyone that likes books about dogs. The story touched my heart and made me feel happy and sad in the way only good books can.
May 1, 2023
Heartewarming, heartbreaking and unforgettable
June 19, 2024
I really love this book. I felt quite sad and I nearly cried when Pup got abandoned for the second and third time😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
very emotional story following a group of dogs, friendship, betrayal and love.
July 4, 2021
Very reminiscent of Watership Down. Moving, exciting, touching and memorable.
April 14, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Solid five stars! I will definitely recommend to my classes.
This novel manages the tricky feat of being both devastating and heart-warming at the same time. It’s a story of abandonment and cruelty, but also friendship, loyalty and hope.
The first chapter is particularly heart wrenching as young Pup realises he’s been dumped in Dead Dog Alley by his boy’s incredibly unpleasant step father. However, it doesn’t take long for him to find friendship in the security of the Railway Pack and his life as a street dog begins.
Pup never gives up hope of being reunited with his boy. Dog lovers, especially, will relate to the bond he feels, and share in his desperation to find his lost human.
Some elements (the dog’s mythology, the rival packs, the desire for a new and peaceful home) are reminiscent of ‘Watership Down’ by Richard Adams, which just happens to be one of my very favourite books. So, this could be one reason why I enjoyed it so much, but this novel goes much further in exploring the bonds that can exist between humans and animals.
All in all, it is a fairly gritty tale ( at least for young readers) of the plight of mistreated and abandoned animals. There are scenes which reveal some of the worst aspects of human nature and it had me in tears more times than I’d like to admit. But there are also wonderfully hopeful and life affirming moments as the bonds of love and friendship are explored.
A brilliant read that will make you pull your dog ( or cat or rabbit or even your human) a little closer.
As an English teacher, I like to have a decent knowledge of books for older children and YA fiction to help some of my more reluctant readers find the right book for them. As I know lots of them enjoy animal stories, I was excited to be given the chance by to read an advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, David Fickling Books and the author.
This novel manages the tricky feat of being both devastating and heart-warming at the same time. It’s a story of abandonment and cruelty, but also friendship, loyalty and hope.
The first chapter is particularly heart wrenching as young Pup realises he’s been dumped in Dead Dog Alley by his boy’s incredibly unpleasant step father. However, it doesn’t take long for him to find friendship in the security of the Railway Pack and his life as a street dog begins.
Pup never gives up hope of being reunited with his boy. Dog lovers, especially, will relate to the bond he feels, and share in his desperation to find his lost human.
Some elements (the dog’s mythology, the rival packs, the desire for a new and peaceful home) are reminiscent of ‘Watership Down’ by Richard Adams, which just happens to be one of my very favourite books. So, this could be one reason why I enjoyed it so much, but this novel goes much further in exploring the bonds that can exist between humans and animals.
All in all, it is a fairly gritty tale ( at least for young readers) of the plight of mistreated and abandoned animals. There are scenes which reveal some of the worst aspects of human nature and it had me in tears more times than I’d like to admit. But there are also wonderfully hopeful and life affirming moments as the bonds of love and friendship are explored.
A brilliant read that will make you pull your dog ( or cat or rabbit or even your human) a little closer.
As an English teacher, I like to have a decent knowledge of books for older children and YA fiction to help some of my more reluctant readers find the right book for them. As I know lots of them enjoy animal stories, I was excited to be given the chance by to read an advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley, David Fickling Books and the author.
April 16, 2023
bawled so many times throughout this book wtf like i had to read it for school and i went through the 5 stages of grief reading it it now has water stains and cracks all over it.
August 8, 2021
When Pup is left on the streets to fend for himself, he becomes a street dog. The only thing that keeps him going is the thought that one day he might be reunited with his boy.
Think “Black Beauty” with dogs and that pretty much sums up this story of cruelty and loyalty between man and dog.
I chose to read this because I’ve read a couple of other books by the same author, but I didn’t think this was up to her usual standard. OK but not riveting.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Think “Black Beauty” with dogs and that pretty much sums up this story of cruelty and loyalty between man and dog.
I chose to read this because I’ve read a couple of other books by the same author, but I didn’t think this was up to her usual standard. OK but not riveting.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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