Kat the Dog: The remarkable tale of a rescued Spanish water dog

by Alyson Sheldrake

Escaping from a wretched existence on a rundown farm, a young Spanish water dog goes on the quest of a lifetime, in search of a family to love her and a place to call home. Follow Kat the Dog as she tells her heart-warming and uplifting story. The little dog with a big heart who journeyed through fear and starvation to find her forever home. Lisa Rose Wright, author of the Writing Home series of travelogue memoirs. Liza Grantham, author of the Mad Cow in Galicia memoir series.

Genres: Dogs, Animals, Fiction

266 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2022

About the author

Alyson Sheldrake has an honours degree in sport and a teaching qualification in physical education, English, and drama. She has always loved art and painting, although she found little time for such pleasures, working full time after graduation. Alyson joined the Devon and Cornwall Police and served for thirteen years before leaving and working her way up the education ladder, rapidly reaching the dizzy heights of a Director of Education for the Church of England in Devon.
Managing over 130 schools was a challenging and rewarding role. However, after three years, her husband, Dave, retired from the police, and their long-held dream of living in the sun became a reality.
Alyson handed in her notice, and with her dusty easel and set of acrylic paints packed and ready to move, they started their new adventure living in the beautiful Algarve in Portugal.
She is now an accomplished and sought-after artist and author working alongside Dave, who became a professional photographer. Being able to bring their much-loved hobbies and creative interests to life has been a wonderful bonus to their life in the Algarve.
Alyson is the former editor of Portugal Letter magazine and a feature writer for the Algarve’s Tomorrow magazine. She is the author of the Algarve Dream Series of travel memoirs and the author/curator of the Travel Stories Series of anthologies.
Her animal memoir, Kat the Dog: The remarkable tale of a rescued Spanish Water Dog, was released in 2002, and is a multi-award-winning bestseller.
Her latest book, The Rainbow Bridge, is her first foray into fantasy fiction.
When she is not painting or writing, you can find Alyson walking Zara, their newly rescued Spanish water dog, along the riverbank in Aljezur.

Reviews

[Hannah - The BookSirens Babe]

A must-read for all dog lovers. Such an incredible story, full of warmth and love. I adore the fact the book is written from the dog’s pov. Gives us a totally different perspective on what’s happening. Also, Alyson’s writing is so good and easy to read that I found it almost therapeutic.

[Rebecca]

I absolutely loved this book. Alyson has done a remarkable job of describing the likely story of Kat’s life before she was adopted by her and Dave. It’s quite amazing how this tale told from Kat’s perspective tugged at my heartstrings. I’ll confess to having tears in my eyes at parts. However, it’s story of love and devotion, a tale of unconditional love between dog and owners. It’s a story of the joy and fun that Kat brought to their lives and of the care and love that was given to Kat in return. Kat is a very special little dog and this is a lovely tribute to her. Alyson says that Kat has transformed their lives, what is certain is that they have transformed Kat's.

[Lisa Wright]

If you are an animal lover then this is the must-read book of the year. The early chapters reminded me strongly of my favourite childhood book – Black Beauty. There are plenty of comparisons; themes of fear and hope, despair and joy run through the pages. But this book about a rescued Spanish water dog made me smile through the tears.
Kat the Dog’s story is ably told by the titular ‘Kat’ herself (with a little help from the talented Alyson Sheldrake). If you are not a dog person before you read this, you will be by the end. It’s a journey of self-discovery, and an out pouring of love, which is all Kat the dog – and the rest of us – really wants.

[Julie Haigh]

Magical.

Such a beautiful book, a memoir written from a dog's point of view. It's beautiful, sad, emotional, and heartstring-tugging. A story that will make you well up-but also weep with joy later. The book fills in what happened leading up to Kat's new life in Portugal. It's very special, a lovely story, and a wonderful ending for Alyson, Dave and Kat. Magical.

[Kathi]

Minus one star for graphic animal cruelty. (Meaning it could have been a two-star book)

This review in coming from the standpoint of an [American] animal rescuer. I've fostered and/or adopted out over a hundred dogs, cats and pocket pets in my 30-plus-year career.

The author admits herself in the end notes that they have no idea what Kat's life was like before Ginie picked her up on the side of the road. So she paints a disturbing portrait of what "maybe" happened. Then we spend 60% of the book going for walks and eating at outdoor cafes. Aside for two instances, nothing really happens once Kat is adopted. Then we go back to graphic animal brutality in the form of farm living.

In addition, some of the concepts/intimations that Kat "narrates" are really beyond a dog's comprehension. I really did not like this book at all.

[Cora]

I didn't love this book, but I can see where others might. The author's writing style sort of threw me..."learnt" instead of "learned", etc. I think that's just a foreign dialect thing, but it was a little distracting. I would have liked to have read Kat's story from the actual person's perspective rather than the dog's. Normally I like animal perspective stories, but I just found Kat's perceived perspective hard to believe at times. Clearly, Alyson Sheldrake and her husband adored Kat and Kat adored them. So that's really all that matters. But we all love our rescues, and they all adore us. So not necessarily a must-read, in my opinion.

[Kathryn Gauci]

Oh my goodness, what an amazing book. This is an incredibly moving story about Kat, a Spanish water dog who was rescued from an absolutely terrible life that unfortunately, far too many animals suffer all too often. It certainly had me experiencing a roller-coaster of emotions from the very first page and although I had to keep reaching for the tissues, it was a page-turner and I couldn't put it down. The author has done an amazing job in telling this story from Kat's point of view. It is stark and unbearably hard to read at times, yet at the same time, there is a tenderness that tugs at the heart, and it is cleverly done. It's a book that makes you think about the life some animals find themselves in and how human kindness can not only change the life of that animal, but of the person who chooses to give it a new life. It's a book that will make you look at abandoned animals in a new light. I highly recommend it to all animal lovers.

[Chris]

This is the amazing story of Kat, the rescued Spanish water dog. An enchanting blend of fact and fiction; Alyson has woven the tale of Kat's early life from clues her perceptive mind has gleaned from her observations of her beloved friend. Told in Kat's own words, this is a poignant and heartwarming story. I cried both happy and sad tears as I devoured this book; I really didn't want to put it down. A story of love, courage and devotion, this book will be adored by everyone, especially dog lovers.

[Sally Cronin]

This book will shock, sadden but inspire as the story of this beautiful dog Kat unfolds over a period of several years.

As an animal lover it is always difficult to be witness to cruelty, and in the first part of the book, as the author gifts Kat her own voice to tell her story, it is challenging to read. However I took heart knowing that this book is about a rescue dog and that life would change for this amazing girl.

After such an appalling start in life it took some time for Kat to settle in with her adopted family, but their patience and kindness opened up her world to adventures on the coast and in the countryside of Portugal. There are some wonderful encounters with chickens, rabbits ice cream and goats, and some not so great interactions with cats and ticks. With owners who adored her unconditionally, Kat was also able to explore being the puppy she was never allowed to be.

Those who own dogs will appreciate the accuracy of the observations and non-verbal communications between Kat and her owner as their bond develops, and at times you will forget it is a dog doing the narration. There are some laugh out loud moments as you recognise the manipulative power of a dog’s eyes and the antics they employ to get that all important treat.

I can highly recommend for all pet lovers and to those who enjoy reading inspiring real life stories.

[Beth Haslam]

A rescue tale to grab your heart and imagination.

This is a gripping story of triumph over adversity for a young Spanish water dog. Kat starts life in a harsh environment, suffering unimaginable cruelties at the hands of her brutal owner, before taking her opportunity to flee. She embarks on a journey that will ultimately change her life forever.

Was it because the tale is told by Kat herself? Or was it due to the author’s skilled writing that set my emotions on such a rollercoaster ride? It’s likely to be a combination of both.

The author’s wonderfully expressive descriptions range from guttural and heartrending to delicate and sensitive. At times I was moved to tears; at others, I giggled and said ‘aww!’ – all the ingredients of a great book. Having read this extraordinary story, just like Alyson Sheldrake, I fell in love with Kat too. Highly recommended.

[Helen Stephenson]

Drawing on evidence and intuition, Alyson deduces the misery of this poor little dog who lived her early years, neglected and unloved, in the poverty-stricken Spanish countryside. It would have been impossible to read the first few chapters if I hadn’t known that the story had a happy ending, but I can assure you that it does.

Kat was found as a stray and was rescued by a kind soul who then looked for a home for her. Alyson fell in love with Kat at first sight and we all fall in love with this sweet dog as we read about her life in her new home.

Kat joins Alyson on her extended early morning walks and with hubby Dave on outings in the car, whilst we learn lots about the lovely part of Portugal where they live.

If you have loved a dog you will love this touching tale.

[Jacqueline Lambert]

I blubbed my way through the first part of this book, which is a very powerful account of the awful treatment some poor pooches endure in Spain. However, the wonderful and committed people who step in to change their lot definitely brings the sun out again - and it is no spoiler to say that in spite of everything, there is a happy ending for everyone! It is a very hopeful and lovely story of how chance can conspire to change a life.

The book is written from the Kat the dog's point of view, but is beautifully observed by someone with empathy and understanding of our canine companions. You will fall in love with Kat. She is clearly a very brave, proud, and remarkable dog. I loved the way the author pieced together her history by how Kat reacted to certain situations and stimuli. It brought back memories of a Transylvanian street dog we brought back with us from Romania!

If you love dogs, you could not fail to enjoy this book. It brings to life the bond between humans and our canine companions, and if you have ever had a special dog in your life, I am sure you will adore this book as much as I did. I also think it is a wonderful gesture that 15% of earnings from this book will be donated to dog rescue charities.

I was fortunate to receive an Advance Review Copy of this book, but am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Thea TR Reynolds]

What a bunch of drivel. No wonder it was self published. No respectable publisher would spend money and reputation on this. This poor woman desperately needed something to love. But really, do we need to read about her daily walks and minor life issues with her pet? If someone didn't select this for our bookclub I would never had picked it up and be so much better off for not doing so. I get that people are dog crazy anymore but to actually write 246 pages of what we "think" the dog is thinking as it wees and eats and sniffs? And who the heck cares except for the dog owner. This should have stayed in Alyson Sheldrake's journal and not published by herself and sold to unsuspecting readers. On the cover it says "The remarkable tale of a rescued Spanish water dog". There was nothing remarkable about this book. Just a stream of thoughts made up about a dog.
Why??? With all there is out there to read would someone choose this warm, smelly pile of dog crap? If something doesn't get better it will be another bookclub to hit the dust.

[Toni]

A phenomenal tale of a rescued Spanish water dog named Kat. It is written from Kat's Point of View. The story does begin mournful and ends up loving and jubilant. Kat is rescued by Alyson and her husband Dave and here is where Kat's life truly begins to be lived! Alyson is Kat's Alpha and Kat is the sweet dog Alyson has long waited for. The story is the epitome of loving-kindness between Kat, Alyson and Dave.
This book was truly heartfelt for me. I hope that my rescued dog Mia feels the same way Kat did when Alyson kissed her nose, cuddled her and told Kat that she loved her. I also hope that all rescue dogs find a loving home as Kat has. I highly recommend this book for those who are dog lovers and those who are animal lovers as well.

[Andrea Jones]

A beautiful book written from the dog’s perspective.
The early chapters had me in tears, but it’s heartwarming to see how the story develops.
A must read for dog lovers.

[Trish]

I started reading this book to escape momentarily from a book I am reading about civil wars, possibly with the thought of an upcoming one. The story of Kat, the rescue dog, lifted me out of the political misery and into a world of hope and love.

[Stephen Powell]

Tender. That is the first word that springs to my lips to describe Alyson Sheldrake’s “Kat the Dog”. This is a very moving memoir, written so clearly from the heart. I am not a “dog person” + I have never owned a dog - but the whole subject of how we humans treat other creatures is obviously of sublime importance. It might even be a factor in whether we survive as a species. Alyson’s book has a beautiful quality of flow and it held my attention throughout. I recommend it without hesitation.

[Kathleen Van Lierop]

What a wonderful tale!

I read it in one time from the beginning till the end (never happened before with a book).
It's a very emotional story, excellent fluently written and the author captured the character of Kat the Dog very well. I really enjoyed it much!

Without any doubt I recommend this to all animal lovers and I hope Kat the Dog will receive many stars, likes and hugs!

I give this amazing tale a 5 star rating!

[Wendy Leo-Smith]

When I started reading Kat the Dog, I wasn’t too sure, then Alyson’s style of writing grew on me and the pages started to quickly turn as I lost myself in Kat’s amazing trials and tribulations. Admittedly, some are fictional, but as a Spanish resident, they are similar to what we hear off or see, way too often. I also found it reassuring that there is someone else out there as potty or pottier on their pet as I am. Alyson paints a fabulous picture of her life in Portugal, so much so I felt like I wanted to pack up sticks and move.

[JenBsBooks]

This had really high reviews ... but it was just okay for me, and almost a DNF. 2.5* Based on a true rescue, the author is the 'character' in the book that ultimately ends up adopting the dog ... but this is from the dog's perspective, from her birth to her meeting up with several people, ultimately Alyson and her husband. While there is some guess as to earlier life history - from the author's notes, some of what is imagined was based on guesses by the vet, from observing actions/triggers ... the author says "forgive me for the parts of this story that pure conjecture and fiction ..." Ironically, as I came to record this, on Storygraph, this was listed as non-fiction/memoir. REALLY? With the dog talking to us, the reader? Methinks not. I filed a ticket and it's been corrected as fiction (which is how it was correctly listed on Goodreads).

The idea of the doggy telling the story is cute ... I can see how this would totally appeal to the animal lovers out there, who imagine that their dogs are totally understanding everything, and having conversations in their head. Despite the happy ending here, there is a lot of bad things happening too ... so animal lovers would have a tough time, too much so for some I'm sure.

The writing was a little stilted, not quite the natural flow I'm used to in my reads. The prologue was jarring, starting with a 3rd person (little boy and mother observing the dog) "I think she knows we're talking about her" ... then a switch to italics "I do indeed" the dog thought to herself. Then a "this is a remarkable tale. It's the story of that special little dog over there. And she has quite the story to tell ..." So WHO is the "voice" here, some omniscient narrator? The mother? Someone else? It just felt odd.

Then the book shifted to first person, from the moment of birth ... before really. And thus begins the story, told from the dog's POV.

Just a personal pet peeve ... I like to know where the story I'm reading is taking place. I don't know that the location was actually essential to the story, but it's frustrating when I can't even pin down the place. I could tell it was not in the US, because of the spellings. The UK? Australia? Turns out it was Spain, then shifted to Portugal, but it took too long (in my opinion) for that to be revealed. I guess there's a clue there in the extended title (I despise extended titles, they try too hard).

Beyond the alternate spellings (meagre, realised, mouldy, manoeuvred), instead of "smelled" ... the author used "smelt". Also dreamt, spoilt, but still sneaked (when I'm actually totally okay with "snuck" as a past tense). I can deal with all but "smelt" ... smelt has a different meaning in the US (extract metal from its ore by a process involving heating and melting) and it was used FOURTY times in the book. This dog was smelting everything! "Scoffed" was another odd word ... used here to mean eating quickly (scarf down?), because "scoff" is to "speak to someone or about something in a scornful, derisive or mocking way". I realize there are regional variations, and I've read a lot, just have never encountered these before. At one point, "the gentle breeze ruffled my feathers" ... um FEATHERS? Is this still the DOG talking?

I got a little frustrated with the "understanding" or lack thereof of the dog towards humans. It was SO inconsistent. At times, it seems the dog could understand everything that was being said, then a few pages later - "not really understanding what she was saying" then it was back to understanding, then not getting what was going on (are they going to leave me? Duh, of course not!) It was grating at times, as it was SO obvious to the reader, yet oblivious to little doggo.

An issue with non-fiction/memoirs, is that there often isn't a story arc, like with a novel. No built-up, conflict, resolution. Here, being based on actual happenings, the story rambled some, with no real reason to tell about certain events, just more of a journaling of what happened. In a normal story I'd be asking myself "why was that even brought up, included?" An encounter with poisonous caterpillars (they avoid them), a cat attack (not too bad, maybe they had a litter they were protecting?), this and that happening on a walk on this day, something happening on a walk on that day. No real reason to included them all here ... except that I'm betting they were actual events. Does that mean we need to know about all of them? I know my journal is tedious and rambling, but it my personal record of events, not published book.

The "Kat the Dog" name was cute and silly ... but they sure called her tons of nicknames. I mean I do that with our kitties too (Joy ... we also call her Kitten and Princess, and Oreo is Oro-boro-smegadoro, Smoreo, or "old man") ... here, her original name was Luna, then Olayla ... I was a little surprised they didn't even think/talk about keeping that for a moment. While christened Kat, she was called Missy as much or more. Then there was Ratty, Monkey, Pickle, Poppet ...

So, I finished it. Pretty easy and quick read. I actually will probably remember reading this, although there was nothing profound, no quotes to save/highlight. Not really one I'd recommend. Don't need to own a copy. Included in KindleUnlimited, text only. There was audio, but I didn't feel like paying the add-on price, so I just read it.

[MaryAlice]

Kat is a first person narrative, or in this case, a dog telling his story; ie: memoir.

Of course the words belong to author, Alyson Sheldrake, the real life owner of her beloved Kat.

It is a sad story at times. I enjoyed reading about Kat not being able to climb stairs, having never experienced them in her pre-rescue/adoption days. I am not one to kiss dogs on their heads, and have never told any of my granddogs/grandcats that I love them. So that I did not care for the constant PDAs and "I love yous."

I imagine my middle child would kiss her pets and hug them. I know she adores & loves all dogs, not just her own pets. I especially see gooey love in her Loki's eyes. The family went on vacation shortly after they got puppy Loki; so I dog sat. I can tell by Loki's eyes that he loves and misses me. Thus, seeing love coming from Kat is believable to me.

The other daughter's rescue dog is indeed smart (and a smart ass) I saw Rory watching Mike and soon Rory was opening the bread drawer, leaving a mess of bread wrappers and crumbs all over the floor. Can clearly see emotions from another dog, Chole. She gets angry, blames me when I am dog sitting as parents vacation.

Besides anger in her eyes, she can be sad, and contrite. Perhaps I should attempt a memoir ~ my life with grandpets!

[Stormy Ramsey]

Not my typical read, but so sweet!

I won’t lie, I don’t tend to read non-fiction/documentaries almost ever. I usually just tend to read fiction.

I will say, I’m a sucker for cute animals and the cover actually got my attention first. I then realized it’s based off a true story but NOT exactly a ‘documentary’ type alone so I was a little more interested. I’m genuinely glad I gave this book a chance!

I enjoyed that it’s written from the dog’s perspective and I thought reading what you’d imagine the little dog was actually thinking was so cute! It’s not a fictional “animals talking to other animals” type. It’s a dog sharing its thoughts so to say if I’m wording that correctly.

The reasons I would give it 4/5 is because, like I said, it’s just not my typical favorite reading style, even though it was a good read!
*not exactly a spoiler but might not want to read ahead if you haven’t read it yet* but the ending wasn’t exactly ‘leaving you hanging’ but I thought maybe the author’s note would have clarified, but I just didn’t understand unfortunately of where Kat is today, or at least where she was when the book ended/was written? I know she “went to sleep” but I wasn’t sure if that implied she passed of natural causes sadly or if she’s actually still living with her soul mate! 🥹 I am so glad the author and Kat found each other! It is a very touching read. ❤️

[Dawn]

A Heartwarming and Important Book. This is a unique dog memoir detailing the heartwarming adoption of a rescue Spanish water dog and is told in the dog’s voice yet with the added dimension of human emotions, which gives it a more powerful impact, challenging the reader to imagine what an abandoned dog might feel and experience - though what is clear is that the dog's insecurities last a lifetime (despite possibly fading somewhat over time).

The reader accompanies Kat on her rescue journey as she experiences the polarity of human cruelty, love and goodness. This important book shines a spotlight on the issue of puppy farms and the abuse of dogs. It has a happy ending for Kat and the relief the reader feels when Kat is adopted is palpable.

However, this is more than just a dog rescue memoir because the author skilfully weaves into the book some of her own life story which gives it added depth, and I particularly found the snapshots of Alyson's life throughout the book an interesting addition.

An engaging book with lovely descriptions, and peppered with laugh-out-loud moments.

[Sheila McHutchon]

Delightful and so charming. This author has such a close bond with her rescue dog she is able to convince us she knows what her dog is thinking and feeling. I found the dreadful life Kat endured and how it affected her as totally believable.
I had read about the brutality of farmers who use dogs for hunting and some females for breeding purposes and killed the rest at birth but to have it explained from the dogs perspective was a huge eye opener because although Kat was traumatised she was a survivor and had a permanent place in her heart for her dead pups but still had so much love to give her owner.
I have looked after many breed types and all sorts of dog personalities in the 9 years I have been a dog carer - each dog has its own ideas about what will make their stay with me enjoyable. I am retired and now only have a few regulars who spend their holidays with me sometimes as much as a month when family goes overseas. Every dog thanks me before they leave again so I know Alyson has a very realistic capacity of understanding how dogs think. So very well written and to know that Kat is probably still with us bless her!

[Shirley Read-Jahn]

I’ll add my 5-star review to the many others this book has already received, and most deservedly. What a sweet, uplifting, tale is Kat the Dog! I listened to the story every morning while on my exercise bike and often couldn’t stop cycling, having to hear what was going to happen next to this dog. I related to much of what Alyson Sheldrake said about her ability to communicate with Kat. I know what she means, having been able to do that with my own basset hound when he was alive many years ago now. She felt there was a thread from Kat’s heart to hers. Yes! I understood completely. The narrator in this Audible version has just the right tone of voice for this sort of book—gentle, understanding, persuasive. I believed every word she said, as if it were Kat herself speaking; it all came across as honest and true, even the bad experiences in Kat’s life. It’s such a lovely story, with parts almost bringing me to tears, of sorrow then of joy. The memoir truly deserves all the kudos it is getting.

[Liza Grantham]

It was both a privilege and a pleasure to be a beta reader for this truly special book.
The most uplifting animal memoir since A Street Cat Named Bob. This is the kind of read that causes hearts to ache, spirits to soar and souls to sing with joy.
Against the odds Kat battles for survival in a world that seems devoid of kindness, with only hope to cling to as she embarks on a perilous quest for a place to call home. With the open road finally behind her, Kat faces an even greater challenge – will she ever be able to shake off her deep-seated fear and uncertainty to embrace a new life founded on trust?
Alyson Sheldrake combines empathy and imagination to deliver a unique insight into the canine psyche. The result is an enchanting narrative which leaves the reader spellbound from beginning to end.
So much more than just another animal story, Kat the Dog is a tale of courage, compassion and, above all, unshakeable and unconditional love

[Ann Göth]

I’ve always had a soft spot for stories written from an animal’s perspective, and this one kept me especially glued to the book. It contains so much emotion, heartbreak, and joy from one little bundle of fur, all written in such tender, engaging, and touching prose that I could not put the book down till the last page. Kat the Dog, while only little, touches on the big topics of determination, love, and kindness, so this is thus much more than just another dog story.
This book is not just for dog lovers, though those who know dogs will delight in the little things that dog owners cherish daily: their responsiveness to non-verbal cues, how they try to trick their owner into treats, and just their general joy over the smallest things. Kat the Dog stands for dog joy in the purest form, though his horrible experiences as a young dog are not something we would wish on any animal on Earth. It also stands for trial, tribulations, courage, compassion, and unconditional love. Recommended!

[Cornelius Quinn]

A truly inspiring story of animal rescue

KAT THE DOG is a most inspiring story of what dogs rescued from the streets have gone through and the work it takes to place them in loving homes. The dogs most likely come in starving, ill, and dirty after living on the streets. These dogs have fears from their lives before being adopted that must be understood to make the dogs feel comfortable in a new home. Alyson is able to touch on many of Kats fears, abandonment, poor treatment, starvation, and being left with unknown people. The story is so interesting especially if you are an animal lover. It presents ways people can help every day without actually adopting a pet if you're not able to. Support local shelters and rescue centers, volunteer, foster an animal or feed animals you know are hungry and take them to a shelter. So read this beautiful book and learn how you can help animals get a new home and a better way of life.

[Severina]

Kat was a real rescue dog adopted by Alyson and her partner, Dave. This is a semi-fictionalized account of her life told from Kat’s POV.

Kat was found as a stray, emaciated, having had several litters, and with the welts and scars of many past beatings. Alyson extrapolated from the way Kat reacted to certain things (a broom, a flock of birds) to craft this story from Kat’s POV, from a horrible beginning filled with abuse and neglect on a farm, to struggling on the streets, and to finally finding love with Alyson and Dave. The abuse was hard to read, though it’s not necessarily dwelled upon, and Alyson does a fairly good job of describing Kat’s emotions throughout her life. The constant refrain from Kat about how much Alyson loved her and took care of her and how absolutely fantastically stupendously wonderful Alyson was got very repetitive and was just weird considering it was Alyson writing it!

[Carol J. Hertkorn]

Who rescues who?

Abandon dog rescued in Spain, although will be taken to Portugal to live. The dog shares his early life story with us. Not a happy one for sure. Kept in poor conditions with out sufficient food or shelter to sustain life. Newly delivered in a litter that has little chance of survival pup manages to stay closer to Mom for a short while until the mother is too week to save the hens from the fox. Farmer is not interested in keeping the dog if not able to do her necessary work. So he gets rid of the dog and now the pup is all alone and expected to earn her keep.
Eventually pup is able to escape the farm only to discover that gaining her freedom from the mean farmer does not guarantee the end of her problems.
This is a lovely story of rescue and redemption told by the rescued and the rescuer.