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Dogs With A Purpose
Zeus: Water Rescue
The start of a brand new series about working dogs from #1 New York Times bestselling author W. Bruce Cameron!
Some dogs were born to lend a helping hand (or paw!).
Zeus, a chocolate lab puppy, is one of them. With his courage, smarts, and strength his purpose seems clear: he’ll become a water rescue dog!
When a young boy named Kimo is tasked with training Zeus, they quickly become best friends. But Zeus’ excitement makes training hard, and worse yet, becoming a working dog means being separated from Kimo. Can Zeus and his boy figure out how to stay together forever?
The first book in Cameron's new Dogs With a Purpose series, Zeus: Water Rescue is a fun, heartwarming adventure that will introduce young readers to the bravery and hard work of water rescue dogs.
Some dogs were born to lend a helping hand (or paw!).
Zeus, a chocolate lab puppy, is one of them. With his courage, smarts, and strength his purpose seems clear: he’ll become a water rescue dog!
When a young boy named Kimo is tasked with training Zeus, they quickly become best friends. But Zeus’ excitement makes training hard, and worse yet, becoming a working dog means being separated from Kimo. Can Zeus and his boy figure out how to stay together forever?
The first book in Cameron's new Dogs With a Purpose series, Zeus: Water Rescue is a fun, heartwarming adventure that will introduce young readers to the bravery and hard work of water rescue dogs.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 29, 2023
81 people are currently reading
2802 people want to read
About the author
W. Bruce Cameron
96 books4,488 followersI’ve always loved dogs, which puts me in a unique category along with what, maybe two or three billion people?
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
What’s not to love about an animal who will sit in your living room all day long, waiting for you to get home, and even if you need to work late and then stop for a stress-relieving beverage on your way home, when you unlock that front door, is absolutely overjoyed to see you? How could you not adore an animal who senses when your day is not going well and tries to cheer you up by dumping a sodden tennis ball in your lap?
I was probably 8 years old, playing in the back yard of our house in Prairie Village, KS, when my dad opened the gate and in rushed a 9-week-old Labrador puppy. I fell to my knees and spread my arms and that dog leaped into them as if we had loved each other our whole lives. It’s a scene that shows up in A Dog’s Purpose—a puppy and a boy meeting each other the very first time, both of them full of unrestrained joy.
We named the dog Cammie. She arrived in my life when I was just beginning to connect some of the dots in my memory to make a picture of who I was, forming my identity as a child. I remember every skinned knee and bicycle ride in the context of Cammie, who was always there for me. And I lost her just as I was starting to leave childhood behind, passing on after I’d spent a year in college. That’s Cammie, the dog of my childhood.
Years later I was riding my bicycle in the mountains outside of Pine, CO. A chance decision to bounce down a dirt road led me past a few scattered ranches and one small house near a creek, set back from the road at least 50 yards. A single “woof” from a dog caught my attention, and I braked and stood in the dry, clear air, regarding the dog who had called out to me.
She was on a chain by the house, and a fence stood between us, so I remained on the road even though I could see that the dog, a black lab mix with a crazily active tail, was clearly friendly. I gazed at her and the dog sat, attentive, staring into my eyes exactly the way my first dog, Cammie, used to look at me, really seeing into me.
And that’s when the thought hit me. What if this wonderful dog was Cammie? What if dogs live over and over again, and always remember us?
I dismissed the thought, waved at the dog, and rode away, but days later the idea came back to me. What if?
I’ve been a writer my whole life, but never have I ever written anything as important as A Dog’s Purpose.
I can’t promise you that A Dog’s Purpose will make you love your dog more—how could it do that? But I’ll tell you what a lot of people have told me: after reading A Dog’s Purpose, you’ll never look at your dog the same way again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
October 23, 2023
Another wonderful book from Bruce Cameron doing what he does best- telling a story from a dog’s point of view.
This book is the start of a new series called “dogs with a purpose”. This dog was a trained water rescue/ search and rescue dog. I would love to see this series have a police dog, fire dog, bomb/military dog, or diabetic alert dog in a future book.
I am glad this book still had the concept of a dog “finding his person” even though it was a working dog. His bond with Kimo was beautiful. I kept getting so annoyed at the dad for trying to sell Zeus when he so clearly had bonded with Kimo. I understand he needed the money and his job is to sell these water rescue dogs, but I still felt he was acting too strict. I also loved the bond between Kimo and his cousin Giana.
This book is set in Hawaii and there’s lots of beach and surf scenes which makes for a beautiful setting too. The ending was beautiful and I am glad it ended the way it did.
Highly recommend.
This book is the start of a new series called “dogs with a purpose”. This dog was a trained water rescue/ search and rescue dog. I would love to see this series have a police dog, fire dog, bomb/military dog, or diabetic alert dog in a future book.
I am glad this book still had the concept of a dog “finding his person” even though it was a working dog. His bond with Kimo was beautiful. I kept getting so annoyed at the dad for trying to sell Zeus when he so clearly had bonded with Kimo. I understand he needed the money and his job is to sell these water rescue dogs, but I still felt he was acting too strict. I also loved the bond between Kimo and his cousin Giana.
This book is set in Hawaii and there’s lots of beach and surf scenes which makes for a beautiful setting too. The ending was beautiful and I am glad it ended the way it did.
Highly recommend.
June 18, 2023
What a lovely book by the wonderful writer W. Bruce Cameron, author
of A Dog's Purpose. This book the first of the Dogs With Purpose series on dogs with different jobs. [working dogs] This was an ARC, so the rest of the series is truly something to look forward to.
A boy in Hawaii has a father who trains rescue dogs, and the boy falls in love with his latest pupil, a chocolate lab. The bond grows stronger as Kimo trains Zeus, but there may come a day when Zeus will have to be sold in an auction in Europe to support the family. How can the dog and his boy stay together?
Cameron never disappoints with his mixture of tension and humor. His characters are three dimensional, and the story exciting. I had trouble putting the book down. What I love about Cameron's dog stories is they are from the perspective of the dog; however, he doesn't anthropomorphize them, but the narration from the dog shows what the dog may or may not understand.
This is an excellent book for the classroom, or for any child/YA, or any lover of dogs. At the end there is a reading group guide for grades 3-7, ages 8-12. In fact, I would say any book club would love this. Highly recommended.
of A Dog's Purpose. This book the first of the Dogs With Purpose series on dogs with different jobs. [working dogs] This was an ARC, so the rest of the series is truly something to look forward to.
A boy in Hawaii has a father who trains rescue dogs, and the boy falls in love with his latest pupil, a chocolate lab. The bond grows stronger as Kimo trains Zeus, but there may come a day when Zeus will have to be sold in an auction in Europe to support the family. How can the dog and his boy stay together?
Cameron never disappoints with his mixture of tension and humor. His characters are three dimensional, and the story exciting. I had trouble putting the book down. What I love about Cameron's dog stories is they are from the perspective of the dog; however, he doesn't anthropomorphize them, but the narration from the dog shows what the dog may or may not understand.
This is an excellent book for the classroom, or for any child/YA, or any lover of dogs. At the end there is a reading group guide for grades 3-7, ages 8-12. In fact, I would say any book club would love this. Highly recommended.
January 6, 2025
I wanted to pet Zeus a lot in this book
August 29, 2023
Oh my dog!! I love this book! I love Zeus! I had never even heard of water rescue dogs before. I learned so much! This is slated for a middle grade reader, but I thoroughly enjoyed it as a middle aged reader! I’m really thankful to the publishers who sent me my advanced reader copy. I hope this book is made into a movie or a series.
October 10, 2023
Bruce Cameron's dogs are always moving and lovely. I smile and cry, loved them and hope for the best.
Zeus is lovely, I fell in love when I saw the cover, and loved the plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Zeus is lovely, I fell in love when I saw the cover, and loved the plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 14, 2023
I received an ARC of "Zeus: Water Rescue" and am happily reviewing it here. I've read and loved so many of W. Bruce Cameron's dog-world books and this new one is another winner. Although it's considered a YA novel, it made for really fun adult reading as well. And, as always, anyone who loves dogs should be captivated by this rousing story of a chocolate lab named Zeus who becomes a hero. The Hawaii setting is enjoyable as well and the story is filled with many root-worthy humans and dogs. Plus, Cameron's knack for getting inside the head of his dogs and making us feel what they feel is once again funny, touching and creative. Bravo!
June 18, 2025
Cameron really knows how to humanize the mind of a dog! He puts words to every emotion and thought a dog may portray! Zeus is a puppy that is picked to become a rescue dog, but his excited demeanor may prove that he is unable to comply and be trained. Working with a time limit, Kiki decides to make Zeus his project and train him in search and rescue and water rescue. As the time grows closer to auctioning Zeus off Kimo tries everything in his power to keep Zeus-even entering him into a surfing contest.
William Allen White Book 2025-26✅
William Allen White Book 2025-26✅
June 15, 2025
I’ve read several of W. Briuce Cameron’s books (and own the movie) so I was very excited to win an advanced copy through the Goodreads Giveaway. As a dog lover and long term lifeguard, I absolutely loved reading how Zeus trained to be a water rescue dog. My daughter is also a dog lover and loves the author’s book so we read it together. So much fun! Great for adults and kids starting to read chapter books. Thank you!
June 15, 2023
Special thanks to Tor Publishing Group and Goodreads Giveaways for the ARC of Zeus: Water Rescue. This is the first of the Dogs with a Purpose series. Set in Oahu, Zeus narrates the story, from young pup to the training of “Work.” The love of his boy motivates him to do what he is asked and eventually process that he can rescue on the water. Middle grade students will love this story, and even some adults! (Discussion questions are available at the end of the book to help with classroom discussions or book clubs.)
February 18, 2025
I’m a sucker for a dog POV and a book fair book. Zeus is a good boy 🥹
June 16, 2023
Great book about an energetic pup that is supposed to be in training for water rescue. Can his young trainer calm him enough to focus?
March 22, 2024
I liked it because I like stories about dogs. This dog was funny!
August 29, 2023
W. Bruce Cameron does it again — steals your heart, that is — this time, with the most precious and lovable chocolate Labrador puppy one could ever imagine. Just look at the adorable face on the cover!
Special thanks to the publisher for sending us an Advance Reader Copy of this book. We also purchased on Amazon to be included in the “Verified” category, and to have an extra copy on hand for when someone else wants to read it.
Zeus: Water Rescue is another delightful and heartwarming story from our favorite author ever - and we do mean ever, as in, like: For the Whole History of Humanity Throughout the Unimaginably Vast Expanse of the Time/Space Continuum in Its Entirety.
In other words, we are literally the ultimate true blue W. Bruce Cameron Fandorn-Extremist fans. Diehards. Hardcore. Call it what you will. (Truly. Go for it. We don’t care.)
Oh, and don’t even think about challenging us for the title. One of us is an 11-year old girl with a face so cute, it rivals that of Zeus, and the other one is her Mama Bear. No one wants to mess with that!
We own every book in Cameron's literary catalogue -- multiple copies of many titles kept on hand at all times so we can give them out as gifts to houseguests, or to random passers-by. The author-signed editions we retain solely for our personal private collection. We have come to know, love, and appreciate his "often imitated but never duplicated," wise and insightful, funny, charming, poignant, powerful, tug-at-your-heartstrings, deeply joyful, goodness-affirming style.
Okay, I’ll step down from the soapbox and start talking about the book now.
Part of Cameron’s latest series, Dogs with a Purpose, Zeus: Water Rescue introduces a brand-new cast of one-of-a-kind characters, each possessing traits that make them both endearingly unique as well as universally relatable.
We meet Marco, the dad in the story who wants more than anything to raise his son in the right way. There’s Kimo, the teenaged son and primary person to Zeus, as Kimo and Zeus love each other instantaneously. Conflict arises, of course, when Marco reminds Kimo that the reason for training Zeus in the art of water rescue is to sell Zeus at auction. This is, firstly, what allows them to live on the island, and second, well-trained dogs are sorely needed for search and rescue missions. Marco advises Kimo to view Zeus as a project, in an attempt to discourage the forging of emotional bonds between them.
Want to guess at how well that plan goes? Again, look at Zeus’s way too cute face!
I won’t reveal any more, because the arc of the plot is such a treat; but a great deal of action ensues between Kimo and Zeus establishing that they are meant to be a Boy and His Dog, together forever, struggling against formidable odds not stacked in their favor.
The novel champions possessing good values and morals and a strong code of ethics without ever proselytizing. An excellent story that encourages people, by example, to do the right thing in whatever circumstances in which they might find themselves — especially when the right thing is also the really difficult thing.
Cameron's storyline engages from the first sentence and quickly gains momentum on a breathless adventure full of sun, sand, and sea, set against a lush tropical Maui background. Highly recommend for children and adults from the age of 1 day old to 100+ years!
Zeus: Water Rescue is a fantastic, touching, exciting, adventurous, sweet, tender, thought-provoking, wildly endearing novel the whole family can enjoy. Plus, look at that adorable happy puppy face on the cover. Who could resist?
We sure can’t. 🙂🐶🐾
Special thanks to the publisher for sending us an Advance Reader Copy of this book. We also purchased on Amazon to be included in the “Verified” category, and to have an extra copy on hand for when someone else wants to read it.
Zeus: Water Rescue is another delightful and heartwarming story from our favorite author ever - and we do mean ever, as in, like: For the Whole History of Humanity Throughout the Unimaginably Vast Expanse of the Time/Space Continuum in Its Entirety.
In other words, we are literally the ultimate true blue W. Bruce Cameron Fandorn-Extremist fans. Diehards. Hardcore. Call it what you will. (Truly. Go for it. We don’t care.)
Oh, and don’t even think about challenging us for the title. One of us is an 11-year old girl with a face so cute, it rivals that of Zeus, and the other one is her Mama Bear. No one wants to mess with that!
We own every book in Cameron's literary catalogue -- multiple copies of many titles kept on hand at all times so we can give them out as gifts to houseguests, or to random passers-by. The author-signed editions we retain solely for our personal private collection. We have come to know, love, and appreciate his "often imitated but never duplicated," wise and insightful, funny, charming, poignant, powerful, tug-at-your-heartstrings, deeply joyful, goodness-affirming style.
Okay, I’ll step down from the soapbox and start talking about the book now.
Part of Cameron’s latest series, Dogs with a Purpose, Zeus: Water Rescue introduces a brand-new cast of one-of-a-kind characters, each possessing traits that make them both endearingly unique as well as universally relatable.
We meet Marco, the dad in the story who wants more than anything to raise his son in the right way. There’s Kimo, the teenaged son and primary person to Zeus, as Kimo and Zeus love each other instantaneously. Conflict arises, of course, when Marco reminds Kimo that the reason for training Zeus in the art of water rescue is to sell Zeus at auction. This is, firstly, what allows them to live on the island, and second, well-trained dogs are sorely needed for search and rescue missions. Marco advises Kimo to view Zeus as a project, in an attempt to discourage the forging of emotional bonds between them.
Want to guess at how well that plan goes? Again, look at Zeus’s way too cute face!
I won’t reveal any more, because the arc of the plot is such a treat; but a great deal of action ensues between Kimo and Zeus establishing that they are meant to be a Boy and His Dog, together forever, struggling against formidable odds not stacked in their favor.
The novel champions possessing good values and morals and a strong code of ethics without ever proselytizing. An excellent story that encourages people, by example, to do the right thing in whatever circumstances in which they might find themselves — especially when the right thing is also the really difficult thing.
Cameron's storyline engages from the first sentence and quickly gains momentum on a breathless adventure full of sun, sand, and sea, set against a lush tropical Maui background. Highly recommend for children and adults from the age of 1 day old to 100+ years!
Zeus: Water Rescue is a fantastic, touching, exciting, adventurous, sweet, tender, thought-provoking, wildly endearing novel the whole family can enjoy. Plus, look at that adorable happy puppy face on the cover. Who could resist?
We sure can’t. 🙂🐶🐾
May 21, 2023
I received an ARC for review from the publisher. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Zeus: Water Rescue is a young reader book about a water rescue dog named Zeus, told in the perspective of Zeus. This is a heartwarming read that introduces young readers to working dogs. In Zeus: Water Rescue we read about what it takes to be a water rescue, and search and rescue, dog and also get a glimpse at a different working dog, a cattle dog.
This book takes place in Hawaii and follows the growth of a chocolate lab named Zeus from adoption through training with his young teen trainer, Kimo.
Zeus: Water Rescue is an easy read full of emotion as we see Zeus' puppy antics and his thoughts towards his people, other dogs, and of course...treats. At the end of the book there is a Reading Group Guide containing pre-reading discussion questions and post-reading discussion questions along with reading activities. This is perfect for parents and children to discuss the book, and great for classroom reading.
Zeus: Water Rescue is a young reader book about a water rescue dog named Zeus, told in the perspective of Zeus. This is a heartwarming read that introduces young readers to working dogs. In Zeus: Water Rescue we read about what it takes to be a water rescue, and search and rescue, dog and also get a glimpse at a different working dog, a cattle dog.
This book takes place in Hawaii and follows the growth of a chocolate lab named Zeus from adoption through training with his young teen trainer, Kimo.
Zeus: Water Rescue is an easy read full of emotion as we see Zeus' puppy antics and his thoughts towards his people, other dogs, and of course...treats. At the end of the book there is a Reading Group Guide containing pre-reading discussion questions and post-reading discussion questions along with reading activities. This is perfect for parents and children to discuss the book, and great for classroom reading.
May 19, 2023
Zeus: Water Rescue is such a heartwarming story. Located in Hawaii and told by Zeus' point of view. Marco trains dogs for water rescue and then has them sold overseas but his teenage son, Kimo, forms such an incredible bond with Zeus that he'll do anything and everything (don't want to give any spoilers) in the hopes of getting to keep Zeus himself. The shenanigans they get into is laugh out loud funny. The book will grab and hold your attention from the very first page until the very end.
My daughter is 10 years old and LOVES all of W Bruce Cameron's books and was so excited to get to read this ARC so thank you to W. Bruce Cameron, Tor Publishing Group, Starscape and Netgalley for this ARC.
My daughter is 10 years old and LOVES all of W Bruce Cameron's books and was so excited to get to read this ARC so thank you to W. Bruce Cameron, Tor Publishing Group, Starscape and Netgalley for this ARC.
August 24, 2023
Attention Tweens, this one is for dog lovers!
Zeus, the puppy, narrates this tale of love, training, dogs, and humans. You’ll find the tale funny, sweet, and even a little sad. Best of all, you’ll learn how four legged creatures think (or at least how Cameron thinks they think).
You’ll cheer when Zeus rescues lost dogs and people.
This book is the latest in a string of books staring dogs and narrated by dogs. If you love that perspective, you and your parents will devour this book in a few hours.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
Zeus, the puppy, narrates this tale of love, training, dogs, and humans. You’ll find the tale funny, sweet, and even a little sad. Best of all, you’ll learn how four legged creatures think (or at least how Cameron thinks they think).
You’ll cheer when Zeus rescues lost dogs and people.
This book is the latest in a string of books staring dogs and narrated by dogs. If you love that perspective, you and your parents will devour this book in a few hours.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
November 1, 2023
Zeus: Water Rescue is the first book in the Dogs With A Purpose series written by W. Bruce Cameron. As many of you know, I love dogs with my entire heart, so when I saw the title and cover for this book, I knew I had to read it immediately. HOW COULD YOU NOT LOVE THAT PRECIOUS LITTLE FACE? As a rescue pup owner myself, this book touched me deeply, not only was it inspirational, it was heart breaking at times. There's a saying that goes "a dog needs a human, just as much as a human needs a dog". W. Bruce Cameron writes so uniquely, he writes his stories in the dog's point of view, which honestly is so cool. I have read many books by this author before, so when I saw he a had a new series coming out, I knew I needed to read it because I just love his story telling so much. Honestly, I loved and adored this book so much, there's absolutely nothing I would change about this book even though it was truly heart breaking at times, but that's what happens when you become a dog owner. This book doesn't advocate to go get a dog right now, but it does show that when you adopt a pet, it truly changes their lives. I can't recommend this book enough, it was so inspirational, beautiful, touching, and heart breaking at times, so please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book immediately.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND TOR PUBLISHING GROUP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"The concern coming off both Kimo and Marco was raw and sharp, I knew that if I weren't in my crate, I could put my head in their laps and they would be comforted. A person will always feel better with a dog's head in their lap".
W. Bruce Cameron says "some dogs were born to lend a helping hand (or a paw), well that's very true for Zeus. Zeus is a chocolate lab puppy who is up for adoption. Zeus was born in a litter with other chocolate lab puppies, but they were all adopted by other families, the only two that were left were Zeus and his brother. Zeus's brother gets adopted by another family, now that leaves Zeus. Marco and Kimo are a father and son duo who rescue puppies to try and train them for water rescue, and then after they get trained by Marco and Kimo, they sell them to water rescue operations. Kimo is tasked with training Zeus, but Kimo and Zeus instantly become best friends. Kimo knows how hard it is to let go after they are done training these puppies, but with Zeus it's much more different, Kimo instantly loves Zeus. Zeus's excitement makes training very difficult, Zeus is full of joy and a rambunctious puppy. But worse yet, becoming a working dog means being separated from Kimo. Kimo is still in school, he does summer camp lifeguard training, and he has to stay with his mom from time to time, so that means leaving Zeus behind. Kimo and his father Marco live in Hawaii, so water training a dog is very important.
I absolutely adored witnessing Marco and Kimo training Zeus, this dog was so silly but extremely smart. Even though he had a lot of energy, Zeus knew when it was time to train. My heart instantly went out to Kimo, I can so relate to him because it's so impossible not to get too close with a dog and then they have to go to a different home because certain lifestyles don't accommodate with certain dogs. Despite Kimo knowing Zeus was only with them for a short amount of time, Kimo never gave up on training Zeus to be the best water rescue dog out there, even if Zeus made it impossible sometimes. The cover is just too adorable, that beautiful chocolate lab sitting there with his tongue out, and those sweet little puppy eyes. This book was so inspirational because it basically teaches you that no matter how much energy a puppy has, it's not impossible to train them to be working animals. I want everyone to read this book at some point because it's so cute and so touching. I actually had tears streaming down my face when Kimo and Marco would talk about getting rid of Zeus, but Kimo kept pushing his father to let them hold onto Zeus forever, even after training was over. Kudos to Kimo for never giving up, that little boy was truly an inspiration.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND TOR PUBLISHING GROUP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"The concern coming off both Kimo and Marco was raw and sharp, I knew that if I weren't in my crate, I could put my head in their laps and they would be comforted. A person will always feel better with a dog's head in their lap".
W. Bruce Cameron says "some dogs were born to lend a helping hand (or a paw), well that's very true for Zeus. Zeus is a chocolate lab puppy who is up for adoption. Zeus was born in a litter with other chocolate lab puppies, but they were all adopted by other families, the only two that were left were Zeus and his brother. Zeus's brother gets adopted by another family, now that leaves Zeus. Marco and Kimo are a father and son duo who rescue puppies to try and train them for water rescue, and then after they get trained by Marco and Kimo, they sell them to water rescue operations. Kimo is tasked with training Zeus, but Kimo and Zeus instantly become best friends. Kimo knows how hard it is to let go after they are done training these puppies, but with Zeus it's much more different, Kimo instantly loves Zeus. Zeus's excitement makes training very difficult, Zeus is full of joy and a rambunctious puppy. But worse yet, becoming a working dog means being separated from Kimo. Kimo is still in school, he does summer camp lifeguard training, and he has to stay with his mom from time to time, so that means leaving Zeus behind. Kimo and his father Marco live in Hawaii, so water training a dog is very important.
I absolutely adored witnessing Marco and Kimo training Zeus, this dog was so silly but extremely smart. Even though he had a lot of energy, Zeus knew when it was time to train. My heart instantly went out to Kimo, I can so relate to him because it's so impossible not to get too close with a dog and then they have to go to a different home because certain lifestyles don't accommodate with certain dogs. Despite Kimo knowing Zeus was only with them for a short amount of time, Kimo never gave up on training Zeus to be the best water rescue dog out there, even if Zeus made it impossible sometimes. The cover is just too adorable, that beautiful chocolate lab sitting there with his tongue out, and those sweet little puppy eyes. This book was so inspirational because it basically teaches you that no matter how much energy a puppy has, it's not impossible to train them to be working animals. I want everyone to read this book at some point because it's so cute and so touching. I actually had tears streaming down my face when Kimo and Marco would talk about getting rid of Zeus, but Kimo kept pushing his father to let them hold onto Zeus forever, even after training was over. Kudos to Kimo for never giving up, that little boy was truly an inspiration.
May 5, 2023
ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central
Roger has several black labrador puppies that were rescued after their pregnant mother was found abandoned. He is assessing their fitness to be trained as search and rescue dogs and finding homes for the others. He's down to two dogs, Troy and Zeus. He has a family lined up for whichever one doesn't work out, and Marco sets about training the two. Told from Zeus' point of view, we see how the training goes; Zeus has to ride in a vehicle, swim in the ocean, and even go down a steep pool slide several times. Troy gives up and ends up going with the family, which disappoints Zeus, although he wants to please Marco. Marco's teenage son, Kimo, takes immediately to Zeus and isn't happy that his father is going to sell Zeus overseas to work as a water rescue dog. Marco does search and rescue with Bear, and donations help fund the cost of keeping a dog, but the family can't afford to keep one as a pet. They live on Oahu, but Kimo's mother lives in Indianapolis. Kimo is at first determined to mess up Zeus' training, but this only ends with his father's determination to send Zeus away to be trained elsewhere. Wanting to keep Zeus close for as long as possible, Kimo tries very hard to train the pup properly, and finds a surprising ally in Bear. Unfortunately, Bear has lost his hearing and won't be able to do search and rescue anyone. Kimo complains that they can afford to keep Bear as a pet, but his father points out that the donations Bear has earned will support him. Zeus gets involved in many different types of rescues, but will there be a way for Kimo to stay with him?
Cameron has a whole series of A Dog's Purpose books, from Lily to the Rescue for younger readers to his Puppy Tale series to his adult novels, but this is perhaps my favorite. Marco's mission to train dogs is an admirable one, the Hawaii setting is interesting, and Kimo's desire to keep Zeus for his own will speak to young readers who are fans of all things canine. I'm usually not a fan of books written from the dog's point of view, and this is well done. I particularly liked Zeus' experience going down a pool slide!
The Puppy Tale books usually have an underlying problem, and Zeus' story does as well. Kimo feels shuttled between his parents' world and is trying to find a place for himself, and desperately wants to keep Zeus for himself. I think this will appeal to a slightly older audience than Cameron's other children's books, and I'm very much looking forward to more Water Rescue tales. I plan on giving the Advance Readers Copy to an 8th grade student who has read nothing but dog books for the whole three years I've worked with him!
Twenty years ago, I found it hard to get students to read dog books, but interest in them has been growing steadily over the last few years, perhaps aided by the increase in dogs being adopted during the pandemic! Hand this to readers who have graduated from Stier's A Dog's Day books and have enjoyed Mason and Stephen's Rescue Dogs, Sutter's Soldier Dogs, or Shotz's Hero.
Roger has several black labrador puppies that were rescued after their pregnant mother was found abandoned. He is assessing their fitness to be trained as search and rescue dogs and finding homes for the others. He's down to two dogs, Troy and Zeus. He has a family lined up for whichever one doesn't work out, and Marco sets about training the two. Told from Zeus' point of view, we see how the training goes; Zeus has to ride in a vehicle, swim in the ocean, and even go down a steep pool slide several times. Troy gives up and ends up going with the family, which disappoints Zeus, although he wants to please Marco. Marco's teenage son, Kimo, takes immediately to Zeus and isn't happy that his father is going to sell Zeus overseas to work as a water rescue dog. Marco does search and rescue with Bear, and donations help fund the cost of keeping a dog, but the family can't afford to keep one as a pet. They live on Oahu, but Kimo's mother lives in Indianapolis. Kimo is at first determined to mess up Zeus' training, but this only ends with his father's determination to send Zeus away to be trained elsewhere. Wanting to keep Zeus close for as long as possible, Kimo tries very hard to train the pup properly, and finds a surprising ally in Bear. Unfortunately, Bear has lost his hearing and won't be able to do search and rescue anyone. Kimo complains that they can afford to keep Bear as a pet, but his father points out that the donations Bear has earned will support him. Zeus gets involved in many different types of rescues, but will there be a way for Kimo to stay with him?
Cameron has a whole series of A Dog's Purpose books, from Lily to the Rescue for younger readers to his Puppy Tale series to his adult novels, but this is perhaps my favorite. Marco's mission to train dogs is an admirable one, the Hawaii setting is interesting, and Kimo's desire to keep Zeus for his own will speak to young readers who are fans of all things canine. I'm usually not a fan of books written from the dog's point of view, and this is well done. I particularly liked Zeus' experience going down a pool slide!
The Puppy Tale books usually have an underlying problem, and Zeus' story does as well. Kimo feels shuttled between his parents' world and is trying to find a place for himself, and desperately wants to keep Zeus for himself. I think this will appeal to a slightly older audience than Cameron's other children's books, and I'm very much looking forward to more Water Rescue tales. I plan on giving the Advance Readers Copy to an 8th grade student who has read nothing but dog books for the whole three years I've worked with him!
Twenty years ago, I found it hard to get students to read dog books, but interest in them has been growing steadily over the last few years, perhaps aided by the increase in dogs being adopted during the pandemic! Hand this to readers who have graduated from Stier's A Dog's Day books and have enjoyed Mason and Stephen's Rescue Dogs, Sutter's Soldier Dogs, or Shotz's Hero.
July 2, 2023
Zeus has no idea what a water rescue dog is, but he is about to be trained as one as he is adopted by Kimo’s father, who raises and trains water rescue dogs. Thus begins the journey of one of latest dog books by the author. Zeus adapts well to life with Kimo’s family and with the training. However, Kimo’s father fears Zeus is a little too frisky to be a successful water rescue dog, so decides he should either return Zeus to where he got him, swapping him out for another dog, or send him off to a trainer who handles dogs like Zeus. Kim is devastated, as Zeus and he have bonded as trues friends. Zeus, for his part, does not fully understand this, though he truly is bonded with Kimo and cannot even think of being separated from him. As time passes, Seus becomes mor proficient as a water rescue dog with training by Kimo, but his father is still determined to sell him or take him back and get another dog to try to train. What can Kimo do to keep his new friend? How can Zeus help him out in this effort?
Though this is obviously a book for a younger reader, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I fell in love, much like Kimo, with Zeus almost from the start. I was cheering for the pair to stay together and for Zeus to become a success from almost the start. I loved the way the book was written in the voice of Zeus. It did not get old or become too much for me. The author has again written a masterpiece about dogs that will appeal to any dog lover regardless of age as well for a younger audience. This is a good book to read aloud to youngsters, who will undoubtedly cheer Zeus on as he goes through life and his training as well as Kimo worries about that the future if Zeus will be. I only wish I could give it more than five stars. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
Though this is obviously a book for a younger reader, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I fell in love, much like Kimo, with Zeus almost from the start. I was cheering for the pair to stay together and for Zeus to become a success from almost the start. I loved the way the book was written in the voice of Zeus. It did not get old or become too much for me. The author has again written a masterpiece about dogs that will appeal to any dog lover regardless of age as well for a younger audience. This is a good book to read aloud to youngsters, who will undoubtedly cheer Zeus on as he goes through life and his training as well as Kimo worries about that the future if Zeus will be. I only wish I could give it more than five stars. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
October 25, 2024
Do you know a kid who loves dogs? They just might be interested in Zeus: Water Rescue. Written for Middle Grade children, this book shares the story of Zeus, a puppy who watches his littermates find new homes while he is left desperately wanting a person of his own. It is charmingly told from Zeus’ point of view as the puppy tries to understand what the people are doing and to please them.
In Hawaii, Marco pieces a living together between jobs focusing on Search and Rescue and as an Emergency Responder. He especially needs the income he receives when he trains a dog in water rescue and sells it in Europe. Not many dogs are right for the job especially when they are given the final test—jumping from a helicopter.
Kimo lives with his dad Marco and his grandmother and wants a puppy of his own as much as Zeus wants a boy of his own. Because of the financial need to sell a trained dog, even if Kimo can train the rambunctious Zeus, there doesn’t seem to be a way forward for the pair to stay together. Kimo’s cousin Giana is smart and not intimidated by adults. She helps Kimo in his efforts to keep Zeus. Their banter is fun and lightens the sadness that naturally occurs as the impending separation looms on the horizon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
In Hawaii, Marco pieces a living together between jobs focusing on Search and Rescue and as an Emergency Responder. He especially needs the income he receives when he trains a dog in water rescue and sells it in Europe. Not many dogs are right for the job especially when they are given the final test—jumping from a helicopter.
Kimo lives with his dad Marco and his grandmother and wants a puppy of his own as much as Zeus wants a boy of his own. Because of the financial need to sell a trained dog, even if Kimo can train the rambunctious Zeus, there doesn’t seem to be a way forward for the pair to stay together. Kimo’s cousin Giana is smart and not intimidated by adults. She helps Kimo in his efforts to keep Zeus. Their banter is fun and lightens the sadness that naturally occurs as the impending separation looms on the horizon.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 20, 2023
Aimed at the younger middle grade reader this is a wonderful story of love between a dog and his boy. Told in first person from the dog’s point of view, young Zeus watches as one by one his litter mates find their families until only he and one of his brothers are left behind. Then along come Marco to the rescue. Marco trains dogs to become water rescue dogs and then sells them at auction. Soon however, Zeus meets Marco’s son Kimo and the two form an unbreakable bond. Kimo hopes to keep Zeus as a pet, but unfortunately, Marco needs the money that will come from the sale of Zeus in order to put food on the table for his family. Kimo is determined to keep Zeus and will do everything to make sure it happens. Following is a heartwarming story of friendship as Zeus learns what is expected of him in his rescue role. The crazy antics the two get into are at times laugh out loud funny and other times heart wrenching. Throughout the novel kids will learn all about the steps involved in training a dog in search and water rescue. A reading guide with questions to ponder is included at the end of the book. Recommended for dog lovers and non-dog lovers alike. Thanks to Tor Publishing and Goodreads Giveaway for giving me an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
September 27, 2023Thank you to NetGalley and Tor as well as the author for this ARC. It was delightful.
#NetGalley #TorPublishingGroup #W.BruceCameron #Zues;WaterResue #DogsWithAPurpose
Author: W. Bruce Cameron
Publisher: Tor Publishing Group
Publication Date: August 29, 2023
I always love the books from Mr. Cameron. They’re always sweet and cute. They always make me cry (I can do without that part). This is the start of a new series and I can’t wait to continue reading. Zeus is a chocolate labrador puppy who is being trained to become a water rescue dog. His trainer and best friend develops a strong bond with Zeus. The trouble is that the whole point of training Zeus is to prepare him to be separated from his best friend. How will Zeus and Kimo handle that?
This is considered a YA novel but adults will love it too. If you love heart-warming stories about dogs, then you’ve come to the right book and the right author. Mr. Cameron is an expert at developing a relationship between dogs and their people. The stories are always full of the feels.
There’s not much to criticize. The only thing I wish is that the book didn’t have to end and that the next will come quickly.
#NetGalley #TorPublishingGroup #W.BruceCameron #Zues;WaterResue #DogsWithAPurpose
Author: W. Bruce Cameron
Publisher: Tor Publishing Group
Publication Date: August 29, 2023
I always love the books from Mr. Cameron. They’re always sweet and cute. They always make me cry (I can do without that part). This is the start of a new series and I can’t wait to continue reading. Zeus is a chocolate labrador puppy who is being trained to become a water rescue dog. His trainer and best friend develops a strong bond with Zeus. The trouble is that the whole point of training Zeus is to prepare him to be separated from his best friend. How will Zeus and Kimo handle that?
This is considered a YA novel but adults will love it too. If you love heart-warming stories about dogs, then you’ve come to the right book and the right author. Mr. Cameron is an expert at developing a relationship between dogs and their people. The stories are always full of the feels.
There’s not much to criticize. The only thing I wish is that the book didn’t have to end and that the next will come quickly.
July 24, 2023
What a cool dog adventure book!
It's funny and heartwarming, and describes like literary flashcards some of the different things going on in Hawaii: surfing, ranching, just a bit of wholesome culture. We get exposure to Hawaiian concepts like pono, ohana, mahalo.
This is written for ages 8-12, grades 3-7. The reading level is quite basic and there isn't anything particularly literary or "between the lines" going on to disrupt, for instance, a readaloud in a primary school classroom. We get some foreshadowing, but also some genuine twists. I actually teared up at some of the one-liners pertaining to dogs' purpose in human lives.
Anthropomorphism is big, as the dog is the narrator. We get a saccharine meet-cute between boy and dog early on, and the devotion to this boy over all other humans drives a lot of the less realistic motivation the dog has:
There were also a few flat characters who were necessary to prop up the main dog-boy dyad, and as a seasoned reader I had trouble ignoring the lack of context. Still, if you love dogs and books written for kids, this was a super cute story. If not, skip this one.
It's funny and heartwarming, and describes like literary flashcards some of the different things going on in Hawaii: surfing, ranching, just a bit of wholesome culture. We get exposure to Hawaiian concepts like pono, ohana, mahalo.
This is written for ages 8-12, grades 3-7. The reading level is quite basic and there isn't anything particularly literary or "between the lines" going on to disrupt, for instance, a readaloud in a primary school classroom. We get some foreshadowing, but also some genuine twists. I actually teared up at some of the one-liners pertaining to dogs' purpose in human lives.
"Having a dog nearby always makes things better. Whatever he was facing in the world, he was facing it with a dog."
"She seemed as angry as the last time I had seen her. Some people just really need a dog, and she seemed to be one of them."
Anthropomorphism is big, as the dog is the narrator. We get a saccharine meet-cute between boy and dog early on, and the devotion to this boy over all other humans drives a lot of the less realistic motivation the dog has:
"We looked into each other's eyes, and I could feel it. Every dog has a person. This one was mine."
There were also a few flat characters who were necessary to prop up the main dog-boy dyad, and as a seasoned reader I had trouble ignoring the lack of context. Still, if you love dogs and books written for kids, this was a super cute story. If not, skip this one.
September 5, 2023
‘23 - 4 STARS
DESCRIPTION : Some dogs were born to lend a helping hand (or paw!). Zeus, a chocolate lab puppy, is one of them. With his courage, smarts, and strength his purpose seems clear: he’ll become a water rescue dog! When a young boy named Kimo is tasked with training Zeus, they quickly become best friends. But Zeus’s excitement makes training hard, and worse yet, becoming a working dog means being separated from Kimo. Can Zeus and his boy figure out how to stay together forever?
REVIEW: Previous books were Love Clancy, Diary of a Good Dog (‘23 - 4 Stars), A Dog’s Courage (‘21 - 4 Stars), A Dog’s Way Home (‘17 - 4 Stars), A Dog’s Journey (‘12 - 5 Stars) and A Dog’s Purpose (‘10 - Read ‘11 - 5 Stars).
This is a childrens’ book but since I love this author and dogs, I decided to try it. Simple but enjoyable writing. Love when a dog tells the story. The pencil drawings are cute. Loved the relationship between a boy and his dog. Great lesson for children to work hard for what you really want.
DESCRIPTION : Some dogs were born to lend a helping hand (or paw!). Zeus, a chocolate lab puppy, is one of them. With his courage, smarts, and strength his purpose seems clear: he’ll become a water rescue dog! When a young boy named Kimo is tasked with training Zeus, they quickly become best friends. But Zeus’s excitement makes training hard, and worse yet, becoming a working dog means being separated from Kimo. Can Zeus and his boy figure out how to stay together forever?
REVIEW: Previous books were Love Clancy, Diary of a Good Dog (‘23 - 4 Stars), A Dog’s Courage (‘21 - 4 Stars), A Dog’s Way Home (‘17 - 4 Stars), A Dog’s Journey (‘12 - 5 Stars) and A Dog’s Purpose (‘10 - Read ‘11 - 5 Stars).
This is a childrens’ book but since I love this author and dogs, I decided to try it. Simple but enjoyable writing. Love when a dog tells the story. The pencil drawings are cute. Loved the relationship between a boy and his dog. Great lesson for children to work hard for what you really want.
September 26, 2023
First sentence: Something was happening to my puppy family.
Premise/plot: Zeus is chosen as a puppy to be trained for water rescue. He bonds with the son (Kimo) of the man who chose him to train. When his initial training fails to thrive--he doesn't seem to understand basic commands--Kimo takes over his training "secretly." He doesn't want Zeus to be sold. But he does want Zeus to succeed as a water rescue dog (and/or search and rescue).
The book is set, I believe, in Hawaii. Zeus will have an opportunity to prove himself by the end of the novel.
My thoughts: I had a hard time connecting with this one. I'm not sure if this is because a) my expectations were so high b) my attention span was malfunctioning when I sat down to read it c) I wasn't expecting it to be for a slightly older audience.
I like it well enough to do a general recommendation. It is not 'cutesy' like some of his earlier dog books--like the Lily series. It is more serious-minded than cutesy.
Premise/plot: Zeus is chosen as a puppy to be trained for water rescue. He bonds with the son (Kimo) of the man who chose him to train. When his initial training fails to thrive--he doesn't seem to understand basic commands--Kimo takes over his training "secretly." He doesn't want Zeus to be sold. But he does want Zeus to succeed as a water rescue dog (and/or search and rescue).
The book is set, I believe, in Hawaii. Zeus will have an opportunity to prove himself by the end of the novel.
My thoughts: I had a hard time connecting with this one. I'm not sure if this is because a) my expectations were so high b) my attention span was malfunctioning when I sat down to read it c) I wasn't expecting it to be for a slightly older audience.
I like it well enough to do a general recommendation. It is not 'cutesy' like some of his earlier dog books--like the Lily series. It is more serious-minded than cutesy.
August 27, 2023
Zeus by W. Bruce Cameron
Excitable chocolate lab puppy Zeus wants nothing more than to find a place with a loving family. When dog trainer Marco sees his potential as a water rescue dog and brings him home to start training, Zeus is thrilled to make a friend in Marco’s son Kimo. Set in Hawaii, this heartwarming book is about duty, family, and the unbreakable bond of love between a dog and his boy.
While this series is aimed at middle grade readers, I still enjoyed the adventure as an adult. There is an excellent reading and activity guide included in the back of the book, which encourages parents and teachers to open discussions about the themes within the story. Overall, Cameron created a charming story with likable protagonists that is both educational and entertaining.
My thanks to the publisher and author for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Excitable chocolate lab puppy Zeus wants nothing more than to find a place with a loving family. When dog trainer Marco sees his potential as a water rescue dog and brings him home to start training, Zeus is thrilled to make a friend in Marco’s son Kimo. Set in Hawaii, this heartwarming book is about duty, family, and the unbreakable bond of love between a dog and his boy.
While this series is aimed at middle grade readers, I still enjoyed the adventure as an adult. There is an excellent reading and activity guide included in the back of the book, which encourages parents and teachers to open discussions about the themes within the story. Overall, Cameron created a charming story with likable protagonists that is both educational and entertaining.
My thanks to the publisher and author for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2023
This was an absolutely fabulous book and not just for children. I read this with a young cousin as one of his summer reading and he loved it as much as I did. It led to some great conversations with him and for him with his parents. They’re a cat family, but now he is driving his parents crazy for his very own dog to be his best friend. We both loved that it was told from the pups perspective and never spoke down to the intended audience. He felt he was listening to and reading a very grown up book and cannot wait to tell his teacher. We’re both looking forward to the next in the series.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review. My thanks to Netgalley, the author, publisher and all who made this happen.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review. My thanks to Netgalley, the author, publisher and all who made this happen.
October 4, 2025
W. Bruce Cameron is back with another heartwarming dog story. This book revolves around Zeus, who from a young age is picked to become a water rescue dog. Dog trainer Marco’s plan to train Zeus and auction him is thwarted by his son, Kimo. The boy and the bond form a quick bond, but unless Zeus can pass water rescue then his time at the family home might be shortened.
Cameron does another great job of exploring the unbreakable bond between dogs and humans. He also does a marvelous detailing the methods used in water rescue training. There are a few action-packed, suspenseful scenes in which Zeus and his companion Bear are put to the test.
Filled with sweet, humorous, suspense, and action moments; Zeus the Water Rescue Dog will have you on a flowing adventure.
Cameron does another great job of exploring the unbreakable bond between dogs and humans. He also does a marvelous detailing the methods used in water rescue training. There are a few action-packed, suspenseful scenes in which Zeus and his companion Bear are put to the test.
Filled with sweet, humorous, suspense, and action moments; Zeus the Water Rescue Dog will have you on a flowing adventure.
August 4, 2023
I don’t think Bruce Camron can write a bad book. I mean how could any book about a dog be bad. He is one of my main go to authors when patrons ask me about books on animals. Bruce just knows what he is doing. Zeus is no exception. This book is so sweet to watch a young man and his dog come into their purpose together is just such a heart-warming story. I appreciate that at first things don’t go right for Kimo. His love though for Zeus and his willingness to learn more in order to better train Zeus is just outstanding. It truly shows the power of kids when they put their mind to something. I know readers are going to love this newest book. I can’t wait to recommend it.
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group, Starscape, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
Thank you to Tor Publishing Group, Starscape, and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
March 29, 2024
Zeus is waiting for a family to choose him, all of his other siblings from his puppy family have been chosen. Finally he is chosen but his future is not going to be with a regular family Zeus is going to be trained by Marco his owner. Along with the older family dog/water rescue dog Bear, Zeus is going to learn how to rescue people in trouble in the water in the Hawaiian waters. The only problem is that Marco is planning to sell Zeus when he finishes training him but Kimo his son loves Zeus and must come up with a clever plan to keep Zeus. Can Kimo convince his dad that Zeus is meant to be with them? Read to find out.
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