Becoming Waldo

by Jennifer A. Carle

After Jennifer A. Carle's beloved dog Winn had to be put down, she was surprised to find that a part of her wanted a new dog. But this new dog would need to be the anti-Winn. This dog needed a different personality, one easier to work with than Winn. So Jennifer found Waldo, a lovable mutt, at the Maryland SPCA. Waldo stole Jennifer's heart while she was on her way to adopt a different dog. This German Shepherd/Border Collie mix's personality was opposite of Jennifer' relaxed and laid-back. Or so it seemed. Soon after the two form a bond, Jennifer finds that Waldo isn't acting as calm as he used to. Now, like her, he's become a bit neurotic. He bolts out the door and down the street. He nips at the heels of her sons. He barks at anything and everything while chasing it. When Jennifer calls Super Trainer Girl to the rescue, she learns caring for Waldo is much more complex than she imagined, but her efforts are well worth the challenge. Jennifer also realizes that Waldo has some lessons for her. Dog lovers everywhere will relate to this collection of humorous and poignant tales that prove Becoming Waldo may make the world a better place.

148 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published March 2, 2010

Reviews

[Alyssa Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becoming Waldo continues the story where Finally Winsome left off. Winn had to be put to sleep, and a devastated Carle surprisingly found herself wanting another furry buddy. Unable to deal with another dog who shared Winn’s personality, she was searching for a dog with a laid-back attitude. That’s when she found Waldo, the “anti-Winn.” Except after some time in the Carle household, Waldo begins to have some behavior issues. That’s when Super Trainer Girl is called in to fix things. It’s only then that Carle sees that she can learn a thing or two from the newest family member.

No surprise that I loved this book just as much as the other two. I’ve also been convinced that I need to do DNA tests on my dogs, since they were adopted from a shelter like Waldo and we don’t really know what their breeds are. Another job well done by Jennifer Carle. You are missing out if you don’t read this heartfelt account, especially if you’re an animal person like me.