Puppy Dog Tales

by Alicia Villasenor

A collection of short stories for the dog lover. Love, strength, and companionship is all that any dog could ever want but when destiny seems to have other things in mind, these furry friends somehow defy the odds and warm the hearts of those who give them a "forever home."

Genres: Fiction, Animals, Ebooks, Short Stories

28 pages, Nook

First published April 27, 2010

About the author

I've always been a writer at heart but put it on the backburner for a long time. I wrote two novellas, self-published them, and nothing for over 10 years.

When COVID hit, I decided why not write again? It was like rekindling a love interest and I've written 3 full manuscripts in 2 years. I've polished up one of them good enough for Alpha and Beta readers and looking forward to publishing, but no date set yet.

Will there ever be a follow-up to Vampire's Ball? There was. I wrote it in 2020 but I feel like it needs a lot of work. I don't think the story I want to tell is actually there. Eventually, I will get around to a rewrite of this.

Currently, I am publishing serial novels on Substack. My link is in the bio and it is where you can read the projects I am currently working on (in their slightly edited condition). I say this because these have gone through a single edit only. So head on over there if you want to read these WIP's of mine or just want to see what I'm up to in my monthly update.

Reviews

[Amber Rose Murphy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it would be better because of the name on the book

[Shawn Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short book, but good stories, especially for kids. Pets are a commitment, and shelters are too full now. We need to do better as people.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super easy and fun reading.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got this as a free eBook on my mom's Nook, a short collection of 3 stories about dogs. The first two stories skew towards a young demographic, i.e. early elementary school age. #1 is about two dogs caught by the dogcatcher who learn from an older dog at the shelter how to make themselves presentable to humans in hopes of being adopted. #2 involves a dog who is reminded by his friends at the dog park (including a dog named Bruno, whose breed isn't identified like the others were) that his 1st birthday is coming up and to make a wish. #3 concerns a basset hound whose owner has passed away and only one of the lady's 3 children can possibly adopt the dog, but his wife is skeptical until a life-changing event occurs.
That 3rd story doesn't seem to fit with the others because although all had happy endings, that one is about a more adult situation and deals with things that might be scary to kids, including death and snakes.
Overall, a simple eBook and easy to see why it was free. The last page indicates the author is working on a full-length book, but unless the stories are written more maturely, I think I'll leave that book to the kids.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a freebie so no complaints about the price. The stories were cute but it was way too short and for the most part basic writing. I imagine it was intended for the very young (at least they can sit through it in one sitting) but even so if I had to pay for it, I would really be unhappy with it.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute collection of three very short stories about dogs and their humans. The third story is a touching story about a man in a state of grief connecting with his mom's dog. The first two stories focus more on the points of view of the dogs. This is a book that could use more development, and a bit stronger vocabulary, but it will still have any dog lover smile.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice easy read. I love animals and to read stories about any kind just brings tears to my eyes.

There are 3 stories in this book. Stray dogs that become best friends, a dog's birthday wish, and just a dog that joins a new family.

I enjoyed the book and just seeing life through the eyes of dogs.

[Sofia · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars. Listen, I love dogs and I still thought this was a rather lazy attempt on the author's part. The third story (of three) was the strongest (I use that term relatively) and slightly helps redeem the first two. Pretty predictable stuff here.

[Kelley Short · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a freebie so it's hard to be disappointed in it. The book has three short stories - all of them are cute. Sadly, it was a little too short, but I can see this being a great book for younger kids.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a freebie for my nookbook. It was very very short. Not a reread

[Randi · Rating 3 out of 5]

very very short (like28 pages). Being this was a freebie I wasn't too disappointed. The content was nice, but just too short of a story.

[Christy Compeau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Incredibly short stories (3).

[Lynnea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a free nookbook I got. It is short and a quick read, slightly entertaining. However, it sounded like writings from my children... pretty basic story line, not much plot development...

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a very short, simple book containing a few short stories, most from a dogs point of view. It was interesting, but nothing spectacular. Dog lovers will enjoy it.

[Vikki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat cute, but too short and overly simplistically written with quite a few spelling errors/typos. Rather glad that this was a freebie for the Nook. Nice idea, but the stories needed more depth.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute stories, poor writing. Rushed and sloppy.

[Kitty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, sappy, but dog lovers may like.

[Welona · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short book with only 3 short stories. It was a cute book but probably more appropriate for teen readers.

[Cece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really cute

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

3 short stories - could have been told better

[Jessica Buike · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just didn't get into these - they felt very juvenile and boring.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of shorts stories about man's best friend. It's a nice quick read to accompany a hot cup of coffee.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute quick read.

[Michelle Cortez · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was a cute little kid book, if i was a little kid, i would of read it. are asked my momma to read it :]. 3 and up

[Kenzie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bunch of cute little dog tales to make you smile on a bad day.

[Gigi Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was 3 short stories. I read them to my 6 yr. old neighbor girl and she enjoyed them. I enjoy almost anything about dogs, since I'm a dog lover.

[Taylor overman · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book in 4th grade and i read it like 4 times and loved it llike crazyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even tho it was only 3 short stories, it was a nice read something you can read to kids.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another free ebook from my nook. Breath of fresh air after reading all my suspense novels. Cute book from the dog's perspective. Very short read.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, aside from the bad grammer and extremely short narratives, it was sweet. Took me about 8 minutes to read. Glad it was free!!