Courtney’s Reviews > The Dogs of Venice > Status Update

"He would never need anyone again, unless they were open to needing him, too. The world was full of wonders to experience and he, alone, was enough to discover them."

"At least, in any given place, he knew someone. Himself."

"uncontrollable giggles that emanated deep from within, the kind of laugh that was cleansing."

"There was music and wonder in life to be had, and yes, sometimes it was nice to experience it with another, but it didn't come from being with someone else. The world could be appreciated alone, even when it felt scary."

"Rubes for your angelic faces."

"Sometimes even when people are themselves, you should still be afraid."

"'Venice is...very soft, romantic...but look close. She is a hard way of life. Balance is difficult to find."

"He was amazed at how different food tasted when it was the sole focus, absent the distraction of conversation."

"It worked because the dog never begged, never showed much in the way of interest (or gratitude), and didn't stick around for more than he was offered. It was like he was happy to connect, but he didn't expect connection."

"He loved learning things, so he listened; an enduring interest in the world made him feel slightly less like a loner."