The Dog at The Gate Book Review & Book Tour Giveaway

Last week, I shared my review of From Wild to Mild--a children's book by Sunny Weber. With a house full of animal lovers--and a house full of a random assortment of pets at any given time--we have been very taken with this series! I had the opportunity to read and review The Dog at The Gate and I am honored to share my review of this novel today. Read my thoughts, learn about the novel, the Pups and Purrs series, and author Sunny Weber--and check back over the next couple of weeks as we review another book from the series as well! Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.!

Book Title: The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special by Sunny Weber
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 246 pages
Genre: animals/pets
Publisher: Pups & Purrs Press
Release date: Oct 6, 2017
Content Rating: G

About the Book

Can a dog like Max go from years without a bath to unconditional love and acceptance?
Or will his new family abandon him again?

Puppy Max doesn’t have the easiest start in life. He faces hunger, living alone outside, a vicious dog next door, and menacing raccoons. Just when he thinks it can’t get any worse, he is abandoned at an animal shelter.

Max is rescued and fostered in a home complete with canine companions - Miles, a benevolent fellow Australian Shepherd, and cantankerous, bossy little Muffin. He also lives with three cats, two parakeets, and one incredible mistress.

Fans of classics like Black Beauty, Thomasina, and Beautiful Joe, which feature redemptive bonds between animals and people, will find The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special offers a touching tale of love and triumph.

My Review

Weber Shares a "Real" Look at a Dog's Life. The author really does share some realities (including the harsh ones) with readers through this fictional journey through Max's life, from his point of view.  Max's life was difficult and the author shared all of the ups and downs, the pain and joy, the doubts, fears and hopes.  Max's story is a difficult one to read at times as the author's writing style gives readers very strong, emotional insights into his world and his experiences. 

The Dog at The Gate has a wide audience appeal.  Like the other books of the series, this novel is written toward children--but, parents, grandparents and older siblings will find a lot to love in this book too.  In fact, I think this novel addresses so much of the dark plight facing abandoned dogs that it is a must read for families--as a family.  Especially families looking to add a pet (dog or cat or otherwise) to the family.  The author creates a very strong character in Max--and "he" shares a very deep story for those sharing their lives with a pet and the long term bonds and responsibilities of those decisions.

Would I recommend The Dog at The Gate by Sunny Weber? This may be a children's book--but, it packs a deep, emotional, educational, heart-tugging story for any animal lover.  I found myself facing all of the emotions with Max as I read his story.  We currently have 4 rescued animals--three cats and a dog.  This year was a difficult one as we lost two other rescued cats--one to cancer and our oldest to kidney failure--so, Max's story touched my heart in many, many ways.  I would certainly recommend this novel to families considering adding a pet to their home.  As it is very realistic fiction--and does address animal abuse, death, and abandonment--I would recommend reading it as a family.  It is truly a must read for animal lovers of any age.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Add to Goodreads

Other Reviews

“The Dog at the Gate will help teach children to be kind to animals and learn that they have feelings.”
- Temple Grandin, PhD - CO State University, Professor of Animal Science
--Author of Bright Not Broken: Gifted Kids, ADHD, and Autism

“This touching narrative, with its colorful characters and humane messaging. . .conveys a resonant message of empathy for mistreated and abandoned animals.”
- Kirkus Reviews

“Weber’s writing is clear and poignant, and includes an engaging plot and compelling narrative.”
- Blue Ink Review

“Author Sunny Weber writes with a clean, uncomplicated style. Every chapter has a charming illustration. . . an addictive and emotional adventure. . . I highly recommend it. . .”
- Caitlin Lyle Farley, Five Star Review for Readers' Favorite / Barnes & Noble Bookstores

Check out the Series!

 

 

Book Title:  From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 196 pages

Genre:  animals/pets

Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press

Release date:   August 23, 2019

Content Rating: G

About the Book

Eight-week-old Australian Shepherd Kaya is kidnapped by a nasty coyote to be food for his mate and puppies. Instead, the loving mother raises Kaya with her own pups. But as hard as she tries, Kaya can’t completely fit in—she can’t kill prey or stay awake for night hunts. Why can’t she make herself a true coyote? Constantly criticized by her coyote father, Kaya finds support in her new mother and siblings. She also figures out how to contribute through teamwork with her brother and sister. Trapped by a dog rescue, Kaya re-enters the human world and learns the differences between how dogs and coyotes live. When freed to roam again, does she return to her forest freedom—or remain with her farm family? Can Kaya forever straddle between the Wild and the Mild?

Read My Review

Buy the Book
  Amazon.com
Add to Goodreads

Book Title:  Hurricane Dog: A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption & Change by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 221 pages

Genre:  animals/pets

Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press

Release date:   Aug 8, 2019

Content Rating: G 

Pit bull mix Gator and puppy mill survivor Magnolia are abandoned during a Louisiana hurricane. They suffer dehydration and starvation after rescuers take their people to safety but leave the pets behind.

Saved from their flooded house, Gator and Magnolia recover but remain homeless. Nobody wants a pit bull. Gator’s resentment festers into intense hatred for Gavin, the boy who left them to die. He vows to never trust again.

Transported to Colorado with other refugee pets, Gator and Magnolia face the uncertainty of a new life. Eventually they are fostered by a kind woman who seems mysteriously familiar. Both dogs relax in their new lives until upheaval again throws them into chaos.

Overwhelmed by trauma, Gator and Magnolia cling to one another through change after change. Will they be separated? Will Gator forgive the Great Betrayal and love again?

What will happen to pets and their people in the next natural disaster? Can Gavin change the rules of rescue? Will Gavin and Gator reunite?

Buy the Book
Amazon.com
Add to Goodreads

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Meet the Author

Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.

Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.

Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.

Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.

Connect with the author:    Website~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

Follow the Book Tour

Nov 11 – ROCKIN' Book Reviews – book review From Wild to Mild / guest post / giveaway
Nov 12 –  My Journey Back – book review The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 13 – Locks, Hooks, and Books – book review The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 13 - Blooming with Books – book review Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 14 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of From Wild to Mild / giveaway
Nov 15 - Svetlana's reads and views – book review From Wild to Mild
Nov 15 - Rosepoint Publishing – book review From Wild to Mild
Nov 15 – Jypsylynn – book review The Dog at the Gate
Nov 18 – My Journey Back – book review Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 18 - ROCKIN' Book Reviews – book review Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 19 – FUONLYKNEW – book review The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 19 - Blooming with Books – book review From Wild to Mild / guest post / giveaway
Nov 20 – Locks, Hooks, and Books – book review Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 20 - ROCKIN' Book Reviews – book review The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 21 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 21 - Svetlana's reads and views – book review Hurricane Dog
Nov 21 - Books for Books – book review The Dog at the Gate
Nov 22 – Jypsylynn – book review of Hurricane Dog
Nov 22 - FUONLYKNEW – book review of Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 25 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 25 - Blooming with Books – book review The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 26 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of From Wild to Mild / giveaway
Nov 26 - Books for Books – book review Hurricane Dog
Nov 27 – Locks, Hooks, and Books – book review From Wild to Mild / giveaway
Nov 27 - Svetlana's reads and views – book review The Dog at the Gate
Nov 28 – My Journey Back – book review From Wild to Mild / giveaway
Nov 29 - Jypsylynn – book review of From Wild to Mild
Dec 2 - Books for Books – book review From Wild to Mild
Dec 2 - Mystery Suspense Reviews – book review of From Wild to Mild

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