My Life As A Dog by L. A. Davenport

Perhaps with him I am a dog What was Kevin? He was earnest yet playful, boisterous yet lazy, a little rough sometimes, extremely direct and always sure of what he wanted. He was also sensitive, kind, supportive and caring, not to mention highly communicative and supremely understanding towards children.

My Life as a Dog is the funny, heartwarming and moving story of a life shared between a black and tan dachshund and his owner. Told over two days and a weekend drawn from their many years together, it explores how Kevin overcame his cruel upbringing to flower into a self-confident dog that left everyone he met spellbound. And as they grew together, his owner learned to live in the present and navigate the difficult times they faced together. 

But with Kevin rejected by the canine world and their connection ever-more profound and symbiotic, the question was: What does he think I am?

Review

There is only one word that could describe this book and that is adorable. From the outset you get the bond between Kevin the dog and his owner. I just loved all the small details that really resonated with me as a dog owner. How a certain glance or action can mean so much. How they have this internal clock that is just amazing. I swear my dog gets all excited at 4pm every day on the dot for his dinner. How they can be stubborn. Finally, how they can give such unconditional and amazing love to us.

My sister has always had dachshunds and I recognised each and every one of them in Kevin. I swear they always used to circle and cover themselves in their blankets all the time! That jaunty walk because they know people will love them. Not always as in Kevin’s case but in general. But it’s the support that each can give to the other. Whether that be rescuing a dog from a shelter, helping an owner through sad times, or just in general helping mental health. It really is a relationship that can become so special.

I really adored this wee book and I adored Kevin and it’s clear his owner also does! Such a sweet book.