Categories: Dogs and Books-Published On: February 28, 2023-
Picture of Kat the Dog cover with text You Need This Book!

Read These Dog Books and Join the Author Interviews!

I’ll be joining comedian/author Lisa Rimmert and popular writer Alyson Sheldrake on March 12 on Dogs and Books. This Facebook Live event is hosted by long-time writers Cara Sue Achterberg and Teresa J. Rhyne. Not surprisingly, we’ll be talking dogs, books, and writing!

I’m so honored to be grouped with these powerhouse Indie writers, both of whom I’m looking forward to chatting with. In anticipation, I read their most recent books, which I’ve reviewed below. So, if you love dogs or books, or dogs and books, or dog books, you’ll want to pick up a copy of these. Truly, don’t miss this chance to chat with the authors.

Announcment of Facebook Live event on March 12 for authors Karen Lena Izzo, Lisa Rimmert, and Alyson Sheldrake

Sit, Stay, Read: A Dog Book Review

Kat the Dog

Author: Alyson Sheldrake

Groucho Marx is credited with a joke having the punch line “inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.” Technically, I suppose he was right. In reality, however, he had it all wrong: In fact, it’s very light inside a dog, as acclaimed writer Alyson Sheldrake proves, bringing us into the head and heart of her rescued Spanish Water Dog.

In her wonderful new release Kat the Dog, Alyson Sheldrake dispels the patronizing myth that dogs think like undeveloped humans. Instead, she gives Kat an innocent yet perceptive voice that resonates. Thus, the book offers an insightful look into the canine mind; Kat’s story is engaging and thought-provoking. 

Kat the Dog chronicles Kat’s life from her tragic experiences in puppyhood and early motherhood to her loving, adventurous life with her human parents, Alyson and Dave. But Kat’s story is not merely about her resilience and triumph over adversity. It’s also about the power of rescuing dogs and the daily impact of our actions on our canine companions’ lives. Here, Sheldrake’s witty commentary on human behavior and her subtle illustrations of the small things we can do to enrich our dogs’ lives create a work that informs beautifully without being preachy.

Kat the Dog is more than one dog’s story.  Sheldrake invites readers to journey the stunning landscapes of Portugal, and reading her prose is like being present with her. Moreover, her deftly engaging characters quickly become familiar. In all,  Sheldrake’s artistic finesse weaves a delightful portrait of a special dog and the world she interacts with.

A wonderful read for any dog lover. Kat the Dog offers a perfect blend of entertainment and education, and Kat’s story is one that readers won’t forget. Highly recommended.

Flat Photo of book cover for Kat the Dog

Sit, Stay, Read….A Dog Book Review

Stay: My Forever Friendship With An Aging Dog 

Author: Lisa Rimmert

“She was Dakota and is Dakota and there’s no end to that.”
I loved this book.
          With its fierce, refreshing authenticity and none of the usual dog book cliches, Stay invites readers to witness a powerful canine love story that is both intensely personal and beautifully universal. Stay follows rescue dog Dakota from puppyhood through to her forever-life in the memories of readers who come to know her well, thanks to Rimmert’s tribute.
          The author’s sometimes biting, always dry wit carries readers along her fifteen-year adventure with Dakota, a staunchly independent dog who’d eye-roll you if she could for excessive displays of affection. In that, Dakota and Rimmert make a perfect team, as Rimmert, too, colors outside societal lines, reminding us we are individuals, not the roles we’re expected to play. Both dog and dog-guardian wear their independence proudly, and yet their deep bond conceals an intensely loyal, soft interior. Here, the writer’s voice shines, balancing bravado, wise feminist insight, and honest human frailties to reminds us how to love not merely well, but long.
          Yes, to be sure, Stay sometimes forces us to look at what we prefer to keep in our peripheral vision: that knowledge of how quickly our beloved canine helpmates move through our lives. And yet, in this powerful book, Rimmert shows us how to amplify time. Dakota’s story serves as a poignant reminder to cultivate joy in every moment of every day with our dogs.
          Thus, Stay is a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced a profound connection with a dog. In all, the book’s blend of humor, wisdom, and heart is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.  Truly, I couldn’t put it down and would highly recommend it to others.

Sit, Stay, Read: Downward Sizing Dog

Author: Karen Lena Izzo

And in case you haven’t yet picked up a copy of Downward Sizing Dog…

Mock up of Downward Sizing Dog book on snow with text reviews
Review of Downward Sizing Dog with mockup of book

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  1. Jackie Lambert March 9, 2023 at 5:40 pm - Reply

    Loved, LOVED, LOVED Kat the Dog – I haven’t read ‘Stay’, but I feel I must!
    Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful reviews and as an author and dogmother to four Cavapoos (The Fab Four!) I shall look forward to listening in on your Yappy Hour!

    • Karen Izzo March 9, 2023 at 6:25 pm - Reply

      Jackie – Thanks so much for the feedback. Absolutely pick up a copy of Stay. Soooo good. I will have to add your books to my TBR as well. Sounds like an amazing adventure you’re on. Looking forward to meeting you on Yappy Hour!