If Your Dog Wrote a Book About You, What Would They Say?
September 07, 2024
If your pet wrote a book about you, what would they say? I look at my dog and wonder what she’s thinking at least three times a day, which means I was bound to love this book – it’s a memoir from the perspective of the author’s dog.
Alison Rand’s new book, Walking Alison, is narrated by her sassy black poodle, bringing humor and wisdom to the tale. Dea nudges her human to engage with the world and appreciate everyday magic, even in the face of hardship. From processing grief to recovering from illness, Dea sees it all—and with deep love, shares insight that can only be gleaned from looking through the eyes of a beloved pet.
How did humans manage to function before dogs were domesticated some 23,000 years ago?
That is what Dea, a savvy black poodle, wonders in Walking Alison: A Poodle’s Mostly True Story of Helping Her Human Navigate Life, by Alison Rand—a wise and jaunty memoir told entirely from her dog’s point of view. During their daily walks, new puppy Dea pulls her human, Alison, by the leash into making connections, handling crippling loss, and coping with the challenges of life. What might have been tragic through Alison’s eyes finds wider perspective and resonance through Dea’s as she tolerates Alison’s pathetic attempts at meditation and online dating, sees her through a second bout of cancer, and finally steers Alison toward appreciating life’s daily wonders that are a puppy’s birthright. Thanks to Dea’s “training,” Alison learns to finally trust herself in new and life-affirming ways, realizing that feeling safe is a conscious decision.
This delightful book is now available on Amazon and fine bookstores everywhere.
Author Alison Rand was born and raised in New York City. She has enjoyed an eclectic professional background, including acting, voiceovers, audiobook narration, advertising copywriting, and social work. She currently lives in Manhattan with her poodle Dea. Interestingly enough, Dea and Alison share the same birthday, April 2nd.