Pawprints On Our Hearts

As a biography, it gets 3 stars; as a book about dogs only 2 stars. I actually enjoyed the memoir, seeing many parallels with my own life (TW: bullying, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and attempt, abortion, death of pets). In many ways, reading about the author's struggles and redemption helped me see my past, so far behind now, from a new perspective. I am at a much better place in my life now, and I'm glad the author is as well. (Also, omg Halo 2 was so good!!)

Now, as a book about dogs, I can't give it more than 2 stars. The author grew up with dogs brought by her mom, either rescue or given by a friend. These moments were pure love and devotion to the dogs, and showed how life changing they have been on the author's life, confidence, and self-respect.

The issue about this book is when the author grows old and decides to get dogs on his own. I'm not going to go into details, but if you want to see the struggles that come from getting unhealthy, unsocialized, and underage dogs from puppy mills, read this book. Or about finding an injured puppy in the streets and giving it up for free to a stranger from Facebook without urgently bringing the pup to the vet. (TW: the story doesn't end well for this pup).

Additional TW: photo of the family dog after being humanely euthanized, and photo of a rescued dog with hundreds of cigarette burns.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.