This is a sweet little story I got as a freebie. Well done, especially for an independent. The only negative is the dog doesn't talk very much. When the main character converses with him, she talks about petty things. I was hoping for a more profound perspective on God here, but it was enjoyable book nonetheless. ( )

Jim Kraus is not only a great writer, he also thinks outside the norm, and, is a dog person. Has your dog ever talked to you? Yes? See, that is not fantasy, it is reality. Well, maybe dogs do not talk in audible words, but those of us that have dogs are sure to see the expressions of Rufus in the actions and looks of our own dogs and it is not that much a stretch of our imagination to figure that dogs talk. We all know how intellegent these friends of ours are. Now that I have told you that, I will tell you that I found this book hard to connect to. Perhaps it was only that the Point of View was first person, and that is a personal thing. This fact does not stop me from picking up another one of his books and enjoying it. The story is well told, and completely realistic (well, it hink that even those readers that are not dog lovers will think that, except for that little bit about a dog being able to talk in human voice that humans can understand). Jim does a great job of bringing out the aspects of grief....from being angry at God, to closure.

Thank you to Litfuse Publications who provided a free book in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own. ( )

This ebook was a good mix of being both funny and sad. Even though the author is male, it's written in the first person from a woman's point-of-view.

I've always felt there was some sort of spiritual life for animals so was delighted to read how the dog in this novel, Rufus, had a spiritual relationship with God. When he started talking to his owner, Mary, his "advice" regarding her anger toward God due to the tremendous loss of her husband and son, and how she should go on with her life, was always right-on. And she was smart enough to listen and take his advice!!

It was fun to read the dog's comments, his fears, feelings, worries, etc. I've always talked to my pets so was at ease with the conversations Mary had with Rufus. Even though none of my pets answered verbally, there were times when I knew they understood me.

I felt the novel moved a little slowly sometimes but I stuck with it and I'm glad I did. It got better and better as it went along. Rufus and Mary are memorable characters. And the book had a very nice ending. ( )

Book about coping with death of a spouse and child and getting beyond it. Done nicely via a dog that talks to her. ( )

Received from GoodReads Early Review Give Away. Three years after the tragedy of losing her husband and young son, Mary still finds herself distant from God. Rufus enters her life and slowly opens the door of her heart. I absolutely loved this book. ( )