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Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick says it all with the
title. This fun-loving book is a must read for all dog lovers
and those that want smiles on their faces. In addition, readers
get an interesting mystery where greed is the antagonist.
The story is enjoyable, amusing, and entertaining.
Kendrick noted, "The story cannot happen without the
dogs, who are agents for change. People and pets have a very
significant relationship. Dogs know who is kind and nurturing.
It is that saying, ‘if my dog doesn't like you neither
do I.' There is something about having another being to rely
on us. There is a deeper level of nonverbal communication
that is satisfying and profound. My vet once said to me, dogs
want to be useful and serve. I think we have an obligation
to give that back to our dogs."
The plot takes place in the Delaware seaside quirky quaint
town of Black Dog Bay. It has become well-known for being
the "best place in America to bounce back from your breakup."
Charming seaside diners, boutiques, bakeries, and a bed and
breakfast capitalized by having names of "Home to Better
Off Bed-and-Breakfast, the Eat Your Heart Out bakery, the
Jilted Café, the Rebound Salon, and the Whinery bar."
The owner of "Black Dog Bay Books" created a legend
about an apparition of a black dog as a harbinger of hope
and change.
The main character Jocelyn Hillier helps her mother run a
laundry rental business in the beach town. A chance encounter
leads to Jocelyn's meeting Mr. Allardyce, the owner of several
pedigreed Labrador retrievers and living in one of the fanciest
shore-side mansions. He is gruff, a penny pincher, and a social
outcast, but decides to hire Jocelyn as a dog walker and dog
sitter. After Mr. Allardyce suddenly dies, he leaves all of
his money to his three show dogs, appointing Jocelyn as their
guardian. She has control of the money and is able to live
in the mansion. An interesting premise that encircles the
story is how an eccentric dog owner would appoint a trustee
of the dogs who inherited the wealth. But life becomes troublesome
when his estranged son, Liam, and the dog's trainer, Lois,
decide to sue her for the inheritance left to the dogs and
her guardianship.
"I came up with the idea after was reading with my eleven-year-old
son a National Geographic story. It was how all these dogs
are bequeathed millions and millions of dollars. There is
plenty of legal precedents even though the dogs actually cannot
spend money. All they want is food, water, and a human. Pet
trusts are routinely now part of estates. I understand how
we owners want them well cared for. I think dog people have
a spiritual and creative streak that is most kind and helpful."
Besides having likable characters and cuddly dogs, this story
delves into scandal and betrayal. The humorous banter allows
for a very fun read.
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