By: Lee Sherrill
review completed by: bookowlie
This review was copied from Online Book Reviews.
Diary of a Displaced Dog: Millie’s Story by Lee Sherrill is a Young Adult book about a rescue dog’s experiences while living with different owners. It is the first installment in a series about abused or neglected animals. Based on a true story, it is written from the dog’s perspective. When writing this book, the author speculated what his own dog’s life may have been like before he adopted her.
A young boy and his mother adopt a rescue puppy, Millie, and provide her with a happy home, for the most part. All goes well until the family loses their home and has to give Millie away to a man who has less than honorable intentions. Locked in a dog pen with several other dogs and not enough food and water, Millie is neglected and struggles to survive. When one of the dogs attacks the abusive owner through the fence, things take a turn for the worse. Will terrified Millie ever be able to find happiness again?
I loved this, at turns, heartwarming and heart-wrenching tale. The book is told as a series of diary entries written by Millie. It is an effective way for the story to unfold since I was easily able to understand the rollercoaster of the dog’s emotions.
The descriptions are vividly and realistically written, as Millie adjusts to a range of new experiences. The Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations are a joyous time for the young dog, even though she doesn’t quite understand why she is being given special food and gifts. On the other hand, the boy’s father is strict and Millie’s fears are conveyed well as he ties her up in the barn overnight after she has a potty accident in the house.
The book also includes several poems written from either Millie or the author’s point of view. As much as I loved the story, these poems were so moving that that I reread all of them after finishing the story. The author has a real talent for capturing the essence of a dog’s feelings.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I went through a whirlwind of emotions while reading and it is a story I won’t soon forget. I recommend this book to dog lovers, particularly those who own rescue dogs or work for animal rescue organizations. The story is categorized in the Young Adult genre. However, please note that there are a few graphic, violent scenes that may not be appropriate for younger teens. If you have ever wondered what rescue dogs might feel about the changes in their lives, read this book.
Diary Of A Displaced Dog available on Amazon