Today I have a review of In the Doghouse by Teri Case. I read Case’s Tiger Drive last year and loved it! I was both thrilled and honored to read her second book, and I can’t wait to tell you about it! I also am giving away a copy to one lucky follower, so please read all the way down to the bottom for a chance to win.
(I know I have a cat in the picture, but a cat is also featured in the book! And right now, I don’t have dogs, but Hemingway is a Bengal and quite dog-like [he plays fetch without ever being taught]…and never lets me take his picture, so this is pretty special! ♥️)
My Thoughts:
In the Doghouse is a refreshing and unexpected story, one featuring a beloved dog as its main character!
Skip is a rescue dog. He lives with Lucy and John, and he absolutely loves them. One day John leaves Lucy (and Skip) and doesn’t come back. Skip has a secret. He’s to blame for John leaving.
Skip has to take matters into his own hands and enlists the help of an eclectic group of friends: a cat, a child with Autism, and a neighbor with some baggage. He has to build a new “pack” for Lucy so she can get over her loss and be happy again.
First off, In the Doghouse isn’t just a silly “dog” book. Lucy’s break-up was authentic, and we’ve all been there. That said, Skip is a witty dog. He is clever and insightful, and it’s just plain fun to hear his inner voice. He had me chuckling quite a few times.
In the Doghouse is poignant and so thoughtful. It’s a book for dog and animal lovers everywhere. We know our pets can feel our emotions, and Skip most definitely feels for Lucy and wants to help her. The writing is silky smooth, and it’s easy to keep flipping the pages to see what happens next for Lucy and Skip.
I can easily tell Teri Case has a heart for dogs. Skip is a memorable and heartwarming character. Overall, this is an engaging and original read and one I highly recommend when you want your spirits lifted thanks to a beloved dog.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
Skip is a rescued dog who wants to matter. He loves living in a blissful pack with his human couple, John and Lucy, and he has bow-vowed never to lose them. But when John walks out after seven happy years, Skip and Lucy’s world is turned upside down. Skip is determined to guide Lucy through her identity crisis, but he’s guarding a secret: he’s to blame for the breakup and her broken heart.
Now, with the help of a hoarder neighbor, a stray cat, and a boy with autism, Skip must build a new pack for himself and Lucy before she discovers his canine treason and kicks him to the curb.
“In the Doghouse is a story of love, loss, guilt, and new beginnings told from the hilarious yet wise perspective of the lovable family dog.”
—Cathey Nickell, Author“Teri Case has done it again! She’s a gifted storyteller, no matter whose point of view she’s writing from.”
—Kathryn Brown Ramsperger, Author“Incredible! So fresh, uplifting, bittersweet, heartfelt, and emotionally honest. There’s a list of people in my life who need to read this book for so many reasons.”
—Lizette Clarke, Author Accelerator
***Book Giveaway***
Thank you to the author, Teri Case, for sponsoring an international giveaway! To enter to win a physical copy of In the Dog House, all you have to do is comment below, and to win, you must live in one of the following countries: the United States (copy will be signed and sent directly from Teri), Germany, Spain, France, or the United Kingdom! Thank you for entering and good luck!
Have you read In the Dog House, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Aw, I always feel sorry for pets caught up in a divorce. You have some hope of explaining to kids, but dogs must be really baffled. Sounds like a great premise! And what a fab pic of Hemingway – he’s gorgeous!! Bengals are so handsome. 😀
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Me, too, FF. I think we often forget about them and they become quite attached. I can’t remember if I blogged about this, but I had no idea Hemy was a Bengal when I adopted him from the Humane Society! He was hairless from the shoulders down (due to a severe flea allergy) and saw no less than two vets who never mentioned he might be a Bengal. At the third vet, it was mentioned due to his unusual behavior (confidence being one!), and she recommended a DNA test. Sure enough he comes back with no breeds other than Bengal and Savannah Cat. His coat is only about halfway grown in. We still don’t know if he will be spotted or marbled. He is a handful, but we absolutely adore him! ♥️
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How lovely! Of course all cats are gorgeous but Bengals are one of my favourite breeds. I thought about getting a couple before I had T&T, but I was working full time back then and they do seem to need more attention than some breeds, so I went for my lovely mixed-breed moggies instead. He’ll be lovely either way, but I hope he’s spotted… 😀
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I’m leaning towards thinking he’s marbled, but the red coloring is just coming in! It’s been fun to watch it evolve over time. He definitely requires much more attention than I could have imagined. He will let you know daily that you MUST play with him- either by talking to you, haunting you, or climbing on anything and everything in sight, even dangerously tall bookcases! This was fun to figure out when we had no idea he was a Bengal and just thought he was a cat with some strange behavior! 😂 He is fascinating, so smart, and a super kind and patient kitty with the kittens. As long as we play with him daily and give him high (cat trees!) places to climb, we are pretty good!
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Lovely to know he’s found himself a good home with people who’ll spoil him… 😀
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Aww Jen!! This book sounds so sweet and cute and delightful. Darn you! Lol.
Hemingway is beautiful! How lovely that he deigned to let you catch a photo to share 😉😊
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Thanks, Nina! Hemingway thanks you, too! It’s such an adorable read and so heartwarming! Are you in one of the giveaway countries by chance? I want to enter you in the giveaway if I can! ♥️
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Aww. I’m not. But that’s okay. I’m mostly on eReader anyway! Lol
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I love your pic, Jen. This sounds like such a lovely read and I like the fact that Skip is the MC. I think I read another review here about another dog that was a character and there was a road trip involved? Fab review.
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Thanks, Diana! Ohh, I’m trying to remember if that was a book I reviewed? That sounds like so much fun. Skip made for a terrific MC. ♥️
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Thank you, Jennifer! I’m doing a happy dance. You got it!
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My pleasure, Teri! It’s such a special read! Thank you for sharing it with me! ♥️
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Aww Hemingway is gorgeous!! Lovely review Jen and once again you have me teaching for a book I’ve never heard of before! Off to see if my library has this! Ugh! You are 💣💣 up my reading my friend!😂😂💜😽
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Ugh!!! Reaching not teaching!!😂
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It’s ok! And thank you for the compliment on Hemingway too! He is slowly growing fur back from a flea allergy from before we adopted him. He has the most beautiful markings and we have no idea what the final product will be! ♥️
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Thanks, Sus! I’m having a giveaway for it, and you are entered! ♥️ I’m so sorry about your TBR! You made me add one today too! 😂 ♥️
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This sounds wonderful! As a huge dog lover, I love stories told from the dogs perspective. Thank you for the giveaway, Jennifer! And Hemingway! How adorable is he???😁
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Thanks, Tammy! I love my Hemy! I am so happy to hear you enjoy books like this. I think this is an extra special one. Good luck in the giveaway! ♥️
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the books sounds so awesome! sad that i cannot participate in the giveaway as i’m from estonia (europe) 😦
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I’m so sorry, Emma! I am trying to plan an international giveaway soon! I hope you’ll be able to find the book available in Estonia! ♥️
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Great picture and review, Jennifer! I love Hemingway! I added this humorous book to my tbr list. Thanks for the giveaway.
Hapyy Reading! 🌷🌷🐾🐾🐱🐈🐾🐾❤️💕😊😻
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Thanks, Virginia! Hemingway is a keeper! ♥️ I think you’d love this sweet book! Happy reading to you too! 💗
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This sounds amazing. I love the idea of a dog as a narrator!
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It’s a fantastic story, Chrissi! I loved Skip so much and wish he was my dog! ♥️
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Aw this sounds wonderful!
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It was a fab read, Marialyce! 💕 🐶
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I love your pic with Hemingway in it, he looks so chilled out! I have a guinea pig who behaves like a dog, he’s so intelligent and responds to things like a dog would. 🙂 We’d love a dog but it’s impossible with my disability at the moment but I still love reading about dogs so this book sounds like a lovely read – I’ll add it to my list. 🙂
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Thank you, Hayley! He is pretty chill when he’s resting. I loved hearing about your smart guinea pig. We had one as children, and my brother trained it to go to the food bowl when it heard the sound of a bell- just like Pavlov’s dogs. I can enter you into this giveaway since you are in the UK if you like? ♥️
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Hemingway is so cute! I’ve always been fascinated with their coat colors. This book sounds great too, Jen. Sorry I haven’t been commenting as much, but I’m reading all your posts! 😉❤
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Thanks, favorite M! I can’t remember if I told you Hemy’s story yet? I had no idea I was adopting a Bengal! I am entering you in the giveaway for this one. I was hoping you’d see it because I think you’d love this precious story! No worries at all about comments. I imagine you are busy in your yard getting ready for spring! ♥️
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Thanks for the great review— looking forward to reading it!
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Thank you so much, Cathy! It’s a phenomenal book!
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Sounds like a fun read! Wonderful review.
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Thanks, Yvo! It was great fun! I loved it!
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Excellent review! I love this kind of book.
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Awww Hemingway!! 😍 So beautiful Jenni!
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Thanks so much, Beth! 💗
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I love that name, Hemingway!! What a lovely kitty. 😍
I love animals, and books containing them are a real treat. Thanks for reviewing. It sounds great.
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Thanks so much, Laurie! Me, too, to all! Hemingway is such a good cat, and this book is a treat! 💕
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I am a big fan of both dogs and cats, so I know I’d love this book!
digicats {at} sbcglobal {dot} net
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I can already tell that this book will tug on my heartstrings. It has been quite sometime since I’ve ready a story from a POV of an animal or pet, but I can only imagine the love that Skip has for his owners … and I want to know why he believes he caused John to leave!
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