It's Just A Dog

As a clever dog story and a quick read, this book is good. It is not great but I did not expect it to be. I liked main characters -the artist, the dog rescuer and the friend -so am pleased that I did buy it.

I lost my cherished, much loved Maine Coon, Jesse James, 7 weeks ago.Your vivid descriptions of your sorrow and depression over Pete"s loss mirror my own. It is so so hard. Your sensitive renderimg comforted me a lot . Thanks Russ Barbara

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I have shared some of the feelings talked about here and know there is a genuine bond of love between people who really care for their dogs and the dog(s) in their lives.

Loved this book so much as I spend the last days of my old dog's life with him. I try to enjoy his silliness and endless devotion to me and try to impart to him on how much I love him back. Dogs are good for that, teaching us what unconditional love means. if only if I was have as good as he was, I would be truly a good two-legged being.

I have a lab with me. Every narative of the character in this novel is as it is happening with me. I associate pete action with my lovely Simba (a labrador). I get emotional thinking what all I have to go throught in Simba's journey with me and my family. In fact it is nice to know that a day will come when our association will come to an end and how god knows.

I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming story of a man and his dog. Easy to read, this is a quirky story that I found myself laughing and crying at times. Yes, it turns to fantasy, but that just adds to the humor in dealing with the death of a beloved pet. It was a fun, irreverent, heartwarming book.

Great book...stirs many memories of past and present that only a pet owner can relate to.
Gave my four dogs extra hugs after reading and then checked on my other dogs that are hanging out with Pete....

An entertaining escape from reality best read with a beer and pizza. A fanciful tale about an offbeat dog lover with a ghost dog in a valley of dog lovers. The characters' motivations are sometimes as hard to accept as the ghost of Pete, but still are entertaining with a happy ending.

I have lost not one but two wonderful dogs, my first was a Shi-Zu mixed with small wire terrior, shaggy, he was so ugly he was cute and I think a far off bitch in heat was his demise. This book brought back many funny memories of my own story of shaggy, mom and dad still miss you buddy.

I have a 15 year old garbage can puppy. I know our time together is drawing to an end, and this book really left a lump in My throat. I have also been asking myself the question about another dog ever taking my Kodi's place. This came at the right time and place for me. Thanks, Russ, for a wonderful look inside a real dog/dog lovers head and heart.

This book is so amazing. I recommend this book for many of my friends and family. Brownie reminds me of a dog I had once named Jill, she would always get out of the yard.
i LOVE this book. I would read it 1,000,000,000 MORE times just for FUN.

If you are an animal lover like me this book is MUST READ. Learn what it is like to lose a beloved pet and what might happen if your loved one comes bad to help deal with it
Very funny if you don't smile you have no heart.

Well-written, witty, yet touching on the subject of losing your best friend. I could see any number of my pets, past and present, in Pete, coming back and telling me what I was doing wrong, or right, with my new four-legged friend. A must-read for any animal lover~!

I love DOG stories and I will remember this as one of the best. It was told by an author that any DOG LOVER can relate to. ANYONE who has lost a pet will be truly entertained. A PAGE turner any well written.

Great book, heart warming, good therapy for someone who has a senior pup or has ever lost a beloved pup. "It's Just A Dog" gone good heart warming story. A must read for anyone, but pet lovers if you don't read this book you are missing out. It touches everything, love, sadness, laughter, happiness, and closure.

For those who have loved a pet and lost it this book is perfect. It is not a tear-jerker by any means, it can bring funny, fond memories.
It shows that getting a "replacement" is a good idea to heal your heart.

Did not even finish the book. I found it poorly written and quite boring. Who want to read about a dog that has died and then comes back as a talking ghost who uses bad language. Pure rubbish in my opinion. What some people will do to make a buck. I have read many, many dog stories , as I am a dog lover . Some have been far better than others but this has to have been the worst. (read my other reviews on dog books)

I loved the idea and I could certainly relate to the grief involved when you lose your dog. I was disappointed in the characterization of Pete. He was too harsh and his language way too salty. Honestly? I just didn't like him all that much. Only finished the book because I always do.

The first half of the book is sad because his dog dies and he has an unusually difficult time getting over it. Then the dead dog comes back as a talking ghost and he's a total jerk. I didn't laugh once, I didn't even smile. I love dogs, but I couldn't connect with this story at all. It was full of cliches and dumb puns and I couldn't get done with it fast enough. I forced myself to read to the end just so I could give a fair review. Don't bother with this one. The five star reviews have either been paid for or were written by the author and his friends and family. I would have rather spent my dollar on 5 more moves on Candy Crush. What a terrible book.

Wow, I wonder what kind of books the people read that gave 4 and 5 star reviews. This book is not badly written, that's why I gave it 2 stars. As far as the story goes, nothing funny about it, it was a total bore to read and so far fetched it was ridiculous.

It starts out really well, all warm and fuzzy like you feel about a beloved pet and then quickly turns into the dog from hell. I didn't read the entire book and wished I never picked this one up. How it made the the store Top 25 is beyond me. I guess fools like me bought into it.

In a word - stupid. I didn't even bother to finish it. First, I hate stories about dogs who die, and secondly, dogs who die and come back to life as annoying creatures are worse. Don't waste your time or your money.

I really wanted to like this book. I even read the entire story. In the end I had to admit that getting the book free was not a good deal. The idea sounded interesting, and there were those five star reviews. The story is boring the characters stupid, uninteresting, and unlikeable. The role of Pete the ghost dog is minor, and the talking dog has little to say. If you are looking for a more witty and intelligent treatment of a dog and ghosts I recommend any of the reruns of Skooby Doo.

There are unappealing characters, including the dogs, doing silly things for inane reasons. I simply couldn't suspend reality quite enough to get through it. It's very difficult to resist using the word "stupid" to describe it.

Sad and immature, this story about a Jack Russell who dies and comes back as a dog ghost who can now talk is not a story about dealing with the loss of a pet but an asinine narrative about ghost dog poop and ghost dog farts. The main character, Charlie, is selfish and careless and not worth your time. Don't waste your money.

Didn't realize this was a comedy. Ghost dogs are even too farfetched for me, and I do believe in an afterlife for animals because I couldn't imagine any existence without the presence of my furry family members. I made it about halfway and had to call it quits. Too many books to enjoy to waste my time here.

If you're a dog lover, you need to take a deep breath. Relax. You read that book title and began to clench your teeth, right? Well, this book isn't at all what you're thinking.

When my beloved Lucy passed away last year, I felt as though my heart had been ripped out. I was sure that my life would never be the same. After all, not only was Lucy my heart dog and constant companion, she inspired my business, For Love of a Dog.

Lucy is the dog in my business logs and without her I may never have created my business. When Lucy died, a bit of the fire that fanned my muses died as well. Life really was not the same in any way.

Some people just didn't get it. "It's just a dog," they said (or thought to themselves.) Russ Ryan gets it. Oh, dog! He really gets it.

It's Just A Dog is dedicated to Petey Ryan and Charlie Dickens. You guessed it: dogs. Petey, a Jack Russell terrier, was over 14 years old when he died in 2010. Charlie, a
Terrier / Retriever mix and rebound dog, died suddenly right before publication of this book.

Ryan notes: "Being a dog widower has taught me that it doesn't matter if you have a dog ten years or ten months - the pain and hurt is still the same. Fortunately, the good part is that the love never dies!"

Your teeth just unclenched, didn't they? And now you're reaching for a tissue or two, right? Now you're ready to read a great new dog lover book. It's Just a Dog is a hilarious tale with lots of heart and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

It's Just A Dog is a story about loss, love and new beginnings, told in a humorous, informal style. I immediately felt as though I was reading about a friend. I'm very cautious about dog books. I'm always afraid something terrible will happen to the dog. Indeed, this story really begins with the death of our hero's beloved dog, Pete.

However, I was hooked when Charlie (our hero) explained: "Losing Pete felt like losing a child - although that's not really fair since I've never even had a kid, let alone lost one. In any event, all I can do is share with you the depth of my own personal painful experience, so please bear with me. Besides, loss is a contest that nobody wants to win."

However, lest you think this book is a serious downer, hilarity does ensue, along with witty banter. As Charlie deals - or rather doesn't deal well - with his grief, he travels the bittersweet road of loving another dog, has numerous encounters with the ghost of his departed dog, and becomes (more than just friends) with one of the local crazy dog ladies. All along the way, the author skillfully harmonizes humor with pathos.

The day this book arrived, I began reading and simply devoured it. If you're looking for a great dog story full of fun doggie hijinks and written by an authentic dog lover, then pick up a copy of It's Just A Dog by Russ Ryan. You'll be glad you did.

I picked up "It's Just a Dog" on my way out the door as I left for vacation. Three days into my two-week vacation and I need a new book. I wish Mr Ryan understood that vacation books are supposed to last the entire two weeks, not finished in three days. I am not a book "devourer." I usually read about five pages a night before I doze off and am awoken by the book or iPad hitting me on the nose, but I scarfed this one down.

The author performs an amazing balancing act in "It's Just a Dog." It's sarcastic, hilarious and heartfelt (by which I do NOT mean "sappy" -- I hate that) and most of all, authentic.

He tells us a wonderful tale where artist Charlie Keefe moves through the seven stages of dog loss with the addition of the little-known "Spectral Visitation" stage, during which the ghost of Pete, his Jack Russell Terrier, returns to simultaneously torture Charlie and put his life back on track.

I don't think you have to be a dog lover or have suffered dog loss to enjoy the book, but it probably helps. I am and I have, and the author does hit that part square on. Like I said, "authentic." I was amazed to read bits of the book that seemed to be my own thoughts and feelings transferred to the page in front of me.

I loved this book and think it would make a great movie. And now I have eleven days to read it again -- more than once apparently.

I can totally relate to this book. I actually cried a few times while reading this novel, which I did in one sitting. I should preface my review by saying that it's probably a good idea to at least like dogs in order to enjoy this book. Personally, I am a dog lover...so this book was right up my alley. I could totally relate to the dilemma, the conflict, the overwhelming guilt that Charlie felt when it came to his dog's death. I also could understand when he said, "...it left a huge gaping hole not only in my heart, but in the house as well."

"It's Just a Dog" captures the emotion and the process of grieving for your pet. Because it's never "just a dog." It's your child, your confidant, your companion, your always-there, never-judgmental true best friend. Sure, there were moments when I chuckled, and when the story took a turn, it made me smile and warmed my heart.

It never felt gimmicky or silly or preposterous that Charlie's dog came back into his life as a ghost. Nor did it feel insincere or unrealistic, as strange as that may sound. It was cute...and charming...and, well, it made you wish you could experience the same thing, with the dog you've lost. No matter how long your dog is with you, or how old they get, it doesn't lessen the pain or the grief. It's hard. And Ryan captures the essence of that despair and utter sadness.

And then Charlie opens his heart and his home to a new dog...and what happens (for both of them) is so sweet and uplifting. It took a lot for him to reach that point because, as he put it, "The only dog I wanted was the one dog that I could never, ever have again." That's a tough feeling to move past.

It's a delightful novel, and it has wonderful elements to it, from humor to anger to despair and hope and everything in between. "It's Just a Dog" isn't just a novel. It will make you laugh and possibly cry but, most important, if you have a dog, you'll "get" it.

Well, I believe it and it is so funny that you have to remind yourself occasionally that this character is dead. I have had friends who thought their deceased canine was under their desk as they wrote, just as they had been when they were alive. This book takes the same tack with an artist who depended on his dog for inspiration. His paintings of Pete were famous and fabulous and made him a comfortable living. Pete, an elderly dog passes away while his owner is in Paris on business. This results in an artist "block". He feels terribly guilty as he should. I missed my granddaughter's second birthday party because I had to stay home with a border collie and change his dressings after a mountain lion attack removed skin, muscle and chips of bone. He is still with me and my granddaughter understood. People don't understand. I hate the expression "It's just a dog." This is a creature who loves you no matter what physical changes you have: wrinkles , weight issues, or amputations. They would give their life for you and yet I have stood in a vet hospital and heard people consider putting a dog down who had a leg amputated because they thought it would "bother them" to see a dog with a missing limb. I guarantee, the dog would have no problem with a person in that condition. Dogs are much nicer than people. Even Pete, who is a bit of a curmudgeon, seems to be the ideal foil for his owner who has all kinds of issues. I don't think he even has a clue how much Pete is helping him work through his shortcomings but then people are much less aware of how much training they, rather than the dog, need. I seldom have fewer than a dozen dogs living with me, my own and those of friends who are out of town. It is much more fun to walk with them in the morning than sit in a coffee shop and gossip and if you listen, even the live ones tell you a lot.

Russ Ryan delivers a very enjoyable read that entertains from beginning to end. All readers will enjoy this story, especially dog lovers. Almost my entire life, I owned a dog, always adopting them from shelters, and making them part of the family. My tradition was passed down to my children, as they love dogs as much as I do. The author delivers a funny story, but also one that is thought-provoking, and sentimental as it tugs at the heart. Russ Ryan portrays a message as he presents a colorful portrait of love, loss, and the time for a new beginning. If you are a dog lover, there is so much you can relate to when reading this intriguing story. In silence, I had flashbacks of so many good times, but also the unforgettable tragic moments of loss as well. In comparison to reading several books about dogs over the years, I find this one close to home, comforting, and covered in compassion. Hilarious, heartfelt, and beautifully written. Highly recommended!

Special Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

Charlie Keefe has made a good living keeping his Jack Russell terrier in the best of kibble. So when Pete crosses the Rainbow Bridge and Charlie isn't there, he sinks into depression and find he can no longer paint without his muse. Even though Pete wasn't quite the most friendly and personable dog, the two shared a connection but Charlie didn't realize how deep that connection was until Pete was gone. As Charlie walks by the dog park, he meets Janelle, head of the local rescue group, who promptly signs him up as a foster parent to an adorable spaniel named Brownie. Brownie is the complete opposite of Pete, charming and adorable instead of a grumbley curmudgeon.

Instead of making me cry like any book where a dog dies, I was actually laughing when Pete reappears as a ghost and the pair start arguing like an old married couple. Pete tells Charlie that Brownie is just a rebound dog and that he will always be first in his heart, there is major disagreement with Pete storming off and Charlie regretting his words once again. Charlie realizing that he has been given a chance to properly say good bye starts to paint again. The pictures of Pete alternating between heaven and hell aren't exactly a hit with his audience.

This story is for anyone who has loved and lost a dog. It will give you those warm fuzzies that you feel when poked by a cold nose and hit with a wagging tail. Fans of Enzo, Chet, and Jimmy (you know who you are) are going to love adding Pete to your family. This is also the first time that there is a happy ending to losing a beloved pet. It is a quick read and perfect dialogue, one I can't recommend highly enough for dog lovers.

So I did not know what to expect when i first picked up this book. I love anything that has to do with dogs and the bond between human and animal is so beautiful. My first experience with a truly touching dog story was when I saw the movie, My Dog Skip, when I was only 8 or 9 years old. When I was given the chance to review a book about a ghost dog, I was all in because who would not want that for themselves when they lost a loved and adored pet?

I was not quite sure how the book would go because it is 180 pages of nothing but how a dog is a ghost, but I was shocked and thrilled that I loved this book so much that I finished it in one day. Other books I set down and read when I have the time if I am not sure about them, but this one had me crying to myself from the beginning. Since I read the majority of it at work during the day, it would have been a little unprofessional to be bawling like a baby at my desk.

I thought at first that the author was going to be light hearted about the dog coming back but he was nothing of the sort. He was real and in touch with what the real actuality would be like if a pet could come back to you. The fact that the dog's perspetive was given a lot of weight kept me super interested. I have loved talking animals and their thoughs, take for example Dr. Doolittle. This was something unlike anything else I had ever read. The relationship between Charlie Keefe and Pete is one to treasure and will grip the reader from the start.

It was a quick read, like I said I read it in one day and I was at work for the majority. So if you are looking for a little story to keep you entranced for a little while...this one is it! Animal lovers will crave more books like this one. Well done Russ Ryan :)

Doesn't matter if your heart belongs to a dog or a cat or a turtle~~this book is for you. Russ Ryan tells his story with hilarity and heart. And here's something wonderful~~a portion of the proceeds of the sale of this book go to the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco, CA ([...]

"What I've learned so far in my short life as a dog widower is that it doesn't matter if you have a dog ten years or ten months--the pain and hurt is still the same. Luckily the love stays with you forever."

Charlie Keefe is the "Picasso of Pooch Portraits" and his muse is his beloved 16 1/2 or 18 (depends on who you ask) year-old Jack Russell terrier named "Pete". Thanks to the inspiration from Pete, Charlie has enjoyed a great career as an artist putting Pete's likeness on everything from posters and calendars to smartphone cases. Pete and Charlie are famous! They're a team!

And then the inevitable.

"Alfred Lord Tennyson, the 19th Century poet, famously once wrote that it's better to have loved and lost than to not have loved at all -- but I bet he never had a dog."

It has been months since Pete crossed that Rainbow Bridge and Charlie isn't coping well. After deciding to foster a puppy named Brownie, Charlie's life changes dramatically. Not just because he has a new puppy, that would be easy. No, Pete has decided to cross back over that Rainbow Bridge and come back "haunt" Charlie. Pete is a "GOST". Okay, so dogs aren't great spellers.

The author generously provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. Though appreciated, I chose to purchase one as well to support his cause. I hope you do too. ✰✰✰✰✰

Here is what I thought about this cute book. This book came at the right time we have just recently lost our fur baby, Winnie. I only wish that Winnie could come back like Pete did. But unlike Charlie, we had two other dogs besides Winnie when she died. But her loss is still felt today.

This is such a sweet book and great for animal lovers. I wish this would actually come true. It reminded me a lot of the movie, Frankenweenie, where the little boy bought his dog back to live. I could not help but think as Brownie, the rebound dog, was being described she reminded me a lot of our current dog, Allie.

Unlike Pete who took pleasure in ruling the house and leaving "presents" for Charlie, our dogs have never once left little "surprises" for us even when they were in the puppy stage. Just recently we let our bigger do, Tutu in house and she was calm enjoyed walking around the house. She loves going up to the full length mirror in Mikaela's room and looking at herself in the mirror. Unlike Allie who does not like looking at herself in the mirror.

Portion of the sales of this book will be donated to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue followin San Francisco, Ca. I love this book and I think you will as well. I just want to leave you with this quote that can be found in the acknowledgments section of the book.

"Being a dog widower has taught me that it doesn't matter if you have a dog ten years or ten months- the pain and hurt is still the same. Fortunately, the good part is that the love never dies."

I love that quote and I will think of it every time I think about our dear Winnie.

What a wonderful book, I loved it.

"It's Just A Dog" is a heartwarming read for anyone who has ever loved a dog. The author Russ Ryan takes you through Charlie Keefe's grief over the loss of his beloved dog, Pete, a Jack Russell terrier who took over his heart and made his career as a world famous dog painter.

After going through months of grief over the loss of Pete and finding and falling in love with a special girl "Brownie" a Cavalier King Charles spaniel who he agrees to foster, his beloved Pete returns! As a ghost that can talk!

There's humor and upheaval in Charlie's life when Pete returns along with the conversations we would all love to have with our precious departed fur babies. There are some very special moments between Charlie and his special buddy Pete. They brought tears to my eyes.

It's a wonderful book that one would want to read again, I know I will! Truth is when one has loved a dog, we all know that it is never "Just A Dog".

Initially, I was wondering how an entire book could be about a man losing his dog. I mean, really. A whole book?

But, when man's said dead dog returns, the story really begins.

It wasn't comical like I thought it may be. It was actually kind of... I don't want to say crude, but definitely interesting. I certainly hope my dog doesn't think of me that way, but at the same time, it definitely gives a new prospective to how a dog may feel or think about their life here on Earth. It really gives a dog's perspective on life.

Additionally, the bond between human and animal is so genuine and unique and this story really displays the love and bond between animal and human in different forms.

I finished this book in 24 hours. It was a quick read that I enjoyed. If you are an animal lover, you will enjoy this book (probably more if you are a dog lover, but I believe it could easily translate to any other pet one may have a bond with).

Disclosure: I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

I seldom turn down a dog book. Admittedly, some are better than others and Russ Ryan's, "It's Just A Dog", is one of those to me.

Many of us have lost a beloved animal companion and those of us who have, understand the dark process of grief we go through after their deaths. It's been nearly 8 years since my beloved Sugar crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I still look for her when I pull into the driveway and sometimes imagine I hear the pads of her feet moving across the room.

"It's Just A Dog" is a heartwarming read for anyone who has ever loved a dog. The author, Russ Ryan, takes you through Charlie Keefe's grief over the loss of his beloved companion, Pete, a Jack Russell terrier who stole his heart and made his career as a world famous dog painter.

Most dog lovers will identify, in some ways, with Charlie. I cried like a baby and smiled, in turn, as I went through Charlie's grief with him.

Imagine, if you will, that your best friend has just died. You wallow in your grief for a while and months after your loss, your beloved pet returns...as a ghost. A ghost that talks, no less! Hilarity ensues and in the end....well, I'll leave that for you to discover on your own.

It's "It's Just A Dog" is a fast read and a truly heartwarming story that I highly recommend for everyone, animal lovers and non-animal lovers, alike. Grab a box of tissues and enjoy this wonderful summer read!

Oh... I cried, giggled, cackled, and outright reveled in this touching story. It is so nice to know I am not alone in the world. I am a dog widower along with many other dog lovers. My puppy love was Opal, and like Pete, she was an intricate part of my world. For 13 years she graced our lives and as I lay with her under the Christmas Tree the night she left us, I knew there would be no other.

Author Russ Ryan skillfully puts into words all the feelings of joy and sadness when faced with getting on with life after the loss of your beloved canine companion. Much like Charlie Keefe, I was sure I could not love another, but in comes the 'rebound dog' and life starts to come together again. If a ghost Opal would come back, like Pete did to Charlie, I wonder what she would say to me. Hmmmmm! I really wonder what she would say to Baby Girl, the 'rebound dog'! I do recommend this book for any dog lover... you will totally FeeL this story and understand "It's Just A Dog"!

Overall, I really ended up enjoying this book. It's Just A Dog was a good read, plain and simple. Parts of it made me cry as I read them aloud to my dogs (please tell me I'm not the only one who reads out loud to their dogs...). I actually had to stop reading, or read silently for a while, as certain parts of the book made my throat close and tears start leaking from my eyes.

Then, at the same time, there was always some kind of relief. Sometimes, it was a bit of dark humor at just the right place in the story. Other times, it was a funny story about Pete, or the destructive or irritating things that he did during (and after) his life. I think I would call this book a comedy, if I had to choose, though maybe more along the lines of a dark comedy. It deals with the very serious feelings of grief and depression associated with losing your dog, but does so in a fun to read way- without ever making light of the all consuming horribleness of losing your best friend.

Are you dog-addicted? Do your friends call you co-dependent and tell you that your best four-legged friend is "just a dog"? And does that statement just set you off? If you're nodding your head "yes" then you're going to love "It's Just A Dog", a new book by Russ Ryan.

I'm someone who can't imagine my life without dogs. My life has been enriched by every dog that has shared it, and a part of each of them remains in my soul forever. For Charlie Keefe it goes further - a lot further. His beloved Pete, best friend, companion and muse, returns to him "in the fur" causing no end of mischief and leading Charlie's friends to doubt his sanity...and remind him repeatedly that "it's just a dog".

I raced through the story of Charlie, Pete and Brownie in one sitting...The tone is light and perfect for a Summer beach read, but the soul of the book shines through. The story will linger and you'll find yourself wondering "what if"...

As I was reading It's Just a Dog, I was already thinking about what I was going to say in my review and only one thing seemed to really stand out in my mind. It wasn't so much as what words to say but more of a visual image. Have you ever seen the Comedy & Tragedy Masks? This, to me, sums up It's Just a Dog to the letter. For the first few chapters of the book my face looked exactly like the Tragedy mask. I bawled my eyes out. Reading the story of the main character, Charlie, and his sad story of losing his beloved dog, Pete, reminded me of when my family lost our beloved Rottweiler, Bear. My heart wept for Charlie. Russ Ryan described what a dog lover really feels in such a tragedy. But as the story goes on my face turned into more of the Comedy mask. As Pete comes back from the dead as a talking dog, the real story unfolds. This is a delightful book that will make you cry like a baby and laugh out loud. I give it 5 stars for being a GREAT book!!

I'm a sucker for any animal story. Doesn't matter if it's about a cat or dog, I'm sure I'll like it. Usually the stories are from the owner's point of view or the animal's point of view. "It's Just a Dog" has totally given a new twist on animal stories. We all see the shows about mediums talking to the dead, and people seeing ghosts. How come it's never an animal ghost?

The story starts out with the tale that any animal owner can relate to when their faithful companion passes. You know, the "sorry, I know your animal meant a lot to you" and the emotions that go with losing (in this case) a dog and getting that first dog afterwards.

Here's where the twist comes in. We've all probably said to ourselves "If I only had one more day with (insert family/friend name here)" after someone had passed. But what if your faithful companion came back? I LOVE THIS TWIST on the story! Russ Ryan has taken what we have all thought about and put it in a book.

This is a great, easy (176 page) summer read that any animal lover will enjoy. The book does exactly what a good story should do - take you away from reality for awhile and let you daydream.

I love dog books, but I admit some are better than others. Russ Ryan's It's Just a Dog is one of those. The thing is I wasn't expecting it to be. Before I turned on my Kindle and began the first page, I had pretty low expectations. You see I knew nothing about the book or its author other than the fact that it was a novel about not only a talking dog, but a talking ghost dog! I seldom turn down a dog book, that's why I'm reviewing them here on the blog, but my taste typically gravitates toward memoir not gimmicky or cutesy talking dog stories.

Ryan's book is neither of these. It is at once heartfelt and hilarious! And, cleverly engaging. I fell in love with the voice of his protagonist dog painter Charlie Keefe from the get-go and would have continued to the end just to listen to him tell his story, but there is more to this book than a charming style and amiable narrator. The plot may be a wee bit light and episodic, but this book has heart and like all the best comedy, a bit of soul as well. Any dog lover will identify with the emotions of Charlie, who loses and grieves for his dog Petey (who must be put down while he is away on vacation) until said dog reappears as a ghost. Charlie welcomes him back with open arms as any dog owner would. Ryan, who admits in the acknowledgments to having had a Petey of his own, manages to deal with grief and the loss of a beloved pet without getting schmaltzy, in a way that is both fresh and fun. The actual plot is secondary and maybe a little light for some readers, but as an artist myself I had to admit I identified and enjoyed Charlie's career challenges. I also thought his romantic entanglement to ring true, but what delighted me the most were the emotions familiar to all dog owners that managed to make me both smile and empathize with Charlie's plight. Ryan may have entitled his book "It's Just a Dog," but this novel is anything but your typical dog story. It's a fast and fun read with hidden depths.

I received a free copy of this book from Beck Valley Books in exchange for writing an unbiased review. All the opinions expressed are 100% my own.

(Disclosure: I won a free copy of the book through a contest held by the author). I read this debut novel in two sittings! It was a combination of sad, funny, sweet and heartwarming, as I was fortunate enough to be reading the book with my 16 year old Shih-Tzu by my side. This is a great book for dog lovers; it was fast paced and engrossing and dog lovers will surely exclaim in many parts "that's exactly what I say/feel to/about my dog"! In some chapters, I had to balance the book on my lap while I grabbed a Kleenex with one hand and my Shih-Tzu girl with the other (particularly when 16.5 year old Pete died, considering my girl is now almost the exact same age)! I would definitely read another book by this author.

It's Just A Dog grabbed me immediately. I was only 6 pages into it and I was crying like a little baby! I even felt so much about this book that I found myself writing this long tear infused email to Russ Ryan (the amazing and brilliant author) before I could continue. I felt his pain over his obvious loss (even if I realized after reading the book and having a more clear mind that this book is fiction but HAD to be based upon his own loss due to the real, heart felt emotion he was able to portray through his words).

This book is all about an artist who gets a dog and that dog ends up being his muse, launching his career to heights he never imagined. Pete, the dog, was everything to Charlie. People without children tend to feel as though their pets are their children. I know I do without a doubt! (Not saying that people with children do not feel the same way but you know what I mean!) Pete was getting up there in years and had been unable to travel with Charlie so Charlie had to leave him at home with his manager taking care of him when he went to a gallery opening in Paris. While he is gone Pete gets so sick that there was nothing more to do but to put him to sleep and Charlie lost his best friend. The story that follows includes ghost dogs, new puppies, and new human loves and it's all because one man loved one dog. This is a must read book for any dog lover and as of the day I am writing this review it was only listed at $2.99 for the E-Book on the store!!! Seriously that is a steal and you should be ashamed of yourself for paying that little for this amazing book but not ashamed enough to not get it right now!

Charlie Keefe's career as an artist is going nowhere until he starts painting his Jack Russell terrier, Pete. Then Charlie becomes known as "The Picasso of Pooch Portraits" and his work is in demand as are he and Pete. When Pete unexpectedly dies while Charlie is overseas, Charlie is devastated and has a hard time coping with his guilt at not being there when Pete died. A rescue worker suggests that fostering a dog may help him move past his grief and Charlie finally agrees to a Cavalier King Charles named Brownie. Brownie's laid-back personality is totally opposite to Pete's demanding one and Charlie soon discovers he wants to adopt this sweet girl. Into his life comes the ghost of Pete, who does not make life for Charlie easy. No one else can see Pete, whose sarcastic comments and attempts to sabotage Charlie's and Brownie's relationship frustrate Charlie, intrude upon his budding romance with the rescue worker and cause others to think Charlie just might be losing it.

Russ Ryan does a wonderful job portraying the emotional impact losing a dog can have on its human as well as the love and companionship these special animals bring to our lives. The back-and-forth exchanges between Charlie and the ghost dog Pete are humorous and will bring lots of chuckles. The read is fast and sweet and fun and not one easily forgotten. Worth noting: Ryan is donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of the book to the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

This story entertains and delights as it wraps itself around you...hugging you with the love a man can have for a four-legged friend...a best friend. I laughed out loud at some of Petey's antics...and even the ghost of Petey had humor. The sadness when Petey left...the unmistakable "forever bond" he had with his owner (who tells the story) moved me to tears. I love my own dog like this...the line in the book that refutes saying "but it's only a dog"...Will stay with me forever...to be answered with..."NO...it is not only a dog...it is MY dog"!!! I loved this book<3

This book will be adored not only by dog lovers but any animal lover who knows just how much owning a pet can change our lives. For me what sets this book apart from other dog stories is the author's witty light humour that expertly balances out the emotional side of the story, taking away the sadness as you find yourself laughing out loud.

Pete isn't your normal dog, he's a celebrity with his own personal painter/owner in tow, he even has his own Facebook and Twitter accounts and when he's no longer on this planet they have a doggy memorial party for him so his old pals could show their respect, which really did make me giggle. There is just one problem Pete can't move on until he knows that Charlie, his owner, has come to terms with the loss, so Pete has to return, bringing some great fun into the story. Without giving too much away the story introduces Brownie, a loveable King Charles Cavalier, fostered by Charlie from a dog farm owned by a rather clever and beautiful owner.

The writing of the author's true love, happiness and sadness in the story is fully appreciated and you can totally connect with the sheer joy, frustrations and sadness of owning a pet. Describing the loss of Pete, the emotions felt by not only Charlie but Pete himself and all the little things that you start to notice when a pet dies is absolutely spot on. I loved how Charlie tries to battle against how a man should feel yet knowing that he just can't hide from his true emotions.

There are parts of the book that really gave me a huge lump in my throat as it brought back memories of when we lost our first dog, Bess a Border Collie. She sadly fell asleep in the company of hubbie and the vet in her favourite room of our home, what we didn't expect apart from the obvious loss and sadness was just how much my hubbie would be affected by letting her go. We immediately left the house and went for a lonely walk without her and stumbled on a house for sale, which we actually bought and still live in now, the thought of staying in the same home was just too much for him to bear.

A lovely, light, easy read that flows really well that I thoroughly enjoyed. It will have you feeling sad one minute and laughing the next as you follow Charlie's roller-coaster ride of emotions and events after loosing Pete 'the cutest, crankiest Jack Russell Terrier' and his new found love Brownie. A must for a film, I can already hear Pete's gruff voice in it.

I received a copy for a honest review.

I made the mistake of reading the prologue at the laundry mat as I waiting for my clothes. I was not expecting to get so emotional that I actually started to cry (talk about embarrassing). I think the reason it hit me so hard was because I have a 13 year old lab/german shepard mix (Triton) who is starting to slow down and really show his age.

After reading the prologue I was thinking that this was going to be a really emotional book to get through, but once I started reading it, I realized that it was actually much more of a light hearted, funny story.

I'm a dog person so this was right up my street and I could sympathise completely with the emotional turmoil felt by Charlie when he lost his furbaby.
The description of how empty the house felt when Pete was no longer there was absolutely spot on. It's such a horrid, empty feeling and I admit to shedding a few tears in memory of my own lost dogs. Although having them come back as ghost dogs who could talk would be very cool!
I love this story, it's humorous, fun, heartfelt and slightly zany and definitely not a run of the mill dog story. Great ending too :-)

As a dog lover (and cat lover...I show love for both teams), I looked forward to reading this book! A fast read, emotional (sad) at times, funny at times but a great pick for dog lovers!

It's Just a Dog brings you into the life of Charlie, his past pet Starsky, then Pete, Pete's passing, and the other dogs that came into his life - including Pete as a ghost! I feel you will enjoy the "communication" between both dog owner and pet - a perfect summer reading choice!

Please note that I received this book free from the author, but all opinions are 100% my own.

This story may be just a little sad in the beginning, but the sudden appearance of his dead dog, Pete gives you a surprise worth crying before. This is a wonderful book about the loss of a dog that is still there. He made the kind of story that I like. I also enjoy cliff hangers, and he did an extraordinary job on writing this book. I hope that other writers will study his work and follow in his footsteps. :-D

I guess I have to say is I am a Cat owner not a Dog owner, however for some reason I love books about Dogs. This book was an interesting read, \it kept my interest, which if the story can't hold it I just put it aside & never finish the book. Some how the title says more about the story, it gabs you in from the beginning, then holds you till the end. You know that there is a story that will continues on. for Charlie his current Dog his friends & lover. I did enjoy this book!!

What a missed opportunity! This book had the potential to be a wonderful story but the author went the wrong way with it. I was very disappointed with the direction the story line took as well as the language that was used. There was inappropriate language that was just not necessary and some if it came from the ghost dog himself. I would hope that if my dog passed away and came back as a ghost that he would be more appreciative and loving than this dog was. Just not a good story!

Russ pens "It's Just A Dog" in an heartwarming plot filled with emotion and a touch of humor. He takes us through the characters grief when his trusted dog and friend dies but comes back again as a ghost, while doing so in a lighthearted way. A fast read and truly fantastic story that will capture your heart and highly recommended for all pet and non-pet lovers.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, especially the beginning. I would recommend the book if only for the beginning (I loved how the author described dog owners and a relationship between a guy and his dog.) But the book was interesting as a whole. However I thought the ending could have been better. And I really disliked the character Janelle. That's why all in all I'm giving it three stars. I would definitely recommend this book, especially if you are a dog person.

I started off in tears with this one but it quickly turned comical. Anyone who has ever lost a pet that they truly cared about can so easily relate to this one. You do not want to put it down because you want to see what Pete is going to do next. I really like that it is a book I enjoyed and now my 16 yo is enjoying. The fact that two totally different age groups can relate to it and find it enjoyable is nice.

This book started great. It was a "can't put down" read. Until the author introduced the thought he was seeing his dead dog, & very possible. Memories can sometimes make you believe.
I skipped over the one part I found to be too far fetched, for me. It seemed rather a way to fill the pages. Once beyond that part, it took on the good read, again. If you enjoy the fantasy land aspect, then it is worth reading that section, as well.
Hence my rating the book, the way I did.

Having spent 14 plus years with his special Jack Russell boy, Pete, his owner just can't let go after he passes. Guilt-ridden for not being at his side when he goes over the Rainbow Bridge, he mourns alone. His artistic self is forever lost, or so he believes, until Pete shakes and wakes him. Pete is suddenly back! Or is he?