Book ~ "A Dog's Purpose" (2010) W. Bruce Cameron

From Goodreads ~ This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?

Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog.

But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders—will he ever find his purpose?

Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose. 

I love reading stories about dogs.  While I enjoyed the writing style and found it was well-paced, I didn't enjoy this book.  I wouldn't recommend it to any dog lovers ... I found it too sad and depressing :(

The dog gets born four times (as Toby, Bailey, Ellie and Buddy) ... but to be born again, the dog has to die and that was hard to read.  When the dog comes back as the next dog, he is confused and/or depressed at first and missed his past masters, which was sad.  It's a really smart dog and continues to take what it's learned through all it's lives.

Because the book is written from the dog's point of view, it was interesting to see how a dog might interpret things.  At times it was funny (like when the dog watches his masters "wrestle" and he doesn't understand cats or ducks at all).  But I found it was mostly sad ... like when he thinks he's being good, he's made to feel like a "bad boy" when he really isn't.  Plus there are bullies and violence towards the dog which I found hard to read.

The book bothered me and I wanted to give up on it but I wanted to finish it to see if there was a happy ending.  I can see how some people would say that there is a happy ending but I didn't think it was.