Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts

This book begins with Rachel, a Londoner who has lost her job, her boyfriend and her aunt, inheriting a home in Longhampton with rescue kennels and acres of land.  Not only did Rachel inherit everything her aunt owned, but this non-dog person also inherits Gem; Aunt Dot’s beloved dog. 

As Rachel struggles to sort through her aunt’s belongings, she discovers lasting friendships in Megan, the kennel’s manager with a heart of gold and a fierce love for the abused and neglected animals; Zoe, the single mother of two and newly adoptive parent of a Labrador puppy; Natalie, a woman struggling to create her own family and becomes a foster mother to a Bassett hound; and George, the handsome veterinarian who spends long hours caring for the ill and injured animals of Longhampton.  Each of their lives entwine in a delicate weave of rescuing and re-homing the dogs as Rachel begins to uncover family secrets that lay hidden at the bottom of a wardrobe closet.

Lonely Dogs and Lonely Hearts is an easy and delightful read; even for the non-dog person.  The use of the British language is unfamiliar to most Americans, but after googling a few terms, I quickly learned the meaning behind some of the English phrases found in this story.  Lucy Dillon paints a beautiful portrait of the loyal and loveable canine companions, and as the characters learn what it takes to care for a dog, they also learn valuable skills within their relationships with others. 

I highly recommend this book.  It will give the reader a greater understanding of the canine life and will bring a tear or two to one’s eyes.  It may even soften the heart enough to encourage one to adopt a loyal canine companion.  Even as a cat lover, I almost want one!  Almost…