‘The Dog That Talked to God’ by Jim Kraus – Book Review

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a dog person! We currently own two adorable and precious Cocker Spaniels. I find them to be special creations from God, so when I heard about the blog tour for ‘The Dog That Talked to God’ by Jim Kraus, I knew I wanted to read that one!

Here is the synopsis for this novel:

Sometimes the least expected can be the most amazing.

Recently widowed Mary Fassler buys a Miniature Schnauzer, Rufus, and her world is turned sideways in the midst of her grief. It seems that Rufus speaks. And not just to her. He also talks to God.

When Rufus begins sharing advice that could result in major life changes, Mary gets the feeling the pooch might not be steering her in the right direction. Or is she just afraid to take a leap and discover something she desperately needs? Only Rufus – and God – knows.

Here is the biography of the author:

Jim Kraus is a longtime writer and editor who has authored or coauthored 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction. His best-selling humor book, Bloopers, Blunders, Jokes, Quips, and Quotes,  was published by Tyndale, sold more than 40,000 copies, and inspired several spin-off books. Jim and his wife, novelist Terri Kraus, have one son and live in the Chicago area.

I loved Jim’s writing style – especially the humorous sections. Here is an example; the main character, Mary Fassler, tells about her first month of dog ownership:

Friends came over to visit that first month, after hearing I had acquired a dog. They oohed and aahhed over the puppy, picking him up, with some planting kisses on his head. I had determined not to be the sort of semi-crazy pet lady who would do that. I have to say that human-to-pet smooches simply look wrong. Weird. I am pretty sure that Rufus did not like the forced smooches either, but he had no forearm with which to wipe off an unwanted kiss after being bussed on his forehead. Worse yet was the occasional trace of lipstick that remained afterward in his white eyebrows that I had to clean off when the over-affectionate guest departed. (p. 30)

I also loved Jim’s descriptive writing style. Here’s Mary describing the first time she saw her future husband:

He [Jacob Fassler] worked in marketing – smooth-talking, glib, always with a ready smile. You know, one of those marketing types. And he was handsome, in a Bohemian sort of way. He stood a few inches taller than me – and in flats, I was an even five feet, five inches tall. He had an almost dark look about him, dark hair with waves that he sort of pushed back from his forehead with a calculated insouciance that made it look as though he had just stepped away from the beach. I would have wagered that he smelled of salt water. He had dark eyes – deep, expressive, more brown than any other color – in contrast with my Nordic-looking blue eyes, my blond hair in a limp bob. He had a dangerous look to himself, opposite from me and my gingham-and-lace apron aura. I could wear a leather jacket with leather chaps and studs in my nose and ears, and someone would ask me where the Sunday school social is being held. I have that sort of nice, nearly angelic face. I’m not that way, really. I can be bad. Seriously. I have done bad things.

Sort of. (p. 40)  

I believe that dogs are wonderful creatures! Here, Mary asks Rufus if all dogs know God:

“I think so. I think all dogs know God. But not all dogs are good dogs. If a dog is a good dog, that means they know who God is and do good things. Some dogs that do bad things do bad things because they have bad people around them. But, deep down, all dogs know what is good and bad. Good dogs do good things. Bad dogs…they do bad things, even if they know better. But all dogs know what they’re doing. I’m pretty sure of that.” (p. 274)

I really LOVED this book! I was so touched that I cried at the end; they were happy tears for the ending! I would love to see a sequel! I thank Mr. Kraus for sharing the wonders of dogs and the privilege we have to have them as companions. I cannot imagine life without a furry canine creative in our home!

You can order this book by clicking here.

This book was published by Abingdon Press and provided by the LitFuse Publicity Group for review purposes.