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For the Love of a Dog
After the death of her mother and the end of a post-divorce relationship leaves her heartbroken, novelist Amanda Brookfield finds her once secure world imploding. As despair closes in, she talks of getting a puppy to revive her optimistic spirit.
Amanda is advised that her lifestyle will not suit becoming a dog-owner but she can't resist Mabel, a beautiful golden doodle puppy. Arming herself with an arsenal of equipment, Amanda learns that there are no short-cuts to training and caring for a dog. Through battling daily challenges and constantly regrouping, Amanda realises she is starting to come to terms with her bereavement and the prospect of facing the rest of her life alone.
For the Love of a Dog tells the bigger, more poignant story about the labour of emotional recovery after the trauma of loss. Mabel shines like a light throughout, the unwitting architect of rebuilding self-belief. Mabel's own journey is equally captivating: as she blossoms into a mischievous, endearing head-turner of a companion – as affectionate as she is glorious.
Amanda is advised that her lifestyle will not suit becoming a dog-owner but she can't resist Mabel, a beautiful golden doodle puppy. Arming herself with an arsenal of equipment, Amanda learns that there are no short-cuts to training and caring for a dog. Through battling daily challenges and constantly regrouping, Amanda realises she is starting to come to terms with her bereavement and the prospect of facing the rest of her life alone.
For the Love of a Dog tells the bigger, more poignant story about the labour of emotional recovery after the trauma of loss. Mabel shines like a light throughout, the unwitting architect of rebuilding self-belief. Mabel's own journey is equally captivating: as she blossoms into a mischievous, endearing head-turner of a companion – as affectionate as she is glorious.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
17 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Brookfield
38 books104 followersI have two elder sisters and a twin brother who is much quieter than me and with much longer legs. Our Dad was in the Foreign Office so we spent our childhood living in far-flung places like Shanghai and Stockholm. In fact, until the age of 32 I had never spent more than 3 years under the same roof...it's left me with the opposite of 'itchy feet'.
I fell in love with writing aged 11 when my class was asked to write a ghost story - that thrill of being able to make it all up! Studying English at Oxford was a dream come true, but then real life got in the way and I started a career in advertising, climbing the greasy pole for four years, helping sell washing powder and cold remedies.
Aged 25, I got the chance to go and live in Argentina. I left advertising, set myself up as a freelance journalist and wrote my first novel,'Alice Alone' which was published (to critical acclaim!) in 1989. I haven't stopped,or looked back, since.
I am now published by Penguin. At the last count I had produced fifteen novels and two sons. There will be no more offspring, but lots of books I hope.
I fell in love with writing aged 11 when my class was asked to write a ghost story - that thrill of being able to make it all up! Studying English at Oxford was a dream come true, but then real life got in the way and I started a career in advertising, climbing the greasy pole for four years, helping sell washing powder and cold remedies.
Aged 25, I got the chance to go and live in Argentina. I left advertising, set myself up as a freelance journalist and wrote my first novel,'Alice Alone' which was published (to critical acclaim!) in 1989. I haven't stopped,or looked back, since.
I am now published by Penguin. At the last count I had produced fifteen novels and two sons. There will be no more offspring, but lots of books I hope.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 13, 2018
I LOVED this book. It was gifted to me by a dear friend who knows me well enough to know that it was just the tonic – and bundle of life lessons – that I needed. It moved me to tears, made me laugh and reminded me just how glorious love can be. A must for all, whether you love dogs or not.
November 4, 2022
I heard the audio version of this book and its definitely for someone who loves dogs.
The author is trying to cope with the death of her mother and a post - divorce situation. Her children are grown up and life seems a bit down.
To cope up with the emptiness and to get some positivity in her life, she decides to adopt a dog.
Although her family and friends, inform her that's its no small thing to take care of a dog, she still decides to visit the Welsh country side to pick out a doodle pup called Mabel.
The story goes on, how Mable is brought home and showered with multiple gifts and things she might or may not require. The author has armed herself with a book about dog care.
The Author has a cat Tiger Lily - who's observes the dog from far.
The UK wet weather doesnt seem to suit Mabel's furry coat and it turns into a fiasco once wet.
ITs so funny reading what all stuff the author has to go through.
But in all this, she finds a renewed hope. She finds friends, neighbours, new routes to walk.
The pup has given her a new lease, she gets back her life, she walks out of her home, people talk to her, she finishes her book. She goes up to meet her family and has a good time.
She finds a partner, although he doesn't stick around, she doesn't mind it, she has Mable.
Its a nice book about coming out from ones grief and emotional healing.
I recommended it if you love pets over all. You will definitely understand that puppy feeling.
The author is trying to cope with the death of her mother and a post - divorce situation. Her children are grown up and life seems a bit down.
To cope up with the emptiness and to get some positivity in her life, she decides to adopt a dog.
Although her family and friends, inform her that's its no small thing to take care of a dog, she still decides to visit the Welsh country side to pick out a doodle pup called Mabel.
The story goes on, how Mable is brought home and showered with multiple gifts and things she might or may not require. The author has armed herself with a book about dog care.
The Author has a cat Tiger Lily - who's observes the dog from far.
The UK wet weather doesnt seem to suit Mabel's furry coat and it turns into a fiasco once wet.
ITs so funny reading what all stuff the author has to go through.
But in all this, she finds a renewed hope. She finds friends, neighbours, new routes to walk.
The pup has given her a new lease, she gets back her life, she walks out of her home, people talk to her, she finishes her book. She goes up to meet her family and has a good time.
She finds a partner, although he doesn't stick around, she doesn't mind it, she has Mable.
Its a nice book about coming out from ones grief and emotional healing.
I recommended it if you love pets over all. You will definitely understand that puppy feeling.
January 5, 2019
A fun memoir of a woman's experience getting a dog for companionship after having lost her mother and her husband leaving her.
Amanda is an author, who found her life crumbling as things around her were changing. Going into a depression, she thinks about maybe getting a dog, which no family or friend think is a good idea, knowing her lifestyle.
While checking out possible dogs, she falls in love with a golden doodle puppy, almost ready to be put up for adoption.
This story takes us through Amanda and Mable's (dog) first year together. The author describes very well what it is like to become a pet owner, all of the ups and downs of getting to know each other and the challenges of training such a rambunctious dog breed.
We see how these two compliment each other and grow to be a team, which brings Amanda into a better place in her life.
Well written and a fun read for me.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Amanda is an author, who found her life crumbling as things around her were changing. Going into a depression, she thinks about maybe getting a dog, which no family or friend think is a good idea, knowing her lifestyle.
While checking out possible dogs, she falls in love with a golden doodle puppy, almost ready to be put up for adoption.
This story takes us through Amanda and Mable's (dog) first year together. The author describes very well what it is like to become a pet owner, all of the ups and downs of getting to know each other and the challenges of training such a rambunctious dog breed.
We see how these two compliment each other and grow to be a team, which brings Amanda into a better place in her life.
Well written and a fun read for me.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
December 4, 2018
Amanda Brookfield delivers a powerful and emotional account of her battle with mental health and the joy which was brought back into her life by a Goldendoodle puppy called Mabel.
This isn't a sugar-coated story of how a dog instantly changed Amanda's life but an honest account of the highs and lows of owning a new puppy, especially at a difficult time of life.
Becoming a puppy owner wasn't a quick decision for Amanda, she battled her need for a dog in her life, travelled hundreds of miles. read all the right books and listened to advice from friends and family. However, the pull towards a little Goldendoodle puppy in Wales was just too strong and Mabel was welcomed into her home.
For anyone who has suffered from depression, the act of getting out of bed in the morning can be the hardest part of the day. Now Amanda had no choice but to get up and see to her puppy's needs. Out walking people stopped and asked about the little bundle of white fluff and Amanda found herself enjoying the conversations with like-minded dog lovers.
I related with the sheer joy of watching a dog watch David Attenborough documentaries and the comfort from crying into a dog's fur. I nodded my head firmly in agreement as Amanda tried desperately to keep a large white dog with a penchant for puddles, clean and groomed.
The book is filled with humour and lovely anecdotes of her lovely late mum. She is achingly honest about the greyness that can descend after heartbreak and grief. The reader goes on a journey with Amanda which shows how Mabel gave her the strength to start writing again, socialising, even dating.
I devoured the book in one sitting, but it's one which I shall read again and again. This is a must read, not just for dog lovers but for anyone who has experienced heartbreak and extreme grief.
It shows that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, not the same light as before but one which gives strength, acceptance and even joy.
It also shows the amazing healing strength of dogs, how they know what you are feeling and are unjudgemental and kind at all times. How they enter your life at just the right time and somehow makes things better.
This isn't a sugar-coated story of how a dog instantly changed Amanda's life but an honest account of the highs and lows of owning a new puppy, especially at a difficult time of life.
Becoming a puppy owner wasn't a quick decision for Amanda, she battled her need for a dog in her life, travelled hundreds of miles. read all the right books and listened to advice from friends and family. However, the pull towards a little Goldendoodle puppy in Wales was just too strong and Mabel was welcomed into her home.
For anyone who has suffered from depression, the act of getting out of bed in the morning can be the hardest part of the day. Now Amanda had no choice but to get up and see to her puppy's needs. Out walking people stopped and asked about the little bundle of white fluff and Amanda found herself enjoying the conversations with like-minded dog lovers.
I related with the sheer joy of watching a dog watch David Attenborough documentaries and the comfort from crying into a dog's fur. I nodded my head firmly in agreement as Amanda tried desperately to keep a large white dog with a penchant for puddles, clean and groomed.
The book is filled with humour and lovely anecdotes of her lovely late mum. She is achingly honest about the greyness that can descend after heartbreak and grief. The reader goes on a journey with Amanda which shows how Mabel gave her the strength to start writing again, socialising, even dating.
I devoured the book in one sitting, but it's one which I shall read again and again. This is a must read, not just for dog lovers but for anyone who has experienced heartbreak and extreme grief.
It shows that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, not the same light as before but one which gives strength, acceptance and even joy.
It also shows the amazing healing strength of dogs, how they know what you are feeling and are unjudgemental and kind at all times. How they enter your life at just the right time and somehow makes things better.
December 6, 2018
Thank you to Anima for a review copy of this book. It was much appreciated.
I am not sure what drew me to this book - I picked it up on a rainy December afternoon and that was me, entirely engrossed. The funny thing about it is that I would call myself a 'cat' person rather than a 'dog' person and my husband would confirm that frequently, when reading the book, I could be heard to mutter 'we're never getting a puppy'!
'For the Love of a Dog' tells Amanda Brookfield's experience of getting a Golden Doodle puppy, which turns out, through her slight lack of research to be a 'high maintenance dog'. But the story is so much more than that. The author is very open and honest about the personal breakdown which led her to get a dog and her gradual recovery. (Yes, at the point she couldn't look after herself, she decided to take on a puppy...)
This book is open and totally candid and thus is a total pleasure to read. I think we can all try to maintain a façade in life to show that we are coping and all is 'fine, thank you'. But the reality is that we all have struggles and days that just go completely wrong. Amanda Brookfield is very generous in sharing with us the lows, including the very low points, as well as the highs of her first year with Mabel the dog.
There is something incredibly warming about this story. Mabel - as the author writes - is just a dog, but she has changed a life. She has helped bring back purpose, joy and love to the author's life. Some scenes are hilarious; some are heart-breaking; much relates to the antics of a puppy and a new dog owner, but overall it is much more than that. It is a wonderful story of turning a life back round.
I am not sure what drew me to this book - I picked it up on a rainy December afternoon and that was me, entirely engrossed. The funny thing about it is that I would call myself a 'cat' person rather than a 'dog' person and my husband would confirm that frequently, when reading the book, I could be heard to mutter 'we're never getting a puppy'!
'For the Love of a Dog' tells Amanda Brookfield's experience of getting a Golden Doodle puppy, which turns out, through her slight lack of research to be a 'high maintenance dog'. But the story is so much more than that. The author is very open and honest about the personal breakdown which led her to get a dog and her gradual recovery. (Yes, at the point she couldn't look after herself, she decided to take on a puppy...)
This book is open and totally candid and thus is a total pleasure to read. I think we can all try to maintain a façade in life to show that we are coping and all is 'fine, thank you'. But the reality is that we all have struggles and days that just go completely wrong. Amanda Brookfield is very generous in sharing with us the lows, including the very low points, as well as the highs of her first year with Mabel the dog.
There is something incredibly warming about this story. Mabel - as the author writes - is just a dog, but she has changed a life. She has helped bring back purpose, joy and love to the author's life. Some scenes are hilarious; some are heart-breaking; much relates to the antics of a puppy and a new dog owner, but overall it is much more than that. It is a wonderful story of turning a life back round.
Read
January 30, 2025Slatko je kako svi vlasnici imaju slicna ocekivanja od pasa, i slicna razocarenja. I ja sam nekad zamisljala kako ce mi moj pas biti kompanjon u svemu. Ali brzo sam shvatila da on ne gleda to tako.
U knjizi je rekla kako je shvatila da te pas vezuje za kuću, sto je istina. Sve je tako tesko organizovati sa psom, niti pas zeli da ide svuda gde ti zelis. I to je cinjenica s kojom naucis da zivis jer je osecaj nedostajanja psa veca od osecaja propustanja zabave.
Knjiga govori o zeni koja je nedavno ostala bez majke, deca su joj odrasla, razvela se od muza i palo joj je na pamet da uzme psa jer nije znala kako da izadje na kraj sa sveprisutnom samocom.
Lepa je prica i drago mi je sto nije jedna od onih gde pas umre na kraju! Ne znam kako je izgubiti roditelje, niti imati decu, niti se razvesti, ali znam kako je kad te pas pogleda crnim krupnim ocima i oprostis mu sto se ispovracao po tepihu i zidu ❤️
U knjizi je rekla kako je shvatila da te pas vezuje za kuću, sto je istina. Sve je tako tesko organizovati sa psom, niti pas zeli da ide svuda gde ti zelis. I to je cinjenica s kojom naucis da zivis jer je osecaj nedostajanja psa veca od osecaja propustanja zabave.
Knjiga govori o zeni koja je nedavno ostala bez majke, deca su joj odrasla, razvela se od muza i palo joj je na pamet da uzme psa jer nije znala kako da izadje na kraj sa sveprisutnom samocom.
Lepa je prica i drago mi je sto nije jedna od onih gde pas umre na kraju! Ne znam kako je izgubiti roditelje, niti imati decu, niti se razvesti, ali znam kako je kad te pas pogleda crnim krupnim ocima i oprostis mu sto se ispovracao po tepihu i zidu ❤️
November 15, 2018
Brilliant
Amanda Brookfield could write about making a cup of tea and it would be an interesting read.
I just loved the honest and very descriptive memoir about this dog who sounds fabulous. She did not shirk from telling about the negative side of puppy rearing but somehow it all sounds great. As I am about to get a longed for puppy in a couple of months, this was perfect reading for me but even if you are not into dogs, this would still be a very enjoyable read as the parallel philosophies on life are very honest and enlightening.
I have read all of this author’s books and enjoyed them immensely. I think it is a shame she has found it hard to find a publisher for her 16th novel and hope this will be rectified soon.
Amanda Brookfield could write about making a cup of tea and it would be an interesting read.
I just loved the honest and very descriptive memoir about this dog who sounds fabulous. She did not shirk from telling about the negative side of puppy rearing but somehow it all sounds great. As I am about to get a longed for puppy in a couple of months, this was perfect reading for me but even if you are not into dogs, this would still be a very enjoyable read as the parallel philosophies on life are very honest and enlightening.
I have read all of this author’s books and enjoyed them immensely. I think it is a shame she has found it hard to find a publisher for her 16th novel and hope this will be rectified soon.
November 23, 2018
Amanda's life has been turned upside down with the death of her mother and the end of a love affair. He was just done with their affair and Amanda is now alone. She is not able to get herself back together again. She decides to get a dog. Her family & friends think she is not suited to having a dog but she makes the arrangements and when the pups are ready she goes to Wales to get Mable. The book follows their first year together. She tells us the story of the changes she makes and Mable as well. You will recognize some of their trials if you have ever raised a dog from puppy to adulthood.
August 7, 2019
The depth of love and companionship shared by Amanda and her dog will come as no surprise to dog “owners”. What is particularly heartwarming is the deep level of healing which can arise. Amanda has suffered major loss and fears sinking into depression. Against the advice of others, she adopts Mabel. This book outlines the emotional healing Amanda experiences raising her puppy and the strong bond that strengthens her. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2023
I read this lovely memoir in one sitting.
Many relatable humorous doggy dramas which made me chuckle.
As an owner of a retrodoodle ( AKA Golden Doodle) and a Spoodle I can attest to the trials and tribulations of owning a doodle pup.
This book explores grief, loneliness, navigating life on ones own after marriage and post divorce relationship failure , plus loss of a parent and weaves in her story of becoming a parent to a ball of fluff called Mabel.
I absolutely loved this book. A funny and charming tale of the power of a dog’s love.
Hands down 5/5
Many relatable humorous doggy dramas which made me chuckle.
As an owner of a retrodoodle ( AKA Golden Doodle) and a Spoodle I can attest to the trials and tribulations of owning a doodle pup.
This book explores grief, loneliness, navigating life on ones own after marriage and post divorce relationship failure , plus loss of a parent and weaves in her story of becoming a parent to a ball of fluff called Mabel.
I absolutely loved this book. A funny and charming tale of the power of a dog’s love.
Hands down 5/5
June 26, 2019
More than a dog story
This is a courageous sharing of how the author is challenged, encouraged and animated beyond her own expectations when she commits to care for a dog. The honesty and perception of her inner growth will resonate with anyone who has truly opened their heart to the unique love that dogs gift to us.
This is a courageous sharing of how the author is challenged, encouraged and animated beyond her own expectations when she commits to care for a dog. The honesty and perception of her inner growth will resonate with anyone who has truly opened their heart to the unique love that dogs gift to us.
July 11, 2019
Anyone that knows me, knows that my dogs are everything to me. They are true members of the family, not just pets. I wanted to love this book but it fell really flat for me. It dragged, especially in the beginning.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from Anima through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from Anima through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
December 9, 2020
Mixed feelings about this book. As someone who has loved and owned dogs for many years, it was a delight to read the descriptions of Mabel and her wonderful madcap ways but the use of 'son' and 'sister/brother' throughout are hugely irritated, especially when you read all of their names at the end. As for 'diarroeah date', what can I say!
September 23, 2020
i thought it was very well written and heartfelt account of one womans love for her dog and how it brought a comfort and joy into her life at a very traumatic time. I am an animal lover , so it wasnt that i am not fond of animals! but at times i also found the narrative to be a bit too gushing.
January 31, 2019
Received this book thru Net Galley~thank you. A woman has many life changes in her life and this dog is on of them Book touched my heart.
April 30, 2019
Wonderful
If you have ever had a puppy this book will bring back memories. It made me laugh and at times cry.
If you have ever had a puppy this book will bring back memories. It made me laugh and at times cry.
March 15, 2021
Beautifully written book
I love the dog Mabel & how she’s described in great detail. The stories about Amanda’s childhood were also very interesting
I love the dog Mabel & how she’s described in great detail. The stories about Amanda’s childhood were also very interesting
March 7, 2025
For the Love of a Dog is Amanda Brookfield's memoir about getting a dog for companionship after the breakdown of her relationship and the loss of her mother.
Thank you to NetGalley, Head of Zeus and Amanda Brookfield for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Head of Zeus and Amanda Brookfield for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2025
Excellent read. I Really enjoyed this.
November 24, 2018
Having worked in animal rescue for many years, For the Love of a Dog piqued my interest. I am pleased to say this is a delightful story. Each person who acts on the feelings of longing for some unknown something more In their life and chooses a dog, has their life changed forever. Amanda Brookfield has written a great memoir about her journey with Mabel.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from Anima through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
#FortheLoveofaDog #NetGalley
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from Anima through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
#FortheLoveofaDog #NetGalley
November 26, 2018
What a lovely story, thought provoking and both moving and entertaining.
I loved the mix of personal growing and healing and the experience of getting a pet in your life.
I'm the owner of a rescue cat and I was able to recognise some of my thought and experience.
I look forward to reading other book by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this ARC
I loved the mix of personal growing and healing and the experience of getting a pet in your life.
I'm the owner of a rescue cat and I was able to recognise some of my thought and experience.
I look forward to reading other book by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for this ARC
January 3, 2019
Heartwarming and so comforting...Our pets really are parts of our hearts and souls walking around on four feet.~
Amanda Brookfield should be proud of a great book, absolutely, but even more proud of the realistic, funny and positive way she handled herself and her story.
Amanda Brookfield should be proud of a great book, absolutely, but even more proud of the realistic, funny and positive way she handled herself and her story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews