The Diary of Jinky: Dog of a Hollywood Wife

by Carole Raphaelle Davis

My mom used to be somebody, but she doesn't want to remember who that was. She was in movies, on TV, she made records, and was an underwear model. My dad is a writer--or at least he sleeps at the computer a lot."

Jinky's "mom" and "dad" might be complainers, but Jinky is just happy to be alive. He enjoys every minute and he can't understand why his lucky, pampered Hollywood parents and their show business friends are such miserable whiners. After all, Jinky's life started

My life began in a cage in San Pedro, California. Some creepy guy bought me for his stupid wife and she didn't want me. . . . One night, the guy took me to the pound. They threw me into a cold, wet crate and slammed the gate. . . . I was scheduled to be 'put down' or, as I like to say, murdered. But I got lucky."

Now Jinky lives in a beautiful house in the Hollywood Hills. He has a pool and a Jacuzzi and sports cars and a fat blond terrier girlfriend named Finley who loves to lick his ears.

Jinky went from an unloved and abandoned pet to sleeping in bed with his mom (a former Pet herself, in Penthouse--she looks good) and eating delicious food off his dad's plate (his mom cooks good, too).

Jinky knows what's important in life, and he wishes his mom and dad could stop worrying about their status in Hollywood and enjoy life as much as he does. He can't understand why show business people are always so unhappy, especially the funny ones. Every "pitch" meeting Jinky overhears, every Hollywood dinner he eavesdrops on, every Hollywood barbecue, lunch, and casual encounter in coffee shops is another chance for these people to bitch and moan about "the business."

But Jinky's "tail" is not just about his hilariously self-obsessed parents and their friends. And his message is not just that happiness is not about how much we have, but how we love. His is a tale about how hope, perseverance, and even one small act of kindness can change a life.

Genres: Dogs

216 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[Diane]

This book is a SCREAM! I am friends with Jinky's mom, Carole, who personally autographed it for me on behalf of Jinky. All my critter loving friends need to read this - I laugh out loud on every page. I find so many similarities to my own life, too, particularly between me and my partner.
The best part of the story is that Jinky is a dog who was rescued from Death Row in the San Pedro Shelter her in Southern California; he now resides in the Hollywood Hills with Finley and Lamby, and two of the best critter parents in the world. As I read Jinky's story, by the way, he is in France finishing up his summer holiday with the rest of the family - check this book out if you want an uplifting read with lots of laughs at the expense of Jinky's humans.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget what you think about a book written by a dog's perspective might be like. This is the HIGH-LARIOUS tale of the dog who belongs to actress Carole Raphaelle Davis and her husband, comedy writer Kevin Rooney - and it's a window into their crazy life and marriage more than anything else. Highly recommended!

[April]

Laugh Out Loud Fun!

I just finished reading this book for the 3rd time since it was published, and found it to be just as clever and funny as ever. I was feeling down in the dumps and this was just the remedy I needed. Jinky's message pulls into perspective what's really important in life with simplicity, clarity and hilarity!

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, this book is pure cotton candy, but it also has a degree of depth. I read it when I was too tired to read whatever else I was reading, but wasn't tired enough to go to sleep (i.e., it's not a book that forces you to use your mind). But, it's rather funny at times and you have to commend the author, who is never reluctant to take a stab at the Hollywood culture in which she chooses to live.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was hilarious and a very quick read. Has a great message about rescuing and/or adopting homeless and abused animals that I believe everyone should know and follow.

[Charlotte]

Written by an activist friend of mine in Los Angeles.