The Last Dog on Earth

by Daniel Ehrenhaft

Logan Moore 14 hates everyone. Dad Dr Craig Westerly, who left. Step-dad Bob, who wants control. Kids like too-good Devon. Except Jack. A mangy pup who only likes Logan.

A new disease turns dogs vicious in days, spreads to humans. Logan runs with Jack when nobody believes she is immune. Meanwhile, Portland U. begs reclusive Craig back for old prion disease work.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Animals, Science Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Dogs, Middle Grade

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2003

About the author

Daniel Ehrenhaft is the author of several dozen books for children and young adults—so many books, in fact, that he has lost count. He has often written under the pseudonym Daniel Parker (his middle name, which is easier to spell and pronounce than his last), and occasionally Erin Haft. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife Jessica, as well as a scruffy dog named Gibby and a psychotic cat named Bootsy. When he isn't writing, he tirelessly travels the globe on a doomed mission to achieve rock stardom. As of this date, his musical credits include the composition of bluegrass soundtrack numbers for the epic straight-to-video B movie The Grave, a brief stint playing live rap music to baffled Filipino audiences in Hong Kong, and scoring the still-picture montage Election Trip. He once worked in a cheese shop. He was fired.

Reviews

[Blondish And Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone's dogs are getting sick—they stumble, they become almost comatose—and in the last stage they attack everyone around them. And the people who are bitten are getting sick too. Logan's on the run (ha!). His dog Jack isn't sick and he wants to protect her from the people who are determined to shoot all dogs on sight. But is Jack just not infected yet, or could she possibly be immune to the disease?

This was a great read! I'm an animal lover in general, and a dog lover in particular, so it was heart-wrenching to read the scenes with dog owners seeing their beloved animals get sick and knowing what would happen—and then it was terrifying to read about the attacks—dog against owner, dogs against dogs, people beating and killing dogs, and the sick people trying to kill other people. Logan is a great and sympathetic character, who doesn't even WANT a dog in the beginning, but who forms a strong bond with Jack. There was also really interesting stuff about surviving off the land (I really enjoy books where there lots of details about surviving!)

So dogs + survival + dystopia = a very good book!

Very suspenseful book, thrilling conclusion, heartwarming!

[Elizabeth Ganshorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Dog on Earth
Inspirational. Pleasing. Moving. Daniel Ehrenhaft’s story is truly beautiful. He writes about how love has no boundaries between a boy and his dog. This fiction novel is amazing. It had many things that would capture all of the perfect moments while also showing the hardships of Logan and his shelter dog, Jack. They seem to be made for each other. What was once a timid, shy, feral dog turned out to be Logan’s best friend. Ehrenhaft also writes about the problems that Logan has to face at home with his step father constantly nagging, a mother that doesn’t seem to care, and a father that isn’t there. But, little does everybody know, there is a silent predator stalking dogs and humans alike. Now, the race is on to try to save as many dogs and humans as possible before even more die. The only way they can cure this disease is to find an human or dog that is immune to this sickness. Follow Logan and Jack’s story in The Last Dog on Earth.

[Caitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Logan Moore is a boy who hates everyone.The father who abandoned him,the stepfather who wants to control him,and the kids who get in his face all the time.Logan only likes Jack.A mangy mutt that nobody wants or cares about.Jack has already bitten three workers but Logan dosent care.A mysterious disease is sweeping across the country and Jack isnt infected but Logan wants to keep her safe incase something happens.The disease is already truning dogs into vicious ranging preditors.Logans parents are trying to give Jack to the athorities.They are shooting dogs on sight.Now Logan is run from the one thing hes scared of the most........giving up Jack.I recommend this book to all that like excitment.

[Rachael Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because my son recommended it to me and he doesn't often recommend books. This book's writing was ok. The characters were believable but the story line felt like it was plodding along. Despite that, by the end of the book I really did like the story overall. It's not a happy ending book though. Be warned!

[C Lyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the darkest actual children's books I've ever read. I'm stuck between giving it a 3 and a 4 star. 3 because it feels way too intense for a kids book and doesn't have a happy ending at all like dayum. 4 because it's pretty realistic and also tackles life issues aside from infected dogs killing people.

[Petra Be · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, albeit sad.

A crashed collarbone in a dog? It is such a small round bone that I can't imagine how that can be done... but then again I never knew a human spatula can be broken until a person I know broke his... (don't ask me how he managed, I still have no idea...)

[Jesse Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m gonna start with the bad first:
It happened a little too fast. And Jack died. Why? Like, SADNESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Now the good: Dogs. 14 year old boy. Zombie dogs. Love it. Also, dogs. Dogs. 🐶

[Hack · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was excellent. some of the science was a little fuzzy, but the important part of the book, the loyalty to one's pet was beautiful. i also had a problem at the end of the book where the dog was kept alive so that Logan could say goodbye. i thought that this undermined the plot a little. keeping a dog alive just to say goodbye is incredibly selfish. however, despite this, i really liked the characters and the book overall. i appreciated the character of Logan's stepfather, who truly didn't understand, but instead tried to live vicariously through Logan and was disappointed when Logan wasn't grateful enough. i thought the characters were complex on multiple levels, and aside from the ending the book was a good one. i would recommend it.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a YA novel, it deals with some big topics, especially for dog owners! I found it an engaging read, and very much enjoyed the relationship of the young boy with his dog, and certainly one I could empathise with as dog owner myself. I have to say, I thought it might have a happier ending that it did.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for Battle of the Books in 5th grade, and I absolutely loved it! In fact,once I finished it, I just picked it up and read it again. The Last Dog on Earth is a hear-wrenching and intelligent story that I would recommend to everybody.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay the author that wrote "No More Dead Dogs" is right: any novel with a dog on the cover, the dog is doomed.

[Sophia Barsuhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the egregious lack of terriers or small dogs in general, this was an enjoyable revisit to a middle school favorite.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last dog on Earth, is about Logan Moore, a boy who pretty much hates his life. Everyone in his life for the most part, wants him to live, breathe and sleep like Devon Wallace, his arch enemy in a way. Logan, his mom and Robert, his stepfather go to a barbeque at the Wallace’s house. At the barbeque he uses his invention to mess up the Wallace’s stereo and get their dog to push Devon into the pool. After a talk with Mr. Wallace, Robert decides he wants to get a dog just like Otis, the Wallace’s dog, so it can teach Logan discipline. Robert gets the money and has Logan and his mom go to a breeder he has lined up to get a chocolate lab, that evidently looks just like Otis and name it Jack. But Logan talks his mom in going to the pound where he finds a mutt, then decides he wants her and just to give a little to Robert he names her Jack. Now Jack had already bit 3 employees, but as long as she was exactly what Robert didn’t want, Logan was completely okay with getting her.

Logan the main, stubborn and imperfect character reminds me of myself in a way, well at least on the days where nothing is going my way. I guess that’s kind of everyone in a way, because when I’m piled up on homework I feel as everyone is against me, and there is no end. This fictional story also makes me think of the short story we read called Contents of a Dead Man’s Pocket, simply because both of the main characters feel as the world is against them now there situations are completely different. Where in the fiction story it’s the people and in the short story it’s just the world in general. In the world there are so many crazy parents wanting their kids to be perfect, but in reality no one is perfect, so it would just be nice if they would let kids just be kids. Even adults mess up every once in a while, and that's just the fact of life. Although this talks about only relatives wanting Logan to grown up and be perfect. In our world everyone is always getting down on the younger generation as if were are as dumb as rats. Yeah, some may act like it but it doesn’t mean they aren’t , they just haven’t realized is okay to be smart.

[Ian Veine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Dog on Earth by Daniel Ehrenhaft is a riveting story with many hardships. This book explains the thoughts of a boy who people "just don't get." I would recommend this to anyone who likes books that make you think or that makes you just try to understand some of the things a teen boy thinks about.

It starts off introducing a troublesome boy named Logan who lives with his mom and step-dad. He and his step-dad don't get along and constantly get into arguments. He ends up adopting a puppy that was thought to be unsafe. In this area, there have been rumors about a dog virus spreading around that causes dogs to attack anything they see, similar to rabies. His dad ends up sending him to a military camp for boys. Logan couldn't take living there anymore, so he runs away. The rest of the book consists of his journey with his dog.

This book really makes you think about the bigger picture. In the book, Logan talks about how predictable some people can be and how pointless some things are. It really opened my eyes to see how Logan sees things. He notices the patterns in life and some of the things hidden in everyday society. This book is very deep, although the book isn't too long. Anyone looking for a good read, I highly recommend this book.

[Savannah Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

i've been going on a childhood favorite books kick, and this one is one that held up.

it took me about 2.5 hours to read, and i was surprised by how many details i remembered from when i was little. i knew it had a big impact on me, but i was still surprised.

it's a really good account of what feeling like a misunderstood kid feels like, what having a dog when you feel that sort of loneliness feels like, and what humans are prone to do in pandemic settings. it's been really interesting to reread it for that alone.

it's a book you become immediately invested in. the way the book is broken up by character accounts and various media is great. it all helps to keep pace. logan's family life is relatable, his angst and frustration at his situations become our own.

for a children's book that tackles the complexities of human-animal friendships in a sincere, serious, and relatable way, especially since it only takes a couple hours to read, i highly recommend.

[Clara Bae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes, I just crave a good tearjerker. So when I heard about this book, I thought it would be the emotional read I needed—especially since I’m a huge dog lover.

This book has the hallmarks of your typical young adult novel: a rebellious, misunderstood protagonist, apathetic or authoritative adults, a fast-paced plot, and some sweet vindication. Maybe that's why I felt it was little predictable. I found myself wishing for a stronger emotional connection to the characters and a greater focus on the dogs. The characters felt a bit flat, and I often grew frustrated with the protagonist’s poor decisions. That said, he’s 14, so I guess that checks out.

Ultimately, I wanted the book to hit harder emotionally. The conclusion felt abrupt, almost as if the author was constrained by a word count limit. While the concept was intriguing and the story had potential, it didn’t quite deliver the heart-wrenching read I’d hoped for.

[Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan a young kid with a knack for inventions has found trouble with his unappreciative step-dad. With his step-dad wanting him to be more normal sends him and his mother to buy a dog. Although Logan has much worst intentions by picking out a mut. In the middle of the mess a new disease begins to turn dogs mad except Jack. When Logan escapes with Jack he soon finds his dog injured. When he wakes up he realizes he is in a house with a scientist who is taking care of his dog(his dad). With Jack's life quickly draining Logan and his dad hurry to a center to cure the disease, and save the Jack's life. With an Unwilling man attempting to stop them they reach a point of life in death for Jack and Logan. If you're interested in a book that involves animal, suspense, and excitement than this is the book for you.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not like the MC Logan much at all with the writing of his thinking and personality, though he was fourteen in the book. I did not enjoy the step father and the dynamic of him with Logan. I felt that even in the end, the step father did not bother much to change and be better. I did adore the dynamic of Westerly with Jasmine as they are very sweet together, however it was bittersweet. I liked the dynamic and bond with Logan and his father. I liked how with the book, you can read the emails and reports of what is going on in the timeline with the dog virus to see how it progresses in the same timezone as we see Logan’s life. I enjoyed the story of the she-pup and how everything connects with Jack. I am a fan of virus-like books and it was interesting to read. The story is sweet, comedic, bitter, and interesting.

[Hectaizani · Rating 3 out of 5]

A poor man’s Where the Red Fern Grows. Young Logan has a father that abandoned him, a stepfather who thinks he can’t do anything right, and a mother that never seems to be on his side. Logan’s stepdad wants him to be more like the neighbor’s kid so they decide to get him a dog, but not just any dog it has to be a purebred chocolate lab named Jack. Somehow Logan convinces his mom to take him to a shelter where he picks out the ugliest, meanest, mutt on the premises. Now the two of them are on the run from Logan’s family, from the disease that’s killing all the dogs and from the roving gangs of vigilantes.

I wasn’t really impressed. The concept was interesting but I think the implementation could have been better.

[Auryn Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this book a low four stars; even though it is an interesting story, there is nothing super special about it that I can think of. It is basically a book about a boy and his dog, neither of which really like the company of anybody else, and when a disease is infecting all the dogs in Oregon, Jack, who is immune, has to be hidden so nobody shoots her. I expected, based on the description, and despite my having read the book before, that more time was dedicated to them being on the run, but it took up less than half the book. Also, did it ever say that POS spread further than Oregon, to any other states or countries or continents?
Why do dog books almost always have a sad ending?

[Thomas F · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book is about a boy named Logan and he hates everybody and almost everything. There is a sickness with the dogs going around called "Psychotic Outburst Syndrome" (POS) that is causing all the dogs to be mean and vicious and have to get killed. Logan was a trouble maker and his parents wanted to get him sent away but Logan talked his parents into getting a dog to train and help himself on becoming more mature instead of getting sent away. He named his dog Jack. Jack luckily didn't get affected by the disease but that doesn't mean she is safe. Logan's parents now want to turn him into the authorities again. Now Logan and Jack are on the loose and living by themselves with no home.

[Carlos Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh the dog died. This book made me genuinely want to cry, this dog was a wild mutt and the main character adopted her, then the dog proceded to dig out of their basement (she was in the basement because the POS outbreak) and ran 40 miles to find the main character. While the main character was stealing from the store he git caught and got picked up VT the police, then Jack (the dog) we literally beaten half to death by some people because she was left tied to a tree. I don't like the main character he's very petty. But the bond between the dog and him was insane, he even jumped in front of a bullet for this dog. Thanks to Jack POS was cured, and she was put down due to her injuries.

[Gabi Colunga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I loved this book. I read it back when I was in High School, and I read it again this month. It's one of those books that stuck with me throughout the years for some odd reason. It might've been the story of a boy and the bond between him and his dog; it might've been because I love dogs. But beyond that, there's something timeless about this book. The emotions still hit just as hard, and the way the author captures love and loyalty feels just as impactful now as it did when I was younger. Some books fade with time, but this one still feels just as powerful on a second read - at least to me.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Periodically I like to read a “young adult” book. This one had an interesting plot: all the dogs have been infected by a rabies like disease. The story also centers on a teen boy who is going through teen struggles, low achiever, no friends, and constantly criticized by step father. Then he gets a shelter dog. No spoilers here. The author makes the story believable because Logan talks and acts like the teen he is.

[Thistle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a weird, unpleasant book. The main character (who supposedly was a teen but came off as much younger) hated everyone. But hey, every single adult in his life was either useless or over the top evil, so I guess it makes sense.

Why do authors do that? Don't they want adult readers as well? What adult would want to read a book where the adults were over the top, mustache-twirling evil? DNF at about 20%.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an interesting type of apocalypse/sci-fi combination that kind of makes the readers think about how we take the world for granted. But while it does that, it's also a very easy and quick read without a lot of difficult vocabulary. I think this would be good for a younger reader that's into animals and sci-fi.

[Courtney Aslanidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 100 stars I would. It was powerful enough for me to remember from childhood, but I had long forgotten the name. I literally spent YEARS searching for this book, and when I found it again, I devoured it within one session. I cried at the ending just like I had all those years ago. A wonderful, wonderful book of a boy and his dog, but not in the way you might think!

[Anita Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

Characters were very good, story bittersweet.a dog lover myself, ending hard but great feelings at development of the player's in the story. I was on the edge of my seat several times, I will miss them. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals or young children.

[Book2Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bittersweet Ending
He writes well for teens, but the ending was bittersweet. Don't see why authors have to have bad things happen to the characters they teach you to love.
On the other hand, the narrative definitely sounds like a teenage mind.

[Twyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite part was when Logan found his dad and figured out the real reason that he left. My least favorite part was when Jack died from injuries from being attacked by her brother, and then by a person with a stick (I think it was a few people).