British writer Foster (It Cracks Like Breaking Skin
) chronicles the many trials and misadventures of first-time dog ownership as he and his girlfriend consider various breeds, traipse through the woods with an eccentric vizsla breeder, scour animal shelters—and finally meet their match in Ollie, a fearful, stubborn saluki-greyhound mix. Resembling a Giacometti sculpture and profoundly defiant with strong ideas of his own about everything from mealtime manners to walks in the park, Ollie dispels Foster’s hopes for a gentle canine companion; he leads the author into a series of comedic calamities—an unsuccessful attempt at discipline known as “the Incident of the Smack,” a visit with Attila the animal psychologist, a wild chase through the park and across several busy streets and the disastrous afternoon of the fishing competition. Along the way, Foster and Ollie meet new human and canine friends, attempt to grow into their new roles as owner and pet, and ultimately discover how to love each other. Ollie makes for an entertaining and completely unpredictable subject, and this book will delight animal lovers with its warmth and wit. (July)
