Book Blurb:
The human who found me is fine. She feeds me. She cuddles me. She puts a roof over my head. But I do not appreciate being held captive. Because I have the intelligence of a human. And I aim to find out why.
Accompanied by Shakespeare, a Pug with the intelligence of a Pug, I run away from home, embarking on an epic quest for freedom, understanding, and, quite possibly, revenge.
Together we must survive a harsh desert of cannibalistic coyotes, stray humans, a fugitive white tiger, and one hypnotic beacon that shines from a city of sin, luring us back into so-called civilization.
My name is Rousseau. I seek the truth. Even if it means I lose my mind…
Full of imagination and humor, The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived is a dog book like no other, with a canine narrator who questions the value of human society, and a dog’s place within it.
His Review:
The life of a stray is not an easy one. Even near the country’s largest casino city. The primary risk is the game warden. His job is to capture the strays and run-aways and either adopt them out or eliminate them. The cute puppies are adopted quickly and sent to loving homes. The older more mature animals are usually slated for euthanize.
Dr. Francis attempts to save them all. However, his budget is limited so he must keep the adoptable numbers to a minimum. Mary is a kind soul who saves as many slated for death as she can. The result is a large population of strays around the desert areas near Los Velos, a large gambling community in the desert.
We all have to eat and strays are no exception. One of this band of strays has secured a local hamburger joint. The trick is to hide beside the driver’s side of the car and wait until the bag of burgers is offered through the drive-up window. A quick jump and there may be hamburgers all around. A hungry dog can eat four or more at a time.
Leo is one of those strays and a little bigger than most. He has been living in the desert with coyotes and is thankful he is not their dinner. A few smaller dogs that travel with him take advantage of his size and protective tendencies. However, sufficient food is never available for all.
Trigger: Animal death
The book is well written with many fun vignettes. The writer has woven human relationships and prejudices into a very believable tapestry of adventures. The underdogs are literally the escaped or abandoned. Read and enjoy. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
This is a real surprise for a debut that combines both humor and anguish with an animal POV—rather unlike most you’ve read before. You’ll enjoy the adventure and characters whether or not a dog lover.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my own thoughts.
Rosepoint Publishing: Four point Five Stars 
Book Details:
Genre: Animal Fiction, Satire Fiction
Publisher: Thiessen Press
ASIN: B0CW1D8T8N
Print Length: 467 pages
Publication Date: October 4, 2024
Source: Publisher and NetGalley
Title Links:
Amazon-US | Amazon-UK | Barnes & Noble
The Author: Will Pass practiced as a veterinarian in Las Vegas before becoming a novelist and medical writer.
He lives in Colorado with his wife, son, two cats, and very good dog.
The Second-Smartest Dog That Ever Lived is his first novel.
©2024 V Williams
Rosepoint Publishing 