A New Leash on Life

By: Kara Hamilton
Illustrated by: Alexandria Gold
Publisher: Nothing But The Truth, LLC
Publication Date: April 2016
ISBN: 978-0-9968999-1-8 
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor 
Review Date: April 1, 2016 

Every once in a while a children’s book comes along that is not only cute, kind, and lovable enough to put on a book shelf for generations to enjoy, but also one that is an absolute necessity. This is one of those books.

Here we have a tale of jealousy. No, not the jealousy of siblings, or kids in a classroom vying for the kindergarten teacher’s attention. This tale is about a lovely little dog named Smokey and his wonderful family. This poodle is spoiled with trolley car rides and ice cream; in fact, he was the King of Chestnut Street! But then...something entered Smokey’s realm, and with the new blessing of a baby in the household Smokey’s “place” in the family changed somewhat. Smokey was still loved, but the baby did receive a great deal of attention.

One day as the toddler raced and played, she stepped on poor Smokey. The poodle decided to take things into his own...paws...and teach his “sister” about dogs and how to treat them. In other words, the pet would train the toddler on how to be gentle with a furry friend. As the lessons commence, the pup finds a best friend in the girl, who even passes him some of those great treats under the dinner table when Mom and Dad aren’t watching too closely.

Guys and gals, this is adorable and certainly a new “take” on how to train humans like us on the best way to handle, raise and love our most loyal companions. As one person who is about to be a grandma with a daughter who has five (yes, count them, FIVE) spoiled pups already in her household, this was a joy to read and lessons well learned. In fact, this will be one tale I read to my grandbaby as he grows into that always-on-the-go toddler.

Including a Q&A with “Moms” of The Humane Society of the United States, the tale as well as the adorable illustrations are a must-read/must-see. Being released on National Kids & Pets Day, it is also important to note that a portion of all profits from the sale of this book will be donated to The Humane Society of the U.S., which just makes Smokey’s story all the more important to own and enjoy.

Quill says: Charming! Even Beatrix Potter of Peter Rabbit fame would run out and buy this one.