The Dog Who Danced

By: Susan Wilson

Narrated by: Fred Berman, Christina Delaine

Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

"Multiple hankies, dog lovers…this is an emotional read." –Library Journal

If there's been a theme in Justine Meade's life, it's loss. Her mother, her home, even her son. The one bright spot in her loss-filled life, the partner she could always count on, was Mack, her grey and black Sheltie – that is, until she is summoned back to her childhood home after more than twenty years away.

Ed and Alice Parmalee are mourning a loss of their own. Seven years after their daughter was taken from them, they're living separate lives together. Dancing around each other, and their unspeakable heartbreak, unable to bridge the chasm left between them. When they find a little black and gray dog by the side of the road, they take him in.

Fiercely loyal, acutely perceptive and guided by a herd dog's instinct, Mack has a way of bringing out the best in his humans. Whether it's as Justine's partner, or just the ebb and flow of a family's rhythms, it's as though the little Shetland Sheepdog was born to bring people together.

Everyone needs Mack. But to whom does the little dog who danced belong?

©2012 Susan Wilson (P)2012 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“If you are a dog lover looking for a good read, you should definitely pick up a copy...this is a heartfelt story.” —Phillyburg.com

“A superior entry in the growing genre of canine-centric fiction.” —Booklist

“A heartwarming tale.” —Publishers Weekly

Heart Breaking but worth it in the end

I have seen dancing dogs and for the most part I think they look a bit silly, but I love a good story about a wonderful dog and the trials an owner will go through to get her dog back. After finishing the book and thoroughly enjoying it, I realized some of the parts were contrite and predictable, but it was a good story. I learned a little about dog dancing, dog loyalty, and how much people need their dog. I am glad I listened to this one.

loved it

loved it, awesome readers and a beautiful story. highly recommended for dog lovers and not

Touching story!

I have had shelties for over 13 years myself so this book grabbed me before even starting the book. Very sweet story of how a dogs love can change a person for the better. Dogs truly are the one animal that loves you more than it loves itself. This dog brought out so many amazing things from the characters in the book. Highly recommend to anyone who loves dogs.

Couldn't stop listening!

Very well written and narrated. At times the story brought tears to my eyes. I have enjoyed other books by this author.

A sweet tear jerker!

If you love dogs, and you’re a bit of a sensitive and a little bit corny person, you will love this book. Not Pulitzer Prize material, but well written and a perfect pick me up!

A Dog's Love Makes a Difference

This is a story of torn relationships and growing up. The unconditional love of the dog contrasts with the conditional love of the adults. Very well narrated.

Such a sweet story, I really enjoyed it

Again this author has created real characters with real feelings. I will recommend it to my friends and family

Another great story!

An exciting tale and another great book by Susan Wilson. I look forward to more!

Amazing!!!

I loved every bit of this book and my heart melts for these two families and then they unity.

Enjoyable dog novel

After reading and loving Susan Wilson's "One Good Dog," I returned for another of her dog tales. I liked "The Dog Who Danced," but this one did not compare to the former. This is a story about a middle-aged woman (Justine) who gets separated from her dog on a cross country drive to see her dying father. This novel moves between Justine's search for her dog, and dealing with past and present relationships in her life. The other story line follows her dog Mack, who after being lost gets adopted by an older couple who are still lost in grief over the suicide of their only daughter many years ago. The best story lines are the parts with Mack, the dog. The chapters about Justine and her life were interesting enough, but the most emotion in this novel had to do with Mack with both of his families. If you like dog novels, "One Good Dog" and "The Art of Racing in the Rain" are by far the best. "The Dog Who Danced" is still a pleasant way for a dog lover to spend some time with a book. I liked the pace of this novel, and the narrators were easy to listen to.