I knew going into reading <i>Paw Prints</i> by Morgan J. Muir and illustrated by Sava Andreea that it was going to be a rather rough read. Any book about the death of a beloved pet is going to be hard to get through. And I very nearly didn't pick this up, thinking that it would be far too much for me to be able to read without having a very emotional reaction. I know I just got a puppy recently, but the dog I grew up with passed away about three years ago and it was a really rough time for me. In fact, I had an incredibly hard time with it for nearly a year and a half afterward. It was the first dog, for me anyway, that was really hard to let go of. And he was similarly colored to the dog in this graphic novel. So a part of me was almost certain that this book would be too difficult for me to get through. And, honestly, it was pretty rough, though not as rough as I had initially imagined it would be.

<i>Paw Prints</i> is a little bit darker than I would have expected it to be, discussing the idea of paw prints being left on your heart when you lose your four legged family member and going into the truth that you can't really keep the paw prints or the teeth marks or the fur that they leave behind. It really does deal heavily with grief rather than with the happy memories of the pet you no longer can hold. And while it was rough, I think the lack of those happy memories, to an extent, made it less difficult to deal with. You see, you can remember the grief, but the grief is primarily brought about by the happiness that you miss. And so, that helped a little.

The illustrations were pretty fantastic, though heart-wrenching at times. I would definitely say that this is a great book in terms of how therapeutic it must have been for the author and perhaps the illustrator, but it's not something I can really see myself reading again. I feel as though it would just take me back to a dark time that I don't want to be in. And if I am in that dark time, reading this book is not something I would picture helping me, though perhaps it might help others.

<i>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. This very short story follows the emotional journey of the author as she remembers her dog’s playful nature, leaving paw prints here and there. Each page is also beautifully illustrated and captures the essence of a happy life…and a heartbreaking emptiness.
I think any pet owner can relate to this story and the grieving process that follows such a loss.

Such a gorgeous story of a woman and the loss of her dog. I resonate with this so much having lost 2 dogs of my own and being on my third in my lifetime. They'll always have a place in my heart and I feel like this book said exactly how I feel. And probably every other dog owner in the world.

Beautifully illustrated and told. Highly recommend.

Okay so this hurt...
Paw prints is a short poem with gorgeous illustrations about the memories of your little pet and the hurt after you've lost them. I'd recommend this to anyone and everyone who has lost a pet, as long as you're okay with shedding a tear or two.

This is a beautiful tribute to all the furbabies that have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Their paw prints will always be in our heart. Thank you BooksGoSocial via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this touching book. All opinions expressed are my own. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has loved and lost a furbaby.

As a dog owner I know that one day I will have to say goodbye to my beloved. I know it, but i keep pushing the thought away because it just hurts too much. I also tend to avoid content that triggers that emotion in me, but this little book spoke to me from the cover.

I loved the illustrations, and the poem... well... let's just say I cried.
A story everyone can relate to: a friend of mine got a tattoo of her dog's paw on her wrist when she died. Such a sweet idea, I guess many of us had it.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this! Loved it.

This was a touching book about a woman's grief over the loss of her young dog. Something any dog owner can relate to, no matter the age of the animal they've lost. I loved the beautiful illustrations, which tell a story on their own. It gave me pause to think about the "dogs leave paw prints on your heart" saying. I like the way it was addressed here.

This is the sweetest little sentimental farewell book to a younger dog that’s being missed by its loving owner who wants to celebrate its all-too-brief yet meaningful life. Touching, and the illustrations grew on me, with all the cute activity it was showing. Short but sweet, it won me over.
Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Morgan J Muir, and the publisher.

Engaging full color book perfect for adults and children alike. This is a woman's recollection of her dog's life as she goes through her morning routine. Filled with tenderness as she deals with loss and grief. This book may help soothe some that face the same loss.
Pub Date 10 Apr 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

The available reading copy has no content because the file only contains the cover page, and pages reminding that the ebook should not be shared to anyone. Hopefully, the publisher will resolve this issue so we could finally check out the book properly.