Loved this book! "The Dog I Loved" is no simple story about life with dog(s). It's a multilayered study of human nature, both individual and societal, our relationships with each other and with our dogs. Do our dogs rely on us, or do we rely on them? Are we their guides, or are they ours?

Rose finds herself imprisoned unjustly, and the story takes us through her backstory as well as her experiences in prison. While there, she keeps to herself while learned to how to posture/fake it 'til you make it in terms of strength. She's barely surviving. And then she is granted the opportunity to train a service dog. This is life changing for Rose. This opportunity brings Meghan, an injured in the line of duty ex-soldier who will be receiving Shark, Rose's service dog-in-training. The cross-section of Rose/Meghan/Shark is both a difficult and ultimately heartwarming story. As a lifelong dog lover, it provided all the feels. I particularly loved that Shark is his own character as is Rose's next dog. I especially enjoyed how the author weaves the history of Dogtown into the story, and how it is pivotal to Rose's personal growth.

This was a highly enjoyable read, that I would recommend to anyone. I look forward to reading more from Susan Wilson in the future!

Rosie has been convicted of manslaughter in the death of her fiance and is in the middle of a lengthy prison sentence when she gets the opportunity to help train a service dog, Shark. Her time with this remarkable dog, whom she comes to love, is the only thing that gets her through her time behind bars. Shark is being trained to help former soldier, Meghan, who is wheelchair bound. Readers get a chance to hear from all the characters, Rosie (in first person, Meghan and even Shark. I won’t lie to you, this was a difficult book to read, from the prison conditions Rosie suffered through, to her wrongful conviction, and most heart breaking of all, her good-bye to Shark. But never fear, justice finally prevailed and there are more dogs and people who need their help