I would like to thank Net Galley and Putnam for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.This is a cute short story about love loss, Venice and the healing power of pets. Paul and Darren are married and planning a Christmas trip to Venice. Just before the trip, Darren tells Paul he wants a divorce. Paul goes to Venice alone.He is trying to find himself, and trying to see where he is going in his life. He is not completely successful, but he does make a start. It is a sweet story, and the descriptions of Venice are lovely.I have a question, though, I was sent this by Net Galley as an ARC with a release date of October 2025. I see by the earlier reviews, that it was actually first released a few years ago?I am confused by this-it is a revision, a reprint or what?

Sadly, this was just mid for me. Rowley is one of my favorite authors and I'm not sure if it's because it was a novella/short story or what but I was bored. Otherwise it was fine.

A sweet novella. I have enjoyed Rowley's writing since reading The Guncle. This has a similar tone - sometimes wistful, peppered with humor, and ultimately hopeful. Worth the quick read, especially if you are a dog lover.

As someone who has read everything Steven Rowley has ever published I was excited to see this offered on Netgalley. I had listened to an earlier version of this on Audible some time ago and wondered if this edition would be the same or if it had been reworked. It turns out it was mostly the same with just little updates here and there. You really can't go wrong when dogs, Italy, and Steven Rowley are concerned. It was a fun, short read. I really appreciated the chance to read this ARC.

I love books with pups and I love Steven Rowley books. This short story created Venice imagery for someone who has never been. You get a little history and a lot of heart. I say everyone should have a Rocco.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the DRC. I enjoyed reading this!

Everytime I read a Steven Rowley book I am never disappointed! It such a sweet story. Steven Rowley will forever be one of my favorite authors for his ability to allow the reader to visualize the characters details.

A bittersweet but charming short story that will certainly appeal to fans of Rowley's writing and dog lovers.

I enjoy Steven Rowley's writing and after reading The Guncle Abroad last year, I was excited to see that he had another story set in Italy, specifically Venice this time. Venice is one of my favorite cities and I love when a book can take me back there.

This is a novella and can be read in less than a day. It's an easy, breezy read and a great armchair adventure. I enjoyed experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Venice through Paul's eyes. The dog was a nice added touch to the story.

I felt that having this story be so short took away from all the possibilities that could be explored. I wanted Paul to become friends with Sophia and spend more time with her, especially after he made it clear to her that he is gay. I also wanted him to have more time with the dog.

Overall, it's a sweet palate cleanser between books and worth checking out!

I know Michael Urie sometimes narrates Steven's books, but he didn't for this one. (I didn't do the audiobook version but that's all that's available on Goodreads.) However, he'd be great as Paul!

The Dogs of Venice was an interesting short read for me.

I honestly didn't know where this was going at first, the divorce, the flight, the aimless wandering.

But this kinda reads like an adventurous self help book. The main character making his own life lessons from the small interactions with a dog in Venice.

A good short read for those feeling down or curious what a dog could teach a recently divorced man.

Putnam eARC
I am a fan of short stories, so never having read Rowley I wanted to give this a go. Overall, it was enjoyable. I enjoyed the descriptions of Venice a lot. However, I wanted more of the dog aspect of this story because I thought it was so intriguing on how he was internalizing life lessons from watching a dog. I think it will be great for those looking for something short from this beloved author.

The Dogs of Venice is a short story of self discovery in the wake of heartbreak. Alone on a Christmas trip to Venice, Paul attempts to enjoy himself on the trip he and his husband had planned, but finds his confidence crushed by the recent announcement that his partner wants a divorce. Paul becomes intrigued by a confident stray dog he sees roaming the streets of Venice, and sets out to learn more about him. The Dogs of Venice is a tale of self discovery and finding your path when things don't go as planned. I very much enjoy Steven Rowley's writing and this is no exception, thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this digital copy, all opinions are my own.

Steven Rowley is me of my absolute favorite authors, and although I’ve listened to audio of this prior, I had to request the arc because I loved this story so much! I believe in a lot of ways this story can relate to everyone has had their heartbroken, and are just looking for way to cope and go through the motions after a traumatic life event.

This was such a sweet novella, and my first of Rowley's. I definitely want to read more from this author!

This short story didn't hit hard, but then again its also a short story so I knew what I was getting myself into.

Appreciate NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for a copy of this arc, all opinions my own.

This is a sweet, very short story about a codependent, divorcing man who takes his couples vacation to Venice alone after being left. He doesn't know how to be alone and does a bunch of typical mid-breakup emotional contortions (I can relate!) and eventually learns a lesson for himself with the help of a stray Venician dog.
This is basically a short story, but a cozy, hopeful one that hits the spot, especially if you are feeling lonely or abandoned yourself. Learning to explore and enjoy living alone is the best.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

Since I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Venice twice, I loved the descriptions of the city because I could really envision them. Cute premise, not a life-altering read by any means but pretty good for a short story.

This is an absolutely sweet novella about finding confidence, finding oneself, and learning to navigate life on one’s own and on one’s own terms. Despite its short length, I felt that I got to know Paul, the main character, quite well. His doubts, insecurities and strengths came through in the limited pages.

Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute short story. I am a big Steven Rowley fan. This was a much better ending than his other dog book! I highly suggest this one and all of his other books.

The Dogs of Venice is a novella that was published about five years ago, but is being re-released in October 2025. If you're looking to for a Pride Month pick, or you enjoy a bit of Christmas in July, then I highly recommend you select this sweet story by Steven Rowley!

Although reeling from his husband leaving him and requesting a divorce, Paul still decides to embark on their pre-planned Christmas vacation to Venice solo. I've read a few of Rowley's full-length novels, and always enjoy his character descriptions, witty humor, and poignant insight into the human experience. I especially recommend this for those who enjoy stories with dogs as a featured character!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an ARC of this title.

4.75⭐
Touching, heartfelt, and kind.

After being sucker punched with news of his husband wanting a divorce, Paul ventures to Venice in search of solid ground and understanding his upturned world.

A fantastic novella from Steve Rowley! You can tell a writer's ability when they can deliver fleshed out characters and themes in so few pages. This work offers deep introspection, paired with heartfelt connection, and a dash of levity and joy that culminates in a delightful and sincere romp through an iconic destination.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an ARC of this title!

Pub date: Oct. 14, 2025

Steven Rowley’s The Dogs of Venice is such a cute little romp -- I mean, it’s set in Venice and includes an adorably confident dog, mouth-watering food, delectable wine, chance encounters, and such a sweet, empowering message.

I was wary in the beginning as it rushed past a lot of what happened between Paul and his (ex)husband, which I wish was less telling me what happened and more showing me what happened since it took a while to really get into feeling this story alongside with Paul, the main character. I also never got the chance to feel how Paul and his ex were during their relationship/marriage, which made me feel disconnected to these emotions as well. However, we do get more glimpses into Paul as a person as the story progresses, and given that it’s a novella, there isn’t much wiggle room for including a lot of backstory; it’s just difficult to process emotions with Paul when we aren’t given what those emotions are until further into the book.

All that aside, I felt a connection to Paul in the end, especially as he is so determined to find meaning in everything around him, only to realize…well, you’ll have to read it to see what he realizes… and I wish I could read more of where his story goes from here. This book makes me want to travel to Venice to experience the dogs, the food, the wine, and the people (although maybe not that one seductive waiter, iykyk). Overall, I feel like this novella was the perfect length to achieve what it set out to do, and the message hits close to home as someone who, much like Paul, has had to learn what it is to be alone.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book!