The annual dog show is looming, a crucial event when it comes to fundraising and ensuring the volunteers can continue the brilliant work they do.
But their trusted newspaper reporter, who always includes them in his weekly column, is retiring, only to be replaced with a city-slicker named Darryl. And Darryl, as Ginny soon learns, has no interest in articles he deems 'below him'.
Not one to take no as an answer, Ginny becomes determined to get him to meet the dogs themselves. One look at their cute faces and they'll worm their way into his heart.
But what Ginny doesn't anticipate is that Darryl might be more open-hearted than he seems. And inviting him to the dogs' home might be the best decision she ever made – even if she doesn't realise it at first! (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)
I loved this dogs’ home! I used to have aspirations of running my own no kill animal shelter decades ago, and it felt like I could live vicariously through the various characters who play a major part in doing all they can to save dogs who might otherwise not have a home, or a chance at a good life. We discover that Ginny has a rocky road that led her to the dogs’ home, soon becoming her salvation in working on finding her own way to a good life–former past relationships aside. Which is why it’s so hard to trust Darryl, a man who seems insistent on ruining the reputation of her employer, potentially leading to a difficult time in adopting out their dogs.
At first, I didn’t blame Ginny for feeling that way. One minute, Darryl is completely against writing a column to highlight the dogs’ home. He’s rude and arrogant. But then, he seemingly has a change of heart. A complete one-eighty. I’m so glad Sarah Hope, the author, included that observation from Ginny’s perspective, because it really helped to explain just how confusing Darryl’s behavior could be. Later, the reader learns what is really going on and why Darryl is acting the way he is, but it’s still hard for Ginny to let go of past hurts that really stem from before Darryl.
One of Ginny’s coworkers points out how at times, we need to forgive and give people the benefit of the doubt, and when Ginny begins to do that, not only is she learning more about Darryl, she’s learning more about herself, too. There were so many sweet moments between the two characters, also including the adorable dogs, too–like Luna! I love Luna’s quirks and tendencies that really made her such a great canine character. When Sarah Hope describes the way that Luna likes to flop down and not move until she receives attention, I could easily visually see that in my mind. It’s a really nice, unique touch.
There are some definite obstacles in the way of romance here–Ginny’s past, Darryl’s too–that create a few walls and barriers between them. I enjoyed getting to learn more about them and discover the ways they work on trying to get around their obstacles, while also learning the ins and outs of what it takes to run a successful shelter. I enjoyed The Wagging Tails Dogs’ Home immensely. A definite five-star read!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.
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