Lessons in Joy from a Disaster-Prone Dog
“An accomplished, inspiring piece of writing that had me completely hooked from the first page to the unexpected and gratifying end.” Gill Pavey, thebookreviewers.com
For anyone who ever loved a pet or needed a laugh…
In this humorous and uplifting read, Belinda recounts how her scruffy Aussie terrier Killarney has helped her through the toughest of days – and taught her to make the most of life.
Killarney is not afraid of anything that sub-tropical Australia can throw at her: venomous creatures, cancer, very large dogs. She becomes Belinda’s furry comforter and cheer squad through job loss, grief, and failed romance.
You will be inspired by Killarney’s motto: grab life by the throat and shake every last drop of joy out of it. Wrestle it, if you have to.
Praise for Dogged Optimism:
“A delightful read, as much about the ups and downs of owning a wilful dog as facing up to life, especially when it doesn’t turn out as expected.” Marianne Wheelaghan, The Blue Suitcase
“Evocative, humorous tale.” Molly Greene, The Gen Delacourt Mysteries
“Will charm you … and inspire.” Dawn Dicker, Writer & Content Strategist
“Entertaining, heartfelt and very relatable.” Amazon
“Full of love, laughter, and life lessons.” Amazon
“A gorgeous read.” Goodreads
About the Author
Belinda Pollard is a multi-award-winning Australian mystery author and former journalist who used to chuckle about people who treated their pets like children – until it happened to her. Her hobbies now include dog-walking in the rain and failing dog training classes. She lives in Brisbane, Australia, travels the world (when she can find a good petsitter), and blogs at belindapollard.com.
Available in ebook, paperback and now in LARGE PRINT
Stockists include…
Amazon.com – Amazon.co.uk – Amazon.com.au
Kobo – iTunes – Barnes & Noble – bookdepository.co.uk
booktopia.com.au –Koorong Books
Little Gnome, Wynnum – Mary Ryan’s Noosa – Rendezvous Dayboro – Bookworms Books, Petrie
Awards
Bronze Award, Foreword Reviews
Finalist, Next Generation Indie Book Awards
What readers say…
Gill Pavey, thebookreviewers.com:
I confess I approached this book with some misgivings. I am a dog lover, but having a dog as the subject of a book can sometimes render the account over-sentimental and unrealistic for my taste. How wrong I was – Dogged Optimism is an accomplished, inspiring piece of writing that had me completely hooked from the first page to the unexpected and gratifying end.
Debbie Young, Amazon.co.uk:
My verdict: it was delightful – not just an affectionate memoir of her much-loved pet dog Killarney, but also an intimate and poignant account of how she grew herself during her dog’s thankfully long life, in career terms, in resilience and in character.
Marianne Wheelaghan, Author, The Blue Suitcase:
Dogged Optimism is a delightful read, as much about the ups and downs of owning a wilful dog as facing up to life, especially when it doesn’t turn out as expected. Witty and warm, sometimes sad but never sentimental, it is a welcome addition to any bedside table.
Molly Greene, The Gen Delacourt Mysteries:
Anyone who’s ever adored a dog can relate to this evocative, humorous tale of a woman and her beloved Australian terror – er, terrier – and their zany time together. Tissues optional, pet lovers required.
Dawn Dicker, Writer & Content Strategist:
Warm and genuine, this journey of a sassy Australian terrier and her spirited Aussie owner will charm you with its window into life Down Under and inspire you with its insights into overcoming personal challenges.
Tanya Arnold, Pupcake Queen:
A heart-warming tale of one woman’s special bond with her four-legged friend. This book captures the eventful experiences a dog can bring into our life when we invite them into our home. A delightful read.