Starter Dog

By (author): Rona Maynard

An irresistible tale of reluctant dog ownership full of heart, humor, and wisdom

Rona Maynard wants to love her life again. Stuck in the what-next doldrums after quitting a big job, she needs a new bridge to the world. So, well into their married life, she lets her husband talk her into their first dog, a rescue mutt named Casey. Rona frets about shedding, lost travel opportunities, and arguments about walking duty. She doubts she can love a dog. But when Casey romps through her door, Rona falls hard. Over time he gives her what no human could — a new way of seeing and a pathway to the heart of a moment. Her downtown neighborhood reveals its true face as she explores it with Casey, making new friends and discovering hidden beauty spots. She learns to have adventures on her own stomping ground. Through Casey, Rona falls in love with the world and her place in it, an animal among other animals.

AUTHOR

Rona Maynard

Rona Maynard is the author of the acclaimed memoir My Mother’s Daughter. She capped a stellar career in magazines with a decade at the helm of Canada’s premier women’s title, Chatelaine. She lives in downtown Toronto with her husband and the rescue mutt known as Casey.


Reviews

“When you buy yourself a copy of this funny, honest adventure of a book (and you must), you’re going to want to clear a few hours and read every word. God, Rona Maynard is a good writer.” — Abigail Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of A Three Dog Life and Still Life at Eighty

Starter Dog is an enchanting love story between a pet and his human. Rona Maynard shows us with marvelous wit and sensitivity how the world is expanded and enhanced by the companionship of a dog.” — Hilma Wolitzer, author of Today a Woman Went Mad in the Supermarket: Stories

“A delightful romp with a mutt for all hearts.” — Donna Morrissey, bestselling author of Pluck

“As a late convert to the world of dogs myself, I devoured Rona Maynard’s gorgeous, engaging prose as fast as my pup wolfs down her morning kibble. Starter Dog is far more than a tale of a woman and her dog. This gem of a book showed me it’s still possible to find simple, everyday beauty in an uncertain world and that love and connection, discovered one daily walk at a time, beat ambition and accomplishment. I loved the heart and wisdom woven through this inspirational book, and — dog lover or not — you’ll love it too.” — Laura Davis, author of The Burning Light of Two Stars and The Courage to Heal

“A wise woman’s reassessment of life and love, Starter Dog is a beautifully felt, thoughtful and often funny read. While the rescue mutt may be billed as the star of the show, Maynard herself commands center stage, evolving in surprising ways. Unfailingly observant, this book is deeply life-affirming — a joy to read.” — Ann Dowsett Johnston, bestselling author of Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol

“An elegant and engaging tale. With this tender invitation to get to know her beloved pup Casey, Rona Maynard makes dog lovers of us all — even the most ardent of cat people like me!” — Mark Henick, mental health advocate and bestselling author of So-Called Normal

“Among the many canine classics I’ve read, Starter Dog is the leader of the pack. It’s a beautiful tribute to a long marriage in which kindness toward a dog unlocks stored affection between spouses. It is also a powerful meditation on the pleasures of a life spent discovering the world from a dog’s perspective instead of slogging at the office. With humor and insight, Rona proves that some things about being human are best learned from a dog. I loved this book.” — Catherine Gildiner, New York Times bestselling author of Good Morning, Monster

“Read Starter Dog. You don’t have to be a dog lover to appreciate Maynard’s insightful narrative. It’s a hopeful interlude made for turbulent times. It’s the kind of book you consume in one sitting — and then heave a sigh as you reluctantly read the last sentence.” — Winnipeg Free Press

“This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an upbeat and honest animal lover autobiography, as much about people as it is about pets.” — Library Journal Audio book Review

Starter Dog – My Path to Joy, Belonging and Loving This World is a heartfelt, well-crafted love story about finding purpose and fulfilment with a rescue dog…it’s an intriguing, poignant and entertaining book by a talented, engaging writer.” — Not the Public Broadcaster


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Excerpts & Samples ×

An irresistible tale of reluctant dog ownership full of heart, humor, and wisdom

Rona Maynard wants to love her life again. Stuck in the what-next doldrums after quitting a big job, she needs a new bridge to the world. So, well into their married life, she lets her husband talk her into their first dog, a rescue mutt named Casey. Rona frets about shedding, lost travel opportunities, and arguments about walking duty. She doubts she can love a dog. But when Casey romps through her door, Rona falls hard. Over time he gives her what no human could — a new way of seeing and a pathway to the heart of a moment. Her downtown neighborhood reveals its true face as she explores it with Casey, making new friends and discovering hidden beauty spots. She learns to have adventures on her own stomping ground. Through Casey, Rona falls in love with the world and her place in it, an animal among other animals.

Sales and Market Bullets

  • AUTHOR PLATFORM: Rona Maynard is well-known as the longtime editor of Chatelaine magazine and author of the highly acclaimed My Mother’s Daughter (2008). She is well-connected in the literary world and will receive invitations from festivals and early endorsements from booksellers and librarians.
  • DOG LIFE LESSONS: Rona’s real subject is not so much the dog she thought she didn’t want as much as what makes a good life — an urgent question in the shadow of COVID-19. She has wearied of the 24/7 work life and has become disillusioned with conventional yardsticks of success but is flailing to find what might be next, until Casey comes into the picture. Starter Dog reminds us all of the sweetness of the ordinary.
  • A NORA EPHRON–ESQUE BOOK: Full of humor and poignancy and subtle wisdom, many will recognize Rona’s transformation from preoccupied to present will strike a chord with readers. Shy since childhood, Rona opens up and makes a friend on every walk with Casey. Always in a hurry, she slows down. She becomes more loving toward her husband, Casey’s favorite human. For the first time in her life, Rona doesn’t mind coming second.
  • MARKETING CAMPAIGN: ECW has a proven track record of successful marketing campaigns for animal-lover books. The Accidental Veterinarian was a national bestseller and has been translated into five languages.
  • NORTH AMERICAN AND INTERNATIONAL APPEAL: Perfect for consumers of viral pet content. Billions of people engage with Pet TikTok daily, and these animal lovers will love Rona’s journey from reluctant dog owner to joyous dog mom.

Audience

  • Pet owners
  • Readers of feel-good stories
  • Consumers of viral pet content

Reader Reviews

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Details

Dimensions:

272 Pages
8.5in * 5.5in * 0.6219in
0.73lb

Published:

April 18, 2023

City of Publication:

Toronto

Country of Publication:

CA

Publisher:

ECW Press

ISBN:

9781770417236

Featured In:

All Books

Language:

eng

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