Dogged

A propulsive and perceptive novel about the lives of two dogs after their humans disappear, by the author of Scribe

She wakes up to an empty house. Her water bowl is full, but the man and woman she lives with haven’t said goodbye. Until now, her life has been comfortable. The man and woman take her on neighborhood walks and mountain adventures, give her access to the backyard through her rubbery door, try to console her when she’s sick. She doesn’t always understand what they want, but they take care of her.

He has eaten all the kibble set out by the old man; he’s been alone longer than usual. He’s accustomed to days full of work: herding sheep, maintaining order on the ranch, following the old man’s commands, trying to avoid the trouble the old man’s son brings. He’s rewarded with the occasional scrap of meat; he’s punished with harsh words and sharp bootheels.

As days pass and familiar smells fade, it becomes clear that their humans are gone. They’re on their own.

Dogged unfolds in brief chapters through the alternating perspectives of these two dogs as they navigate their days alone. Flashbacks reveal their connections to each other and establish everything that’s been gained and lost—their newfound freedom, their longtime dependency. With this fast-paced, compassionate novel, Alyson Hagy deftly considers what our dogs want and need, and what their lives might look like without us.