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My Dream Dog

Shawn Bennett Author Interview

A Dog for the Red Gods provides readers with a glimpse into your life and the special bond you shared with your Labrador Retriever. Why was this an important book for you to write?

I wanted to provide a lasting tribute to the memory of this once-in-a-lifetime dog. He was so amazing and I loved him so much. I wanted to share the incredible journey he and I shared together.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

I think the connection between hunter and dog is not often explored. I found it incredible when I realized he and I were thinking the same thoughts and I know others must have experienced this closeness but never put it into perspective. I wanted to tap into those bonds my readers maybe never considered.

What is one of your favorite memories of Breaker, and why do you think your bond was so strong with him?

The hunting adventures were a blast but I’d have to say my favorite times with Breaker were when it was just he and I doing the random things best friends do together-fishing, building a duck blind, sitting together on the steps while I read the newspaper. He was my dream dog. I always wanted a special Labrador and he was beyond what I ever imagined.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?

That Breaker was the best dog there ever was!

Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon

The old-time outdoor writers often wrote of the ancient red gods that called men into nature to hunt. In this book the author takes you on a unique journey with his once-in-a-lifetime Labrador Retriever as he answers that primordial call. The story chronicles the life of this special retriever from his puppyhood until his last days, hunting fowl in famous places as well as returning to the places of the author’s youth. The special bond between a hunter and his retriever is foremost in this book, giving you a look into all the things that make us love our dogs.

A Dog for the Red Gods

A Dog for the Red Gods, by Shawn Bennett, is a heartfelt memoir chronicling the author’s touching connection with his retriever, Breaker. From the outset, the narrative highlights Breaker’s impressive pedigree and the immediate bond between man and dog. Readers are taken on a vivid journey through various hunting trips and training sessions in eastern North Carolina, a region renowned for its hunting traditions. Bennett skillfully captures the intricacies of the hunting world and the expertise required to train a top-notch retriever through detailed anecdotes. The narrative underscores the mutual trust and companionship between man and dog, portraying Breaker as more than a pet—a loyal partner.

As Breaker matures, Bennett reflects on the inevitable passage of time and the theme of loss. The latter part of the book delves into the profound impact of Breaker’s presence and explores the theme of grief. Bennett’s reflections offer a moving conclusion, celebrating Breaker’s life and the deep bond they shared. In just 200 words, this memoir serves as a beautiful tribute to Breaker’s life, exemplifying the deep and meaningful connection between a hunter and his dog. It resonates with anyone who treasures the special bond with their canine companions.

I found the book both lovely and informative, with touches of humor. Bennett’s simple yet eloquent writing style immerses you in the story, evoking the sensations, smells, and beauty of the settings. He shares his early love for the outdoors, nurtured by experiences with his father, and describes the process of selecting and training a hunting dog. It’s a tale of true loyalty and companionship between man and dog.

A Dog for the Red Gods, by Shawn Bennett, is a well-written story that made me fall in love with the author and his dog. The last two chapters particularly moved me, leaving a sense of sadness and nostalgia. Rarely do I feel so transported into the places and moments with the author, but this book accomplished that beautifully. The writing, surpassing all boundaries of love, was the best part of this book, followed closely by the extraordinary bond between Bennett and Breaker. This memoir, packed with beautiful moments and evocative words, will make you nostalgic for your own past and fleeting encounters.

Pages: 144 | ASIN : B0CQKJ39RB

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