True Street Dog Story: “JJ The American Street Dog” Book Review on Bark and Swagger

JJ, the inspiration

I just turned the last page on a charming new children’s book called JJ THE AMERICAN STREET DOG And How He Came To Live In Our House. Written by Certified Humane Education Specialist, Diane Rose-Solomon, and illustrated by graphic designer/illustrator, Rachel Cellinese, JJ is a street dog story that illuminates the important message of rescue and adoption. Winner of the Mom’s Choice Award and critically acclaimed, the book is written for children ages 5-9 years old.

JJ The American Street Dog

Based on Diane’s real life family experience of rescuing a street puppy, the book takes us on a journey celebrating the power of being open and of unconditional love. Six-year-old Maya, the voice of the book,  had been dreaming of getting a dog forever. Her parents, satisfied that Maya understood the responsibilities that go along with having a pup, agree that it’s time, with the intention of buying “the perfect dog” for their family. But the universe has something else in mind. Before they even commence their search, Maya’s uncle Jerry calls about an abandoned puppy he’s found on the soccer field. He takes the pup in, but can’t keep him, as he lives in a building that doesn’t allow dogs. So, he offers the dog to them. Maya’s mom and dad are very wary of taking in a street dog. All of the generalizations about whether street dogs are safe come up, but they decide to bring the puppy home and give it a try. They named him JJ after Maya’s uncle Jerry.

A trip to the vet to get the pup checked out is a pivotal point in the book. When Maya asks why the dog was out on a soccer field and not with a family, the vet explains the plight of homeless animals – pet overpopulation, and how some live on the street and others are taken into shelters. She explains how there are wonderful organizations who rescue abused, neglected and homeless animals and place them in loving homes. And, she emphasizes how important it is to get our dogs spayed and neutered, to begin to control the overpopulation crisis. The vet makes it clear that by adopting a dog, Maya and her family would be rescuing one more animal from a life on the street or in a shelter.

For Maya’s mom, this was a revelation. She had no idea, as is still the case with some people, who don’t think about the kind of life homeless pets really have. For her, it was a no-brainer. “Of course we want to do the right thing,” she affirms.

Diane includes a tug at the heartstrings when, for a moment, we think JJ’s rightful owner might come forward. But JJ is meant to be with Maya, and when the dog turns out not to be the lost pup, everyone is relieved and happy. Maya gets the dog she’s always wanted, and the whole family learns a valuable lesson about rescue and adoption.

Diane & Gonzo

This book made me smile as I think it will the children and their parents who read it. Solomon gives Maya a voice that embodies wide-eyed innocence with a big heart, and the illustrations are perfect for this story, making Maya come alive with her sweet, little girl charm. Diane also includes an informative Author’s Note, sharing with us the back story on the real JJ, also found on a soccer field and rescued 17 years ago. When asked what kind of dog JJ was, Solomon would instantly reply, “He’s an American Street Dog!” Diane elaborates on the message in the book about homeless animals and the difference those who adopt can make. She warns against the impulse purchase of a dog, period, but especially from a pet store, where most of them come from puppy mills. And, she offers resources for animal care and adoption on her site, Save Our Pets People and Planet (www.sop3.com).

What’s even better, is a percentage of book sale profits will benefit animal rescue organizations.

JJ THE AMERICAN STREET DOG  is the first in a series of JJ children’s books, with four more in the works. The topics she’ll cover include basic training, introducing a baby into a home that has a dog, the importance of service and therapy dogs and prejudice against certain breeds…all very important issues. Diane gave me a scoop that the next book will be called JJ Goes To Puppy Class, and it’s due out this fall.

Diane currently lives with her family and two rescued dogs, Gonzo and Ninja, in Los Angeles, so she is walking the walk of rescue. L.A. recently voted to ban the sale of commercially bred pets in pet stores. Hopefully, other major cities will follow suit.

I’d highly recommend this book.

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: $13.08

Do you have a favorite rescue story? Comment below.

(Disclosure: I am an Amazon affiliate, so when you choose to purchase something I suggest from a link on my site, I get a small commission which goes towards keeping Bark and Swagger running, and towards the animal rescue and advocacy organizations to which I regularly donate. Thanks for helping!)