''Gone to the Dogs'' is a 2003 novel by Emily Carmichael. It is the third is a series about a self-centered young woman who dies and is reincarnated as a

Welsh Corgi The Welsh Corgi ( or Corgi, plural Corgis, or occasionally the etymologically consistent Corgwn; ) is a small type of herding dog that originated in Wales. The name ''corgi'' is derived from the Welsh words and (which is mutated to ), meani ...

so she can make amends for her conduct in life. The novel was generally reviewed well in critical reception.

Plot introduction

Piggy is the

reincarnation Reincarnation, also known as rebirth or transmigration, is the philosophical or religious concept that the non-physical essence of a living being begins a new life in a different physical form or body after biological death. Resurrection is a ...

of a blonde girl named Lydia Keane. She suffers from a diet started by her new owner, Nell Jordan. Piggy searches for morsels of food to eat. When Piggy inherits a fortune from an old man, that she visited as a therapy dog, she must protect her owner from P.I. Dan Travis, the grandson of Piggy's benefactor. At a request from his mother, he investigates Piggy and her owner, with whom he falls in love.

Reception

Generally the reception of the novel highlights the humor and enjoyability of the plot. Brianna Yamashita, of

Publishers Weekly ''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of B ...

, reviewed the book saying, "A villain intent on kidnapping Piggy adds some suspense, but it is Carmichael's scenic descriptions of the northern Arizona setting, insider's peek into the world of therapy pets and loveable characters, both human and otherwise, that make this lighthearted romp worth savoring." Kristin Ramsdell, of ''

Library Journal ''Library Journal'' is an American trade publication for librarians. It was founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey. It reports news about the library world, emphasizing public libraries, and offers feature articles about aspects of professional prac ...

'', reviewed the book saying, "Lively pacing, zingy dialog, and Piggy's hilarious internal monologs are just the things to lighten the winter blues for readers who like their contemporaries on the sassy, slightly paranormal side. Carmichael has written numerous historical and contemporary romances and lives in Arizona." Maria Hatton, of '' Booklist'', reviewed the book saying, "Carmichael's spunky canine hero will win even more admirers in this terrifically funny and captivating installment in her ongoing adventures.By: Hatton, Maria. Booklist, 15 November 2003, Vol. 100 Issue 6, p587-587, 1/4p, 1 bw. (Book Review)

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gone To The Dogs 2003 American novels Dogs in literature Novels set in Arizona