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Becky Williams's work, although
fiction and intended primarily for children, may be described as an
autobiography of her dog. Sweet Sobaka, whose name is "dog" in Russian,
describes the tumultuous year that she experienced from her birth by a
canine mom named Sassy, to her adoption by "Miss Becky." Prior to her
finding her "forever home" and best friend, Sobaka experiences being
one of a litter. Her mother is a wise, kind dog who instructs her
daughter about the significance of living with humans and the work that
dogs need to adjust to life. Unfortunately, the puppy's first adoption
experience ends with her eviction from the home when the family
disapproves of her "mistakes," such as that of not being housebroken.
She wants to be loyal to her humans and to protect their territory;
however, they abandon her to face life on her own. A "kind man" feeds
her and takes her to the pound, where she is cleaned and spayed. The
young dog is informed by another dog named Coal that unadoptable dogs
may be put to sleep forever. During each ordeal, she prays for strength
and that she may find one human to love and to be loved by. Miss Becky
comes into her life (after her first choice of dog isn't available for
adoption), and ultimately, the two form a firm friendship that includes
Sobaka's loving her home, as well as the "job" that she has as Miss
Becky's dog and close companion.
Williams' describes her reasons for writing the book as, " ... to give
the reader an insight on the worries a pet might have in the care of
different human families." A Christian Minister, the author also wants
to impart her strong belief, "... that animals, like humans, have an
understanding of God as their creator and provider." The book has a
strong component of faith, not only in the prayers and beliefs that are
expressed, but in love, loss, and suffering that leads back to love and
peace, Many young readers will learn much about the needs, fears, and
desires not only of their pets, but of themselves.
RECOMMENDED by The US Review