Another Good Dog

May 14, 2018
Volunteering for a dog rescue organization provides novelist Achterberg (Practicing Normal) ample material in this chatty, earnest memoir of her first 18 months as a foster pet owner. Following the death of her family’s 17-year-old hound, Achterberg decides to foster rescue dogs in an effort to “ease the hurt in heart.” Her plan is to “essentially give them a tryout, and keep the one that’s best,” while also finding distraction from worry over the reception of her debut novel, and blunt the pain of her eldest son leaving for college. But each adoption means “coming to terms with saying goodbye,” a sadness only alleviated by the arrival of another rescue: “This was how bad the addiction had become.” As expected, the narrative revolves around tales of dogs and puppies, some sweet like skinny Frank with the long tongue, some heart-tugging like Momma Bear with her mutilated ears and tail. What’s unexpected are Achterberg’s personal reveals: her husband’s “It has to stop” ultimatum, her emotionally intense teenage daughter’s participation in a beauty pageant, and her younger son’s health complications. Some readers may find the “Rescue. Foster. Adopt” drumbeat too repetitive, but the stories and photos will delight those who have a soft spot for dogs and the dog rescue mission.