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Someone To Look Up To: a dog's search for love and understanding Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,252 ratings

Top Pick Award from Litpick Student Reviews. By Royal Dragonfly, IPPY and Global Ebook Award Winning author.
'Jean Gill has captured the innermost thoughts of this magnificent animal.' Les Ingham, Pyr International
A dog's life in the south of France. From puppyhood, Sirius the Pyrenean Mountain Dog has been trying to understand his humans and train them with kindness.
How this led to their divorce he has no idea. More misunderstandings take Sirius to Death Row in an animal shelter, as a so-called dangerous dog learning survival tricks from the other inmates. During the twilight barking, he is shocked to hear his brother's voice but the bitter-sweet reunion is short-lived.
Doggedly, Sirius keeps the faith.
One day, his human will come.

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From the Publisher

Great Pyrenees puppies
Great Pyrenees face and dog playing with girl
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Review

'Nobody writes dog stories better.'Karen Charlton, author of The Detective Lavender Mysteries

'Enchanting, moving, well-constructed, informative without being heavy. There should be a book like this for every breed.' Michel Hasbrouck, international dog trainer and author of Gentle Dog Training 'I've never read anything like it. Very entertaining.' Dr Florence Guérin, dog breeder and Crufts winner with her O Nut Glen Irish terriers 'Should be required reading for dog lovers everywhere!' Mark Fine, The Zebra Affaire
'
Jean Gill has captured the innermost thoughts of this magnificent animal.' Les Ingham, Pyr International

'
This book makes you feel, respect, cherish, accept and fight for the treasures of life. It almost makes me wish dogs could read it too,' Anita Kovacevik, The Threshold

'
Funny, touching, heartfelt and memorable, this is one of those books that should have a 'must read' tag on its cover. All in all, it is a good entertaining book with a great message.' MWB Review

'The way Jean Gill speaks for the dogs, in beautiful writing with illuminating narrative and dialogue, I felt like I understood everything the dogs were thinking/saying to each other. I recognized so much of these dogs' behaviors in my own dog, which was touching. I truly recommend this beautiful and thoroughly entertaining book
!' Ulla Hakanson, The Price of Silence

'Thank you for the wonderful experience of being in a dog's head. I've often wondered what a dog's world was all about. Now I know
.' Claire Stibbe, The 9th Hour

From the Author

I've always loved dogs and as well as observing my own Pyrenean Mountain dogs, I've read thousands of true stories from dog-owners, many of whom need help. I read the Pyrenean rescue forums and one particular dog's story touched me so deeply that I couldn't put him out of mind. This dog was the basis for the story of Sirius but I included true stories of other dogs, both funny and sad. Everything in this book is true but it didn't all happen to one dog. My own male Betel provided some of the stories, and that's his beautiful face on the book jacket. My female, Blanche, injected a lot of her character into Sirius' sister, Snow.

I really hope that the story will touch people, as I was touched, and that it will also make them think. I was lucky enough to work with top French dog-trainer, Michel Hasbrouck, after I translated his bestseller into English as 'Gentle Dog Training'. From him, I learned so much about how we accidentally train dogs to behave 'badly' and I thought it would be interesting to show this from a dog's viewpoint. By the end of four months writing this book, I was a dog, and if any of my readers feel the same way, then I think I've succeeded.
Jean Gill's publications

Novels
The Troubadours Quartet
Book 4 Song Hereafter (The 13th Sign) 2017
Book 3 Plaint for Provence(The 13th Sign)2015
Book 2 Bladesong (The 13th Sign) 2015
Book 1 Song at Dawn (The 13th Sign ) 2015

Someone to Look Up To: a dog's search for love and understanding
(The 13th Sign) 2016

Love Heals
Book 2 More Than One Kind (The 13th Sign) 2016
Book 1 No Bed of Roses (The 13th Sign) 2016

Looking for Normal (teen fiction/fact)
Book 1 Left Out (The 13th Sign) 2017
Book 2 Fortune Kookie (The 13th Sign) 2017

Non-fiction/Memoir/Travel
How Blue is my Valley
(The 13th Sign 2016
A Small Cheese in Provence
(The 13th Sign) 2016
Faithful through Hard Times
(The 13th Sign 2018
4.5 Years - war memoir by David Taylor
(The 13th Sign) 2017

Short Stories and Poetry
One Sixth of a Gill
(The 13th Sign)2014
From Bed-time On
(National Poetry Foundation) 1996
With Double Blade
(National Poetry Foundation) 1988

Translation (from French)
The Last Love of Edith Piaf - Christie Laume
(Archipel) 2014
A Pup in Your Life - Michel Hasbrouck 2008
Gentle Dog Training - Michel Hasbrouck
(Souvenir Press) 2008

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004C44EMK
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The 13th Sign (13 Nov. 2010)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 206 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B08X6DXB41
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,252 ratings

About the author

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Jean Gill
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Jean Gill is an award-winning Welsh writer and photographer living in the south of France with two scruffy dogs, a beehive named 'Endeavour', a Nikon D750 and a man. For many years, she taught English and was the first woman to be a secondary headteacher in Wales. She is mother or stepmother to five children so life was hectic. Join Jean's special readers' group at jeangill.com for private news and exclusive offers.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,252 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story heartwarming and at times heartbreaking. They describe it as a wonderful, well-written read that captures their imagination. Readers appreciate the insightful storytelling style from a dog's perspective that draws them into the canine world.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

21 customers mention ‘Heartbreaking story’16 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the story. They find it heartwarming and uplifting, with an incredible journey through life seen from a dog's perspective. The book is beautifully written and makes readers laugh and cry.

"...The author has created a wonderful heartwarming and heartbreaking story that will leave a strong impression on your soul." Read more

"...This is a very sweet, and at times heartbreaking story that I think is perfect for dog lover readers who have previously read books like A Dog's..." Read more

"You will laugh and cry whilst reading this book. It is one of the& best books on dogs I have ever read .husband %hhhhu" Read more

"...This story is beautifully written, and tells the story from a dog's point of view...." Read more

17 customers mention ‘Readability’17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written from a dog's perspective.

"A lovely book but very sad brings tears to your eyes especially if you love dogs, also funny in parts" Read more

"...Loved the book and I do realise that it was written by a person and not a dog but it was so cleverly done it could have been written by a dog." Read more

"...A wonderful read and I highly recommend it." Read more

"...A most enjoyable read." Read more

8 customers mention ‘Insight’8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, moving, and funny. It captivates their imagination and leaves a strong impression on their souls. The concept is clever and well-done.

"...The author has created a wonderful heartwarming and heartbreaking story that will leave a strong impression on your soul." Read more

"...that it was written by a person and not a dog but it was so cleverly done it could have been written by a dog." Read more

"...At times humorous, at others very sad, it captivated me and moved me greatly. A wonderful read and I highly recommend it." Read more

"Wonderfully insightful, moving, sad, funny. To view the human species through the eyes of dogs, be in their world...." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Storytelling style’7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling style. They find the book engaging and easy to read, drawing them into the canine world. The perspective seen through a dog's eyes is wonderful and would open many dog owners' eyes.

"...sweet, and at times heartbreaking story that I think is perfect for dog lover readers who have previously read books like A Dog's Purpose or The Art..." Read more

"...This story is beautifully written, and tells the story from a dog's point of view...." Read more

"This is a story told from a dog's point of view. As a dog owner myself I loved it although it was very sad in places...." Read more

"...The book draws the reader into the canine world as he tries to understand the world around him and sometimes the unfairness of the cards that life..." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Pacing’4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book. They describe it as a sweet and heartwarming story, with some moments of sadness.

"...This is a very sweet, and at times heartbreaking story that I think is perfect for dog lover readers who have previously read books like A Dog's..." Read more

"...in which Jean Gill has captured the innermost thoughts of this magnificent animal to create a fictional tale based on factual events...." Read more

"Someone to look up to- Sirius: An enchanting, yet harsh heartwarming story written from a big dog's perspective...." Read more

"this book is a heart warming story of a lovely dog and well worth reading I enjoyed it very much" Read more

Beautiful, Heartwarming and Heartbreaking all at once
5 out of 5 stars
Beautiful, Heartwarming and Heartbreaking all at once
I absolutely loved evey page of this story.A Beautiful yet sometimes heartwrenching tale from on pedigree dogs perspective, of all the trials a dog faces. The way they see situations in comparison to ours, and all written in a way that you truly feel like you are following this animal through their story.This book has made me laugh, smile and cry, and it’s incredibly rare i cry when reading, but this books is so brilliantly written it tugs at your emotions throughout.“Izzie” is a character that will stay with you forever.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 October 2023
    Great story but had me in tears in some sections
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 April 2018
    A lovely book but very sad brings tears to your eyes especially if you love dogs, also funny in parts
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 December 2018
    Sirius also known as Izzie, is a Pyrenean Mountain dog who recounts his life story, and the challenges of being a pedigree dog.
    He is "chosen" at eight weeks old to stay with a couple who end up divorcing, leading to another home which is unsuitable for either Sirius or the family. Life continues to go downhill for him as he ends up in a shelter, where he recounts his story to the other dogs. Each has a sad tale to tell...
    Although he is reunited with his brother Stratos, it does not last long as Stratos is destined for a different path.
    Sirius dreams of returning to his first male owner but he is re-homed with his breeder, who does not want her reputation tarnished, and chains him on a hillside with a cat and other wild animals for company.
    The author has created a wonderful heartwarming and heartbreaking story that will leave a strong impression on your soul.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 May 2022
    When Sirius ends up in a local animal shelter, he begins to think back to the start of his life with his mother and puppy brothers and sisters. As he waits for his Human to come for him, Sirius shares the story of his life so far with his cell mates and learns their stories in return.

    This is a very sweet, and at times heartbreaking story that I think is perfect for dog lover readers who have previously read books like A Dog's Purpose or The Art of Racing in the Rain. In this tale, we get the ofttimes serious and mature voice of Sirius, a wonderful Great Pyrenees Dog, as he reflects on his life so far and what he has learned about himself as well as the humans who have brought him into their lives and subsequently failed him.

    This was hard to read at times, and this book is clearly a highlight for all the things people do wrong with their dogs/puppies and set everyone up for failure. From the breeder just being a real turd of a human being and a joke of a dog lover (any respectable breeder will always keep in touch as well as offer to take the dog back if there's a need for rehoming to avoid bad homes), to people who had no idea what dog training entailed and how positive reinforcement worked - I actually almost screamed when Sirius's owners talk about waiting until he's six months until training class. What! And leaving him alone on his first night away from his mother and siblings - so cruel through ignorance and no preparation. I think some of these moments hit me harder as someone who has recently gone through all of the new puppy training and introductions, and I can see how well a lot of it worked and how positive reinforcement is the best way to go.

    The time when Sirius was in the pound and hearing the tales of cruelty and human failures via the other dogs was truly heartbreaking. I keep thinking about Eclair with her sore ear, and how neglected she was by the shelter staff, as well as Prince who lost his entire family in a car accident :( This book is not, by any means, a fan of pounds or corrupt animal shelters and for the most part all of the dogs in the shelter would probably have been better off running wild than being cared for by these terrible humans.

    While I enjoyed this book, some of it was that little bit depressing and I would have liked more happier moments to make the other moments of sadness and human cruelty a bit easier to bear. I also think the story as a whole was very heavy handed when it came to the right training methods to used - which fair play to the author, positive reinforcement is always the way to go and the dominant type of training that people used to favour is long dead. I think people reading this book would most likely, hopefully, already be on the same page when it comes to appropriate training.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 July 2023
    As a keen dog lover I felt that I learnt so much from this book about how a dog perceives the world around it. Loved the book and I do realise that it was written by a person and not a dog but it was so cleverly done it could have been written by a dog.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2022
    You will laugh and cry whilst reading this book. It is one of the& best books on dogs I have ever read .husband %hhhhu
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 June 2016
    I'm only halfway through, its told from the dogs point of view/voice which is different but a bit odd. Not holding my attention well yet but I'm sure it
    will be a good read in the end
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 January 2017
    I have never owned a dog, having always lived in a flat, but I love dogs and dream of bringing one into my life one day.
    This story is beautifully written, and tells the story from a dog's point of view. At times humorous, at others very sad, it captivated me and moved me greatly. A wonderful read and I highly recommend it.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Tim Reynolds
    5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT READ!
    Reviewed in Canada on 18 December 2017
    This book touches you in so many ways. The first dog I ever had that was truly mine was a Great Pyrenees named Abbey. Looking back I could see the mistakes I made not fully understanding the breed and how a dog thinks. Being young I was also impressionable and took the advise of some bad trainers and people who had warped views of how you need to make a dog submit by being the boss. Bad owners are not born. They are made and some of its just happenstance not knowing any better or failing to fully appreciate the responsibilities. This book gives the dog the voice and reminds me of the quote: be the person your dog thinks you are". I would highly recommend this book but be prepared along the way for some introspection and saddens that comes from the cruelty of people not thinking and not truly understanding dogs. We are their guardians and they are ours.
  • Laurelin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight into the mind of a Great Pyrenees
    Reviewed in the United States on 29 December 2017
    This author obviously knows the Great Pyrenees breed. She has their mannerisms down. This book is told from the story of the dog, which can be very enlightening, especially to novice dog owners. It does a great job of explaining why this breed behaves the way it does. The story is a tear-jerker (maybe even causing some sobs), but it has a tentatively hopeful ending. The story also addresses the problem of too many Pyrs needing rescue. The main character is a very good dog who is given up twice because its owners have personal problems or don't understand the breed or dogs in general. The dog spends time in a shelter and years tied up with a chain. Then a young new owner commits to his care. The Pyr learns from each of its situations and never gives up hope for a good owner.

    In my opinion, this book is a must read for anyone new to the Great Pyrenees breed or to large dogs in general and who wants to own one. People new to the breed see a cuddly, sweet play thing and are reassured that they have a guard dog for protection. But they don't understand the implications of owning a very serious big dog who sheds and barks, particularly at night, and a dog who needs to chew and needs to have a job to do. They don't understand this breed's inherent independence, bred into them for hundreds (maybe thousands) of years, and their sometime unwillingness to comply, especially when the dog sees a serious threat that it views as far more important than silly obedience tricks.

    This is a wonderful breed. They are intelligent, affectionate, very tolerant, gentle, and protective of small children and the herd animals in their care. They are loyal and playful, but they will, without hesitation, risk life and limb to protect their charges. They use minimum force to neutralize the threat. (Bark and bluster first, then harass the threat into leaving, but take the threat out if it persists. Their jaw strength is such that they can snap the spine of a coyote or menacing dog in one bite, if necessary. They will growl and push at their master to persuade them away from a dangerous snake.). I am very glad of my Great Pyrenees companion. She is well socialized and we have a great relationship with give and take on both sides. But I am well aware of my responsibilities toward her. Anyone who seeks to own a Pyr needs to educate themselves and spend time with them first.
  • Elizabeth Perrat
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and Moving
    Reviewed in France on 8 August 2018
    I absolutely adored this beautifully-written story told from a dog’s point of view. Sirius, a magnificent Soum de Gaia (Pyrenean Mountain Dog) narrates his story and that of his siblings when they leave their mother, and their breeder, their “Choosing” taking each puppy to a very different place.

    The author’s deep understanding of, and respect for, the canine psyche, is obvious, perfectly capturing the thoughts and emotions of Sirius as he attempts to understand the world into which he was born, and the often unhappy situations in which he finds himself.

    Filled with humour, love and sadness, the author captivated me with her wonderful descriptions and lyrical prose, one moment bringing tears to my eyes, the next making me laugh out loud. My favourite scenes were the very moving dogs’ nighttime storytelling, the twilight barking.

    Sirius’s story will certainly make all dog owners rethink the way they handle their dogs, especially those, like me, who need a bit of subtle training in managing their hound.

    I would highly recommend Someone To Look Up To for every dog owner, but especially for those who are planning on getting a dog. I would even go so far as to say this book should be mandatory reading for people wanting to own a dog, in particular a large breed of dog.
  • rita riches
    5.0 out of 5 stars Dogs can forgive and love despite everything. Why can't we humans?
    Reviewed in Australia on 9 November 2019
    I loved, loved this book! Nici is the most lovable dog and the author can truly explain the way dogs behave and think, even reason unlike some of the most horrid human beings ever! Survive he does, unlike some of the saddest dogs in the animal shelter he spends time with and yet, Nici comes through it all, still able to trust and love humans. I cried at the song the dogs sang when the ones slated to be killed were led away. This book is the saddest yet the most beautiful and uplifting book I've ever read. Thank you, Jean!
  • Anita Kovacevic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Warmth, kindness and understanding
    Reviewed in the United States on 23 August 2015
    This story simply oozes love and understanding, and even tough, or precisely because, it is a dog's book, everything in it is as human(e) as we wish we would be, if we only tried a little more. Family ties, loyalty, mischief, consolation, kindness, wisdom, respect, experience, a range of thoughts and emotions displayed from a dog's perspective, with deep empathy, but never condescending, mushy or pathetic, toward the main character or the readers themselves.

    The voice used by the author to convey Sirius's mind and life events is clever, witty, charming, bitter, wise, and the pages of his life simply flow through the reader's mind. You can draw so many paralels with human lives, and yes, you can actually learn a lot from dogs, about humans and animals. The description of Sirius's parents courting brought a smile on my face, and the first training lessons Sirius had made me laugh out loud. The author offers a unique outlook on dog's changing owners, dog shelters and people who work there, and the daily treatment of pet dogs. The section with Stratos, Sirius's older brother, retelling the events in the house of his brutal master, left a deep impression; to see through a dog's eyes just how much human behaviour influences dogs. Some people should never have dogs or any pets whatsoever -- I often wonder how such people treat their family members, but I suppose it's the same. I could go on and on, about breeders, competitions, chained guardian dogs, etc., but am trying to avoid spoilers.

    When I finished reading Someone to Look Up To, I have to say all my review remarks seemed silly, mere words. This book makes you feel, respect, cherish, accept and fight for the treasures of life. It almost makes me wish dogs could read it to. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone who loves animals, has or has ever owned a dog, or anyone seriously considering getting a dog, as a companion and friend, not possession. A beautiful, loving story, told with unseen empathy -- it will more than live up to your expectations.

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