Title: The Berkshire Jack Russells
Author: Eileen Chatwin
Publisher: AuthorHouseUK
ISBN: 978-1-4678-7832-6
Pages: 95
Genre: Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
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“It’s a dog’s life,” is the summation comment told by author Eileen Chatwin in her imaginative storybook titled The Berkshire Jack Russells. In it she follows the happy adventures and tribulations of Gabby and Boni, two littermates Jack Russells, along with their extended families.
Interestingly the story begins with the birth of these brother-and-sister puppies, and all of a sudden they’re talking, as the book is written mostly in the first person narrative having the dog’s point of view. The puppies are speaking English – remarkably without even going through the baby talk stage – right away asking the big dog licking them, “Who are you?” “I’m your Mum,” the big dog replied. Chatwin’s imagination is let loose as she puts words in the mouths of her pets, making for a children’s story which is suitable for bedtime telling.
Nowadays, with amazing computer graphics moving the jaws of animals synchronized to the dialogue script and the multitude of animated talking animals, readers are certainly accustomed to believing dogs can speak. Most dog owners know of the telepathic and body language communications of the K-9 genre. But talking animals have evolved from Mickey Mouse, to Mr. Ed, then onto the pig in Babe and even the spider in Charlotte’s Web; showing us how all animals have quite the vernacular, just to name a few. By allowing for the creative license of the author, the readers become absorbed into the observations and inquisitive thinking of just what a newborn puppy has on its mind. The accomplishment of wee-weeing on the newspaper, then learning how to be housebroken, eating dog food for the first time, and the wonders of all things viewed at ground level creates a warm-and-fuzzy feeling about the puppyhood Gabby and Boni were blessed to be born into.
Lucky dogs indeed. As the adventures of Gabby and Boni bring them to all sorts of places; like out camping, out for drives in the car, and even a round trip flight to Tokyo when an earthquake struck, these dogs had all the excitement even a person could hope for in a lifetime. They even had the multi-generational experience of having a litter, and giving away their puppies to new human caretakers.
Interleaved with actual photographs of “the family” throughout the book, Chatwin uses her factual names, dates of birth and events to lace together the rather large “pack” of dogs and people in a way children learn of their own family relationships. It poses a challenge for young minds to remember just who some people and dogs are, as the people are paired up with family and friends, many having impromptu rendezvous throughout the years. Of course, the sadness of separations from death occurs, along with the accompanying broken hearts and prayers to meet up again on the other side.
The Berkshire Jack Russells creates a tribute to the destiny of Gabby and Boni; immortalizing them in this story chronicling their lives, and telling of the many ways they changed forever those who were fortunate enough to know them. This would make a wonderful gift for readers who are also dog lovers.
