My Life in Dog Years
About
Gary Paulsen has owned dozens of unforgettable and amazing dogs.
In each chapter he tells the story, of one special dog, among them Snowball, the puppy he owned as a boy in the Philippines; Ike, his mysterious hunting companion; Dirk, the grim protector; and Josh, one of the remarkable border collies working on Paulsen's ranch today.
Pen-and-ink illustrations by Ruth Wright Paulsen.
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Why it’s great
Each chapter profiles a beloved dog that shaped Paulsen’s life, demonstrating memoir structure through vivid, stand-alone vignettes. Rich sensory details show how to “zoom in” on a memory. Animal-loving readers connect instantly, proving that real stories can be as gripping as fiction. Inspires kids to mine their own experiences for narrative gold.