Book Summary
A Dog’s View – The World Through a Dog’s Eyes
“A Dog’s View” is a heartfelt, dog-narrated adventure about survival, courage, and the unbreakable bond that exists between a dog and her family.
Born beneath a broken-down car to a devoted mother, Kutchi begins life in hardship but soon finds love when she’s adopted by a caring household. Her connection with young Darryl grows deep, until one terrifying night of fireworks shatters her world and sends her running into the unknown.
Life on the Streets
Alone and frightened, Kutchi must learn to survive among stray dogs. She faces hunger, danger, and the daily struggle to stay safe. Yet even as fear grows, her loyalty and longing for home never fade.
Family and Hope
A rescue brings new beginnings. With vet visits, recovery, and the challenge of learning to trust again, Kutchi’s courage shines through.
For Readers Who Love Animal Stories
Dog-narrated adventure for middle grade readers.
Inspired by true experiences with the author’s beloved dog, Kutchi.
Themes of resilience, empathy, family, and belonging.
Realistic but gentle depictions of illness and loss (Chapters 14 and 16).
Ideal for ages 9–12 and families who enjoy emotional, life-affirming stories.
Warm, emotional, and deeply relatable—A Dog’s View reminds readers that every animal has a story worth hearing, and every bond is worth holding onto.
“A Dog’s View” is a heartfelt, dog-narrated adventure about survival, courage, and the unbreakable bond that exists between a dog and her family.
Born beneath a broken-down car to a devoted mother, Kutchi begins life in hardship but soon finds love when she’s adopted by a caring household. Her connection with young Darryl grows deep, until one terrifying night of fireworks shatters her world and sends her running into the unknown.
Life on the Streets
Alone and frightened, Kutchi must learn to survive among stray dogs. She faces hunger, danger, and the daily struggle to stay safe. Yet even as fear grows, her loyalty and longing for home never fade.
Family and Hope
A rescue brings new beginnings. With vet visits, recovery, and the challenge of learning to trust again, Kutchi’s courage shines through.
For Readers Who Love Animal Stories
Dog-narrated adventure for middle grade readers.
Inspired by true experiences with the author’s beloved dog, Kutchi.
Themes of resilience, empathy, family, and belonging.
Realistic but gentle depictions of illness and loss (Chapters 14 and 16).
Ideal for ages 9–12 and families who enjoy emotional, life-affirming stories.
Warm, emotional, and deeply relatable—A Dog’s View reminds readers that every animal has a story worth hearing, and every bond is worth holding onto.
Chapter 1 – The Beginning
Born beneath an old, broken-down car in Florida, a tiny puppy named Smallie tells the story of her first days of life. She and her five siblings grow up under their mother’s loving care, learning to walk, explore grass and dirt, and play together. Smallie, the runt of the litter, is smaller and more colorful than the rest, but full of curiosity and spirit. Their mother, a kind dog owned by a gentle woman named Cherise, keeps them safe and teaches them about the world—especially to beware of cats. When Smallie meets a friendly kitten and later learns that the kitten has been taken away forever, she begins to wonder if she too might one day be separated from her family.
Chapter 2 – A Visit to the Vet
Cherise takes the puppies to the vet, leaving Mama behind and frightening them all. At the clinic, they’re poked and prodded, each getting a painful shot. Smallie bites the vet in fear but can’t escape. When they return home, Mama comforts them, licking their wounds. Though safe again, the pups realize the world isn’t always gentle—humans can be both kind and scary. Later, Cherise’s friend Darryl visits, restoring Smallie’s trust with his warmth and playful care.
Chapter 3 – My First Night Away from Home
Mama teaches her puppies that their purpose is to love and care for humans, preparing them for adoption. One by one, the pups begin leaving, and Smallie’s heart breaks when Rover is taken away. Soon after, Cherise’s friend Darryl visits — and chooses Smallie to be his dog. Renamed Kutchi, she feels proud yet sad to leave Mama and her siblings behind. At Darryl’s home, she meets two older dogs, Scrappy and Brandi, and starts to settle in. But that night, when Darryl leaves her alone outside, fear and loneliness overwhelm her, making her question if she made the right choice.
Chapter 4 – My New Family
Kutchi spends her first lonely night in Darryl’s house but finds comfort when Brandi stays nearby to keep her company. The next morning, Darryl happily reunites with her, and she forgives him instantly. When he takes her inside to meet his family, things go terribly wrong—Darryl’s mom panics and screams when Kutchi nibbles her toe! But soon, her cuteness wins everyone over, and the whole family begins to love her.
Kutchi explores her new home, meets grumpy Scrappy and kind Brandi again, and is introduced to Candice and Akash, who shower her with affection. That evening, Darryl gives her her own bowl and a delicious dinner. Feeling safe, loved, and part of a real family, Kutchi proudly thinks—she’s no longer Smallie, she’s Kutchi Roche.
Kutchi explores her new home, meets grumpy Scrappy and kind Brandi again, and is introduced to Candice and Akash, who shower her with affection. That evening, Darryl gives her her own bowl and a delicious dinner. Feeling safe, loved, and part of a real family, Kutchi proudly thinks—she’s no longer Smallie, she’s Kutchi Roche.
Chapter 5 – Growing Up
Kutchi grows into a strong, playful young dog who quickly becomes part of the Roche family. She bonds deeply with everyone—playing with Stefan, cuddling with Darryl, keeping Mummy company in the kitchen, and even learning from grumpy old Scrappy and gentle Mama Brandi. Life feels full of love and adventure.
One day, Darryl surprises her with a visit to her old home. At first, Mama doesn’t recognize her, growling until Kutchi reminds her that she’s Smallie. Overcome with emotion, Mama embraces her lost pup, and Kutchi joyfully reunites with her sister Lucy too. Their hearts are full as they share stories, treats, and warmth together. When it’s time to leave, Mama asks her to visit again soon — and Kutchi promises she will.
One day, Darryl surprises her with a visit to her old home. At first, Mama doesn’t recognize her, growling until Kutchi reminds her that she’s Smallie. Overcome with emotion, Mama embraces her lost pup, and Kutchi joyfully reunites with her sister Lucy too. Their hearts are full as they share stories, treats, and warmth together. When it’s time to leave, Mama asks her to visit again soon — and Kutchi promises she will.
Chapter 6 – Boom, Panic, Run
Kutchi’s happy life with the Roche family is shattered on the Fourth of July. Despite Brandi’s warning about the dangers of fireworks, Kutchi is curious and unafraid—until the explosions begin. The booming lights and deafening sounds send her into a panic. Ignoring Brandi’s pleas, she escapes through the porch gate and bolts into the streets, desperate to find safety and her old home.
Lost, frightened, and disoriented, Kutchi runs for miles until she falls into a drain and hides among the rocks, trembling from fear and exhaustion. As the fireworks finally fade, she drifts into an uneasy sleep—cold, alone, and far from home.
Lost, frightened, and disoriented, Kutchi runs for miles until she falls into a drain and hides among the rocks, trembling from fear and exhaustion. As the fireworks finally fade, she drifts into an uneasy sleep—cold, alone, and far from home.
Chapter 7 – Alone for the First Time
Kutchi wakes up cold, filthy, and trapped in a drain after fleeing from the fireworks. With great effort, she climbs out and begins wandering through unfamiliar streets, hungry, thirsty, and terrified. She drinks from a dirty puddle and eats scraps from a garbage bag, only to be chased and struck by an angry man.
Her search for help goes from bad to worse when a large dog attacks and bites her paw. Injured and desperate, Kutchi is hunted by men with nets—dog catchers—and narrowly escapes by squeezing under a fence. Exhausted and in pain, she hides beneath some bushes for the night, realizing how dangerous the world is without her family. Cold and alone, she wonders if she’ll ever find her way home again.
Her search for help goes from bad to worse when a large dog attacks and bites her paw. Injured and desperate, Kutchi is hunted by men with nets—dog catchers—and narrowly escapes by squeezing under a fence. Exhausted and in pain, she hides beneath some bushes for the night, realizing how dangerous the world is without her family. Cold and alone, she wonders if she’ll ever find her way home again.
Chapter 8 – Joining the Pack
Kutchi wakes up surrounded by five stray dogs—Max, Gracie, Stitch, Melo, and the gruff Bruno. Injured and frightened, she pleads for mercy, but kindhearted Max takes her in despite Bruno’s protests. Stitch brings her food, and the pack helps her rest while keeping watch.
As Kutchi recovers, she learns each dog’s story—Gracie’s loss, Bruno’s painful past, and Max’s strength as the pack’s leader. Together they scavenge for food, dodge danger, and protect one another like family. For the first time since running away, Kutchi feels safe again. Though she misses the Roche family deeply, she falls asleep beside her new friends, comforted by the warmth of belonging.
As Kutchi recovers, she learns each dog’s story—Gracie’s loss, Bruno’s painful past, and Max’s strength as the pack’s leader. Together they scavenge for food, dodge danger, and protect one another like family. For the first time since running away, Kutchi feels safe again. Though she misses the Roche family deeply, she falls asleep beside her new friends, comforted by the warmth of belonging.
Chapter 9 – The Dog Catchers
Life with Max’s pack becomes a daily struggle for food and safety, but Kutchi learns to survive and even grows close to Stitch. One afternoon, dog catchers ambush the group. Max bravely distracts them while Bruno leads the others to safety. They reunite later in an abandoned warehouse that becomes their peaceful new home.
But comfort makes them careless. One night, the dog catchers return, bursting in with flashlights and nets. Chaos erupts—dogs scramble in every direction. Max and Bruno fight fiercely to protect the others, but Max is captured in a net. Gracie hesitates, torn between saving him and running, and she too is caught. Kutchi, Stitch, Melo, and Bruno escape into the dark, hearts broken as they listen to the cries of their captured friends fade away.
But comfort makes them careless. One night, the dog catchers return, bursting in with flashlights and nets. Chaos erupts—dogs scramble in every direction. Max and Bruno fight fiercely to protect the others, but Max is captured in a net. Gracie hesitates, torn between saving him and running, and she too is caught. Kutchi, Stitch, Melo, and Bruno escape into the dark, hearts broken as they listen to the cries of their captured friends fade away.
Chapter 10 – The Escape
After Max and Gracie’s capture, Bruno takes over the pack with harsh control, turning cruel and domineering. He bullies Stitch and tears Kutchi’s beloved blue collar from her neck, severing her last link to home. Afraid and desperate, Kutchi and Stitch secretly plan to escape.
One night, their plan unfolds—but a noise alerts Bruno, who wakes in rage and chases them through the dark streets. Reaching a busy road, Kutchi and Stitch dash across as cars speed past. Kutchi makes it, but Stitch is struck by a car. Injured and motionless, he’s lifted away by the driver, leaving Kutchi frozen in shock and grief. Heartbroken and alone again, she runs into the night, missing her lost friend and longing for the safety and love of the Roche family.
One night, their plan unfolds—but a noise alerts Bruno, who wakes in rage and chases them through the dark streets. Reaching a busy road, Kutchi and Stitch dash across as cars speed past. Kutchi makes it, but Stitch is struck by a car. Injured and motionless, he’s lifted away by the driver, leaving Kutchi frozen in shock and grief. Heartbroken and alone again, she runs into the night, missing her lost friend and longing for the safety and love of the Roche family.
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Chapter 11 – Home Is Where I Belong
Exhausted, starving, and alone, Kutchi hides near a building, too weak to go on. Just when she’s about to give up, a familiar voice calls her name—it’s Mummy. Overwhelmed with relief, Kutchi realizes she’s been found at last.
Mummy carries her home, comforting her with gentle words and care. Scrappy and Brandi are overjoyed to see her, and Daddy rushes her to the vet, where she receives food, medicine, and warmth. Finally, wrapped in a soft blanket surrounded by love, Kutchi drifts into peaceful sleep. Her long, frightening journey is over—she’s safe, loved, and truly home again.
Mummy carries her home, comforting her with gentle words and care. Scrappy and Brandi are overjoyed to see her, and Daddy rushes her to the vet, where she receives food, medicine, and warmth. Finally, wrapped in a soft blanket surrounded by love, Kutchi drifts into peaceful sleep. Her long, frightening journey is over—she’s safe, loved, and truly home again.
Chapter 12 – My New Collar
Kutchi wakes to the sound of Darryl’s voice and realizes she’s truly home. Surrounded by love and care, she slowly regains her strength as the whole family—Mummy, Daddy, Stefan, Candice, and Akash—nurtures her back to health. Even grumpy old Scrappy softens, though Kutchi senses he’s growing weak.
When Darryl takes her and Scrappy to the vet, she bravely faces her fear, but not before growling and biting in protest. Despite the dreaded shot, she survives the visit and returns home stronger than ever.
Later, Darryl surprises her with a brand-new blue collar and bell—shinier and more beautiful than the first. It symbolizes her recovery and the start of a new chapter. Proud and happy, Kutchi feels whole again. Then Brandi teases her with exciting news: the family is going on vacation—though Kutchi has no idea what that means!
When Darryl takes her and Scrappy to the vet, she bravely faces her fear, but not before growling and biting in protest. Despite the dreaded shot, she survives the visit and returns home stronger than ever.
Later, Darryl surprises her with a brand-new blue collar and bell—shinier and more beautiful than the first. It symbolizes her recovery and the start of a new chapter. Proud and happy, Kutchi feels whole again. Then Brandi teases her with exciting news: the family is going on vacation—though Kutchi has no idea what that means!
Chapter 13 – Fun Family Vacation
Kutchi joins the Roche family on her first-ever vacation, excited but unsure what “vacation” means. When they arrive at a cozy seaside house, she’s thrilled to reunite with Brandi and Scrappy. Soon, she discovers the beach—warm sand, salty air, and endless room to run. Darryl throws a bright orange ball, and Kutchi races joyfully across the sand, feeling pure freedom again.
Later, she watches the boys fish and is fascinated by the strange, wriggling creatures called “fish.” Every time a pole bends, Kutchi barks to alert them, proudly becoming part of the excitement. As the sun sets, she curls up on Darryl’s lap, completely content.
Under the golden glow of evening, Kutchi feels peace for the first time since her long ordeal. Yet in the back of her mind, she still thinks of Stitch—the brave friend who once protected her—hoping he’s safe, loved, and maybe watching the same sunset somewhere far away.
Later, she watches the boys fish and is fascinated by the strange, wriggling creatures called “fish.” Every time a pole bends, Kutchi barks to alert them, proudly becoming part of the excitement. As the sun sets, she curls up on Darryl’s lap, completely content.
Under the golden glow of evening, Kutchi feels peace for the first time since her long ordeal. Yet in the back of her mind, she still thinks of Stitch—the brave friend who once protected her—hoping he’s safe, loved, and maybe watching the same sunset somewhere far away.
Chapter 14 – All Dogs Go to Heaven
Life returns to normal after the family vacation. Kutchi resumes her favorite job—waking Darryl every morning with sloppy kisses—and enjoys peaceful days surrounded by love. But a shadow falls over the household: old Scrappy’s health begins to fail. His strength fades, his eyesight dims, and the proud guardian who once ruled the porch can barely move.
Darryl takes Kutchi to visit Mama, Lucy, and their new puppy, Waffles—a joyful reunion filled with laughter and love. Yet when they return home, tragedy strikes. Scrappy has fallen and is gravely injured. Despite everyone’s hope, he passes away the next day at the vet.
Heartbroken, the Roches bury Scrappy in the backyard, honoring him as family. Brandi explains gently that all dogs go to heaven—a place of peace, play, and endless love. Kutchi imagines her mentor running free again, guarding the skies instead of the porch. Though grief lingers, she knows Scrappy’s spirit will always watch over them.
Darryl takes Kutchi to visit Mama, Lucy, and their new puppy, Waffles—a joyful reunion filled with laughter and love. Yet when they return home, tragedy strikes. Scrappy has fallen and is gravely injured. Despite everyone’s hope, he passes away the next day at the vet.
Heartbroken, the Roches bury Scrappy in the backyard, honoring him as family. Brandi explains gently that all dogs go to heaven—a place of peace, play, and endless love. Kutchi imagines her mentor running free again, guarding the skies instead of the porch. Though grief lingers, she knows Scrappy’s spirit will always watch over them.
Chapter 15 – The Return of Stitch
Life feels peaceful again for Kutchi—until a sudden pain in her stomach worries Darryl. After a quick check, she recovers enough to join him and Stefan on a mountain hike. The trail is alive with scents, birds, and sunlight filtering through bamboo trees. She runs free, swims in a cool pond, and feels pure joy exploring the wild with her family.
But the day holds a surprise she could never have imagined. As they finish their hike, Kutchi spots a familiar face among two dogs on leashes--Stitch. Overcome with joy, she races toward him. He’s alive, healthy, and now part of a loving family with Brian and Ferisha, who rescued him after the accident. Beside him stands Princess, his beautiful new companion, and he proudly tells Kutchi about their two puppies.
Their reunion is filled with warmth and tears. Before parting, Stitch tells her softly, “I will always care for you, Kutchi. I’m glad we both found our place in this world.” Kutchi watches him go, heart full and finally at peace—her journey has come full circle.
But the day holds a surprise she could never have imagined. As they finish their hike, Kutchi spots a familiar face among two dogs on leashes--Stitch. Overcome with joy, she races toward him. He’s alive, healthy, and now part of a loving family with Brian and Ferisha, who rescued him after the accident. Beside him stands Princess, his beautiful new companion, and he proudly tells Kutchi about their two puppies.
Their reunion is filled with warmth and tears. Before parting, Stitch tells her softly, “I will always care for you, Kutchi. I’m glad we both found our place in this world.” Kutchi watches him go, heart full and finally at peace—her journey has come full circle.
Chapter 16 – More Than a Pet
Kutchi begins her day full of life, playing and nibbling Darryl’s toes as always—but by afternoon, everything changes. A sudden, severe pain grips her stomach, leaving her trembling and weak. Mummy and Daddy rush her to the vet, where medication brings only temporary relief. Soon, she can no longer keep down food or water.
When Darryl finds her collapsed in the drain, he lifts her in his arms, his face etched with fear. Back at the clinic, the vet decides to keep her overnight. As her family visits the next morning—Mummy, Daddy, Stefan, and Candice—their voices are soft, their eyes full of worry. Darryl stays last, stroking her fur and whispering comfort as tears fall onto her body.
That evening, the vet explains she needs emergency surgery. Too weak to move, Kutchi feels Darryl’s trembling hands and his whispered promise that everything will be okay. As she’s carried into the bright, cold operating room, her breathing slows and her body grows heavy. Her final thoughts are of Darryl’s love, Brandi’s care, and the family who gave her everything.
With one last look at Darryl’s tearful smile, Kutchi lets go—wrapped in love, peace, and the knowledge that she wasn’t just a pet. She was family.
When Darryl finds her collapsed in the drain, he lifts her in his arms, his face etched with fear. Back at the clinic, the vet decides to keep her overnight. As her family visits the next morning—Mummy, Daddy, Stefan, and Candice—their voices are soft, their eyes full of worry. Darryl stays last, stroking her fur and whispering comfort as tears fall onto her body.
That evening, the vet explains she needs emergency surgery. Too weak to move, Kutchi feels Darryl’s trembling hands and his whispered promise that everything will be okay. As she’s carried into the bright, cold operating room, her breathing slows and her body grows heavy. Her final thoughts are of Darryl’s love, Brandi’s care, and the family who gave her everything.
With one last look at Darryl’s tearful smile, Kutchi lets go—wrapped in love, peace, and the knowledge that she wasn’t just a pet. She was family.
Conclusion
A Dog’s View – The World Through a Dog’s Eyes.
Kutchi passed away, almost exactly a month after Scrappy. Losing them both so close together was a tremendous blow to our family. Scrappy had been with us since birth and lived more than fourteen years, while Kutchi was still just a baby at three.
Kutchi was special. She was always happy, always leaping into our laps and lifting our spirits. In my office, I keep a picture of her, a constant reminder of the closeness we shared. For me, she was more than a dog. She was my first dog, my companion, and truly a piece of my heart.
I will always be grateful that she was part of my life and my family’s. Her memory shall live on within this book.
I love you, Kutchi. Always.
Kutchi was special. She was always happy, always leaping into our laps and lifting our spirits. In my office, I keep a picture of her, a constant reminder of the closeness we shared. For me, she was more than a dog. She was my first dog, my companion, and truly a piece of my heart.
I will always be grateful that she was part of my life and my family’s. Her memory shall live on within this book.
I love you, Kutchi. Always.
All dogs
Scrappy
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Scrappy
Brandi
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Kutchi using the laptop
The pack
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The rights of the author has been asserted.
The rights of the author has been asserted.