My Life in Dog Years

Paulsen, G., & Paulsen, R. (1998). My life in dog years. New York: Delacorte Press.

In this non-fiction story, Gary Paulsen describes some of the dogs he has owned or encountered in his life. The story is told in first person from the author’s perspective. Because of this, it is autobiographical in nature. It's told in a conversational tone—as if Paulsen is speaking directly to his readers. This made the book all the more enjoyable, in my opinion. It is also told as a series of flashbacks—as he reflects on his own life and the lives of each of his pets.

The book is divided into chapters, which are named after some of the dogs he has owned or met. There is Cookie, the sled dog, who saved him after falling through ice around a beaver lodge. Snowball was his childhood companion while living in the Philippines. Ike accompanied him as he began to duck hunt as a child. It wasn’t until later in life that he discovered Ike’s owner. Dirk protected him from some bullies that always pestered him on his way home from working at the bowling alley. Paulsen continued the story by describing some of the other dogs he has loved and cherished in his life. Of all these dogs, though, it appears that he is most fond of Josh—his faithful and intelligent border collie. (The photo shown on the dust jacket includes Paulsen with his dog, Josh.)

This story reminded me how much I want a pet—specifically, a dog. I haven’t had a dog in years after we were forced to give our dog to a family member. (My brother was allergic!) I recently got married and purchased a home with my husband. We are beginning to feel settled, and hope to find a dog to add to our family—before we add a child! :) There is nothing quite like the love and loyalty of a dog... Let’s just hope we can find the right companion!

A few weeks ago, I read Paulsen’s well-known book, Hatchet. So, it was interesting to read another book he had written—and one that is quite different in terms of genre and style. That just shows that he is a well-rounded, capable writer. It is also apparent that Paulsen’s life experiences—as described in My Life in Dog Years—helped prepare him to write Hatchet. His experiences with nature, hunting, and even survival all came out in Hatchet.

This is certainly a book that many young adults will enjoy—as it’s easy to relate to a book about pets. If I were to read this with my students, here are some of the “big questions” I would ask:

1. It is obvious that Paulsen loves his pets—and can't live without them. When one left his life, he got another! What is it that you can not live without?
2.  Why is it that some people seem to be animal lovers and others do not?
3.  How is your life similar to Mr. Paulsen’s? How is it different?