Melanie Joy Mezzancello’s LOVE SNAGGS introduces Snaggs as a beguiling narrator, anthropomorphized and enlightened to allow his voice to leap off the page. Intelligent, crafty, self-aware, and versed in medical terminology, he is made to seem as human as possible, thus deepening the emotional ties he shares with his “parents”, making his trials and tribulations that much more compelling for the reader. Snaggs’ relationship with the household’s other puppies, particularly the second-in-command “alpha” Linus, is delightful and amusing, painting Snaggs as a lovable older brother, “I mean, he saw himself in the mirror and thought there was another puppy there. I unquestionably had my work cut out for me.”

It’s no surprise, then, that the narrative is suffused with an air of fierce love and security. To preserve this vulnerability, Mezzancello uses playful language and quaint expressions, sure to appeal to adults as well as a much younger audience, “One day I went outside to do peeps.” The love that is fundamental to the story is enhanced by ongoing health problems, both human and dog-related. Alongside the protagonist, the reader confronts Crohn’s disease, blindness, diabetes, and much more. While engaging, the tale’s focus on medical treatments might make it somewhat challenging for children, particularly when the text broadens to include more literary speech, “Their spreadsheet grew, and they became extra vigilant with my care”, “I certainly didn’t want to be at the center of discord”, “he was rather solemn.”

The story soon breaks up into Snaggs’ time at home and a more whimsical account of his adventures in the spiritual realm. A clear goal is established and pursued doggedly (pun very much intended), namely Snaggs’ journey back into the arms of his treasured family. Decidedly longer than the more concrete account of his time on Earth, the narrative does lose some momentum, but the wealth of characters and subplots that arises more than makes up for it. Themes of friendship, historical and geographical transformations, and betrayal converge to bring Snaggs into contact with animals, pterodactyls, dragons, and kings. They simultaneously challenge and encourage his quest, emphasizing Snaggs’ affable nature. And with reincarnation brought into play, consciousness and memory add depth to the book’s overarching affection. In the end, it’s hardly surprising that LOVE SNAGGS remains with the reader long after the story has drawn to a close.

Playful, humorous, heartbreaking, and fast-paced, Melanie Joy Mezzancello’s LOVE SNAGGS blends adventure with heartfelt sentiment to illustrate the limits to which both a dog and its owners would go in order to stay together.

~Neil Czeszejko for IndieReader