The Dog Ray

After dying in a car crash, Daisy finds herself in a Government run job centre which arranges ‘rehousing’ for the souls of the dead. Unfortunately, there are no human bodies available and arrangements are made for Daisy’s soul to be rehoused in the body of a dog. After not listening closely to instructions Daisy exits the job centre via the wrong door, thus remembering her previous life as a human; something which is not supposed to happen. For some time Daisy tries desperately to be reunited with her parents and regain something of her former life.

The story subtly explores Daisy’s gradual change from thinking and feeling like a human child to thinking and feeling as a dog (called Ray). Along the way, she meets Jack, a homeless man who introduces her to a lonely boy called Pip who is sleeping rough after the death of his mother. Ray helps Pip in his quest to find the father he has never met and becomes a loyal companion, protecting him against the dangers he encounters on the streets. Gradually the dog Ray forgets her former life as the human Daisy and finds contentment in her new life with Pip, as his friend and protector.

Although The Dog Ray starts with a death, this is an uplifting book with an unusual and engaging story. It suggests that new relationships and happiness can emerge after tragedy and kindness can come from very unlikely sources.