A review by awashinfeeling
The Dog Lived (and So Will I) by Teresa Rhyne

3.0

When I started reading this memoir, I was convinced I was going to end up greatly disliking it. However, the second half of the book changed my mind. The first half of the book gave me the impression that it was a memoir strictly reserved and meant for dog lovers. I love dogs but I'm sure I don't love them as much as Terese Rhyne does. The first half is about her newly adopted beagle Seamus being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. And the first half is also pretty much entirely dedicated to Seamus and his crazy Beagle-personality... However, things turn around with the second part when Rhyne is diagnosed with breast cancer. It focuses more on her relationship with her much younger boyfriend Chris and on how she finds the strength to battle the illness. Seamus constantly serves as an inspiration for her to overcome cancer since the lively beagle went through the same ordeal and survived.
Rhyne's humour keeps this memoir light and fresh. There are a couple of sad moments but they never get too depressing. I'm glad I read this. It is an inspiring and hopeful read.