This book was full of colorful characters, animals, and a little magic in the air. An adult on the cusp of deciding just how much she can grow up without losing the essence of who she really is. A wonderful story. ( )

What a Dog Knows by Susan Wilson is a cute story. Ruby Heartwood is a traveling psychic. She is looking for her next place to land when a rainstorm hits. Ruby stops in by Lake Harmony in Harmony Farms for the night where something odd happens during a lightening strike. The next morning, Ruby can hear someone outside. It turns out to be a little dog and Ruby is “hearing” him inside her head. Ruby signs up for the local Farmers’ Market and Markers Faire and adds “pet communicator” to her list of skills. This is the beginning of a new venture for Ruby where events conspire to keep her from leaving the bucolic town. What a Dog Knows is well-written with an interesting group of characters and animals. We learn Ruby’s history a little at a time. I could certainly understand her nomadic existence and her desire to run when the going gets tough. I loved the descriptions of the charming town. There was a cozy house that I would love to live in. Ruby being able to hear a dog’s thoughts was intriguing. I would love to know what my pets are thinking except after bath time. I thought the author captured the animals’ thoughts and feelings very well. I enjoyed the chapters from Hitchhiker’s (Ruby’s dog) point-of-view. I did feel the pacing was a little slow at times, and the story played out in an expected manner. I still enjoyed reading this sweet story. What a Dog Knows is a mesmerizing tale with hope, fear, family, courage, friends, romance, and lovable animals. What a Dog Knows is a relaxing story that is great to read on a hot summer afternoon (preferably while relaxing by the pool). ( )

Ruby and Hitch are the perfect team. I loved Ruby, she found her source to live her best life and used it.
Ruby grows up in a Catholic orphanage. She has been there since she was dropped off as a newborn by an unknown person with no explanation. She develops a sense, she can see things when she touches people. When she she’s a future for one of the Nuns she is called evil and sent into isolation. In fear of her future there she climbs out a window and sets out into the streets where she learns to survive as a young teen. Hungry, scared, alone, she meets a woman who will change her life. This woman teaches her to use her talent to tell fortunes and make money. This season is a lifesaver. Ruby finds her way to a traveling carnival, where she trusts a mother like figure, one who will let her down in such a heartbreaking way. Later is the story fate takes a turn when she meets an adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Hitch. From that moment on she can talk to the animals. ( )