While the title, London’s Number One Dog-Walking Agency might sound like a romantic comedy, it’s actually Kate MacDougall’s memoir. At times, it reads like a romcom, but it isn’t.
In October 2006, Kate once again broke something at her job at Sotheby’s. She did it often enough that they called her “clumsy” Kate. The fact is, she was bored and hated her job. She had gone through four years of accidents. She had all the right qualifications for the job. She just didn’t enjoy it. But, her mother was appalled when Kate said she thought she’d start walking dogs. It was a spontaneous decision. She likes dogs, and likes being outside, not stuck in an office.
Spontaneous and unpredictable fits Kate MacDougall. Dog-walking in London was a novelty. Although Americans hired dog-walkers, it was fairly new to London. She put together a website, and started with one client, a female Jack Russell named Frank.
MacDougall’s book is broken down by years of her business, and by dogs. The reader gets to know the demanding clients, the needy dogs. And, one dog, Stanley, frames the entire book. He was a happy rescue mutt when she first met him. Because Kate’s mother was divorced, and she and her brother seldom saw their father, Stanley’s household seemed to be just what she had always wanted. The dog was happy with his loving family, a little disorganization and three kids.
Kate’s boyfriend, Finlay, is always there, too. He’s patient with her when she panics, thinking she knows nothing about running a business. Finlay is patient with her talk of dogs, although he doesn’t like dogs. And, he’s a rock for her as their relationship matures, as they move into their thirties, and as they move on through their lives together. He’s even patient when they adopt a Jack Russell terrier, a puppy named Mabel.
I’ll admit, I somehow missed the words “A Memoir” when I picked this up on NetGalley. But, I enjoyed Kate MacDougall’s coming-of-age memoir, her stories of the dogs, her business, and her life. She may have been spontaneous and even scattershot at times, but it works out for the best in the end.
Kate MacDougall’s website is https://katemacdougallwrites.com/
London’s Number ONe Dog-Walking Agency by Kate MacDougall. William Morrow, 2021. ISBN 9780063059788 (hardcover), 368p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley on NetGalley.
Well, “A Memoir” is in much smaller print… .I’m curious as to what part of London this is set in.
Darn. Now, I can’t tell you, Jeff, but they did move from one area to another, and then toward the end of the book, totally out of London.
Great minds do think alike….I just started this book last night. I noticed it’s a memoir, which isn’t always my favorite type of book. However, I’ve read some positive comments about it. I’m only a few pages in, so the verdict is still out. But, so far it has appealed to me.
I enjoyed it, Jane. It does become a little repetitive, but it works for this book. I hope you enjoy it.
I have already entered for that on GoodReads, I am a memoir fan, although I always check for a page count, not going to read 500 or more pages in tiny print. I am a sucker for anything connected with dogs, cats or birds.
Getting ready for the hospital. Figuring out what to take. Also, I cannot find any sign of place for James to eat, no cafeteria. It will be the smallest hospital that I have ever stayed in (284 beds). I am going to be a pain for them, or I will have the pain! I cannot handle dairy at all and am a vegetariian. Hope to come home on Tuesday. I am reading Personal Librarian now.
Good luck, Carolee. I hope everything works out for you and for James. Sending good wishes.