Canine Custody - by Gary Goldstein (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Raw, real, and personal. As intimate a portrayal of two people struggling with modern life and marital issues as you're likely to find . . . plus (perhaps double plus) there's a wonderful dog!" -W. Bruce Cameron, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Dog's Purpose and A Dog's Perfect Christmas

Meet Layla and Franklin Bishop. They're a married Los Angeles pair in their late thirties whose twelve-year relationship began like a house on fire-but now all that's left are the dying embers. When a maddening incident involving a fender bender, a gushing Hydro Flask, and their back-seated dog, Betty, becomes the last straw for the teetering spouses, they impulsively separate.

Money, work matters, and property issues quickly complicate things. But when Layla and Franklin each demand full custody of Betty, the road to divorce gets impossibly bumpy, even with the help of a tough-love mediator. Parents, friends, and potential new romantic partners are along for the twisty ride, as Layla and Franklin navigate their way apart. Meanwhile, Betty works in her mysterious canine way to reunite her humans. But is she barking up the wrong tree?

Told from the alternating viewpoints of Layla, Franklin, and Betty, Canine Custody is a funny, candid, sexy, at times bittersweet look at what draws lovers to each other, how those same things can send them packing, and the surprising role our pets can play in life's major decisions.

Review Quotes

"Raw, real, and personal. As intimate a portrayal of two people struggling with modern life and marital issues as you're likely to find . . . plus (perhaps double plus) there's a wonderful dog!"

-W. Bruce Cameron, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Dog's Purpose and A Dog's Perfect Christmas

"As warm and tender as a curled-up dog by your side, Canine Custody reminds us that the hard work required to make love last is absolutely worth it. It's an ode to the complexities of marriage, to the healing power of second chances, and to all the little things we simply don't want to live without."

-Matthew Norman, author of Grace & Henry's Holiday Movie Marathon

"Smart, funny, and a pure delight, with a story so propulsive it practically wags its tail. A perfect read for anyone who has ever loved a dog or lost their way. I loved it!"

-Susan Walter, USA Today bestselling author of Murder at 30,000 Feet and Letters from Strangers

"If every couple needs a dog, every divorcing couple needs Betty, the devoted canine in the middle of an unhappy custody battle. Brought to life by Goldstein's delightful prose, Canine Custody is honest, unexpected, thoughtful, and as enjoyable as being scratched behind the ears."

-Ken Pisani, LA Times bestselling author of AMP'D

"Charming, uplifting, and surprisingly touching. A tonal high-wire act that will remind you what really matters in a relationship-and how we could all use a little canine optimism from time to time."

-Alfredo Botello, award-winning author of 180 Days