THE SECOND-SMARTEST DOG THAT EVER LIVED

An imaginative “autobiography” by Leo, a mixed-breed, large-eared dog with extraordinary abilities.

We meet Leo, who at this point is nameless, while he’s riding in a car with Mary, a woman who works with Hoover Animal Control. She rescued him from the road where he landed after he was thrown from a van while it was speeding down a desert highway. The pup has a broken leg and a badly bruised head and is barely conscious when Mary brings him to the vet, Dr. Francis. The trauma of his injuries causes Leo to lose all memory of his life before he was thrown from the van. That night, Birdie, a cat who lives at the veterinary hospital, comes to visit and taunt Leo, telling him they’re going to cut off his leg and his “doodads.” Fortunately, Mary comes to his rescue once again, offering to pay for the expensive orthopedic surgery that will save his leg. So begins Pass’ complex, frequently comedic fantasy, an adventure in which all the animals speak with one another, but they can’t communicate with humans—with one exception. As the story progresses, Dr. Francis discovers he can understand Leo, a revelation that begins to drive the poor doctor mad. After the surgery, Mary brings Leo home, names him Leonardo DiCaprio (aka Leo), and introduces him to the other rescue animals who live with her: Shakespeare, an ebullient pug; Antonio, a loquacious macaw; and Dwid, a one-eyed cat. Shakespeare, delighted to acquire the big brother he’s always longed for, devotes himself to Leo, who gradually begins to recover the skills he’d accumulated during his life before the van. He can read—he loves books—and he’s a philosophical thinker who changes his name to Rousseau, aka Rou. But he has no recollection of his puppyhood. He knows only that he’s different—not quite like any other dog, yet certainly not human—and he’s determined to solve the mystery of his origins. With the faithful Shakespeare by his side, he escapes into the desert, convinced that the bright light in the distance holds the answer.

The author, a former veterinarian, portrays his canid characters (both dogs and coyotes) and cats with an understanding of each species that brings them to life, no matter how far-fetched their capers. He takes readers on a lengthy, complicated, rowdy ride through the desert, to a coyote den, and through a city of lights and fountains. The humans in the narrative have more quirks than the animals, especially Dr. Francis, whom we meet again roaming with a pack of stray dogs. Rou is a stalwart lead, smart as a whip and tenderhearted, and second banana Shakespeare is an endearing, jovial ball of energy. Pass’ novel abounds with witty dialogue, biting sarcasm, and page-turning action. The short epilogue suggests that a sequel may be in the works. Although most appropriate for YA readers, this sometimes overly intricate romp will appeal to all ages.

A madcap, entertaining escape from reality from the canine perspective.