Review of the book Rufus Finds A Home

Rufus Finds a Home

By: Theodore Jerome Cohen

Publisher: TJC Press

Publication Date: January 2017

ISBN: 978-1542691697

A wonderful, kind man named Charlie is the owner of Rufus, a gorgeous golden retriever. Charlie adores his dog, Rufus, but as he ages, Charlie is unable to take care of him. What will happen to this unique dog?

Rufus is vivacious and eager to play. He enjoys long walks, chasing sticks, and discovering new places. The man has grown old and tired, so he can no longer play fetch with his dog, even though Charlie would love to run around with him. On a lovely fall day, the two are sitting by a tree as Charlie worries about his dog. Rufus won’t be able to accompany Charlie to his new home because he is soon moving to his daughter’s. Charlie recalls a lot of the enjoyable times they had together, but he is constantly thinking about his dog’s future. What fate awaits Rufus?

A young boy approaches Charlie as the two friends are relaxing by the tree. Charlie’s face lights up when the man is asked about his dog, including his name and whether or not he can perform any tricks. Nothing makes him happier than to talk about Rufus. Charlie tells Jimmy about the tricks Rufus is capable of, how the dog attended doggie school and excelled there, and how Rufus helps around the house. Jimmy is soon joined by his mother, Heather, and sister, all of whom are captivated by the lovely golden retriever.

Heather notices Charlie’s sadness as he talks about his dog.

“Then why are you sad?” asked the boy’s sister, Heather,

“A wonderful dog like Rufus should bring joy always.”

“I know,” said the man, wiping tears from his eyes,

“but old age has taken my youth by surprise.”

It is clear that Jimmy and Rufus’ family are devoted, loving individuals. Will they be able to find the dog a new home?

I’ve read and reviewed a lot of dog stories about rescues and finding homes for abandoned dogs, but this is the first one that addresses the very sensitive and little-discussed issue of what happens when an elderly person is unable to care for their pet. Anyone finds it difficult to part with a beloved pet, but for the elderly who may have already lost a spouse or other loved one, the experience can be especially traumatic. The story is simple to follow and endearing as well. It is told in rhyme and features lovely photographs of Rufus that perfectly match the action on each page. Children will enjoy reading Rufus Finds a Home because it teaches them about why and how dogs occasionally need new homes.

Rufus Finds a Home is a wonderful story that kids will enjoy and want to read repeatedly because it sensitively handles a sensitive subject.