Max's Story

Cameron, W. Bruce. Max's Story (A Dog's Purpose Puppy Tale)
July 3rd 2018 by Starscape Books
ARC provided by the publisher at ALA

Max is a Chihuahua-Yorkie mix puppy who ends up in a shelter in New York City with his two sisters. They are adopted right away, but he keeps nipping at people. When he hears a girl in the park, he is immediately taken with her and keeps barking to try to get her attention. After CJ stops by the adoption event, Max is determined to go after her. He runs away and follows her to her apartment building, but CJ takes him back. Because of the aggressive behavior, Max is slated to be put down, so even though she is just visiting a friend of her mother's in the city. Jillian has a cat, Sneakers, but eventually acquiesces to hosting Max, even though he barks and widdles on things. CJ is involved in an art school, and misses her own dog, Molly, but things are not going well with her mother, whom we met in Molly's Story. There is a moment when it seems that Max will have to return to the shelter, but art saves the day.
Strengths: This is a short, easy read with a very cute cover (although my paper ARC has a more Chihuahua looking dog on the cover). While it is from Max's point of view, we do get enough information to forward the plot. Good information about shelters and caring for pets, and Sneakers and Max are cute together.
Weaknesses: I would have preferred this be from CJ's view point, because it would have been interesting to find out about her precarious family situation.
What I really think: This is a series worth having, and is an easy go-to for readers who love dogs. Curious as to what will happen when CJ returns home!