“Doggie Haiku” by Laura Stamps

 

“Pockets full of dog

treats make me the popular

neighbor on my street”

A haiku is a familiar style that originated in Japan. But a novella in haiku will certainly pique your interest. Finally, if the book is a novella in haiku for dog lovers, then three cheers for all the dog lovers—hip hip hurray. The book is quite unconventional. Laura warns her readers about this ingenuity at the very beginning of the book. We readers are ready to accept that challenge with a jovial heart.

“Doggie Haiku” by Laura Stamps is about Cindy’s journey of adopting and loving her Chihuahua, Hazel.

“I want a dog. I

do. Really. I do. I want

I want. A small dog.”

The lines are fragmented, a simple single thought is broken into small sentences providing a unique thrust to her urgency of desire. Till she met Hazel life was not completed for her. And it is a wonderful experience. Though she is a Chihuahua she thinks of herself as a Pit Bull. Laura has shared every tiny incident of their life, how she eats, hates her bath time, and every minute habit.

 In a quirky stream-of-consciousness technique, the author has portrayed her journey of dog ownership. From shopping trips to Petco to different dog training, adapting to changing situations, buying dog toys, treats, and outfits, posting on social media, and playing chase in the house during cold, all are narrated honestly with the pure joy of canine companionship.

Each poem is a snapshot both mundane and magical. Her exuberance as well as confusion over her emotion is well explained here, how she cannot resist all her extravagances in buying dog products. Humour is another quality that enriches Laura’s unique poetic form. Through these short stanzas, the author has showcased life in a quick succession of emotional bursts. The haiku format helps the writer to take those snapshots of life more effectively than the traditional prose style.

 I love the honesty and straightforwardness with which the author has dealt with the theme of canine love. She is honest with all the messiness associated with the dog. Assorted species of dogs like Pomeranians, Bloodhounds, Pitties, Frenchie, and Chihuahuas are introduced with beautiful and glossy images. Even you can choose your dog’s name from here, Max, Frances, Luna, or Hazel. But beware of the dog thief.

The introduction of Luke and his Pit Bull Bennie adds a romantic subplot. After some failed dates especially one with Mark whose dog bit Hazell, the author met another dog lover Luke. He owned a Pit Bull, Bennie. Hazel and Bennie became good friends as well as their owners. Thus, it turned into a wonderful doggie date. And through the journey with her unflinching and uncompromising love for Hazel, she finds her soulmate who is equally addicted to Petco, PetSmart, and Indie pet stores without adult supervision.

“Doggie Haiku” by Laura Stamps is certainly going to motivate dog lovers to share their journey with us. The book is perfect for dog enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates light humour and an emotionally packed narrative on the universal experiences of pet ownership. Following the three-lined stanza pattern, Laura guides her readers through the obsessive corridor of Cindy’s life with Hazel.

 The book is an engaging read on my part. Within such constrained writing parameters, this book celebrates small moments that make life with a pet extraordinary. As a prolific writer, Laura has proved her creative knack through the depth and emotion she has infused in her book.

 

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