Man’s best friend? Or perhaps a woman’s? The common dog has filled the void in so many lives. This is especially true in the case of Janice Gary, a woman with a troubled past and hesitant stride. Janice Gary was raped in her early twenties and her emotional scars hold close to her heart as she carries on through life. Although Janice is married, she still has room for another companion. This one comes with big paws and a rambunctious personality. Finding Barney as a pup, Janice opens her heart to the canine and the two become a team of sorts. After Barney is attacked by another dog, Barney becomes agitated by other dogs and an aggressive nature takes root. This causes a dilemma for Janice, who now has to contend with keeping Barney under control during their daily walks and suffer comments by bystanders whenever Barney shows his aggressive side. But along their daily walks, the pair finds healing in their daily ritual and common terrain. Short Leash by Janice Gary is a heartfelt tale of how one woman copes with the troubles in her past as she finds peace in the solitude of walking and the loyalty of a special dog who accompanies her. It is evident in the author’s writing that she poured her heart and soul into sharing her pain and the renewal of her spirit during her journey. Dog lovers will appreciate this vividly written tale of Barney and his owner; the good, bad, and sometime humorous aspects of dog ownership as well as the eventual loss of that special friend. Taking a dog for a walk in the park has never been so appealing or rewarding. Great book by a talented author.