It is often difficult to describe the intricate relationships between animals and their humans. In her book, “The Dog Thief: And Other Stories,” Jill Kearney doesn’t have that problem, delivering a poignant collection of short stories that strike a chord, leaving footprints that probably won’t fade by the time you finish reading.

Inspired by her own experiences working as a dog sitter and rescuer, Kearney weaves together the narratives of people forgotten or displaced by society and the animals who place their trust in them. In her own words, she “I am interested in the lives of people who feel that nobody cares about them.” This statement really resonates throughout the book.

The collection begins with the homonymous novel, the dog thief, in which the neighbors of an oppressed community come together to rescue a pair of dogs from their negligent owner. Donald, the owner of the dogs, actually inherits the dogs after the death of his mother and then his sister. Donald is lazy and careless with the dogs, but one gets the impression that he feels compelled to take care of them. However, his protection of the dogs creates any regard he has for his welfare, which calls his mental capacity into question, at least to this reader. The author also weaves fascinating subplots into the story as we follow Donald’s neighbors in their efforts to help. Grappling with the injustices and confines of their surroundings, Elizabeth, Blacksnake, The One-Eyed Woman and others provide intriguing insights into the complex issues they face as they learn firsthand how seemingly insignificant acts can make a difference in the world. .

The short stories that follow the novel are just as captivating, each one striking a chord within you, causing you to stop and contemplate before moving on to the next. I was so drawn to some of the characters and the ways I could feel what they were feeling and going through, that I actually read several of the stories twice.

Kearney’s writing is passionate, simple and direct. Dispensing with the need to place the reader in a sugar-coated narrative, his voice and a certain frank nature of his tell it like it is, with a wit and freshness as charming and endearing as it is unsettling and unsettling. Seriously, there’s no way to avoid getting emotional over these stories. Some of the most insignificant environments, places that I could never have imagined, became clear and distinct in my mind through the vivid and rich descriptions presented by the author.

Anguish, helplessness, hope and inspiration: these words only hint at the range of feelings that readers will feel in these pages. “The Dog Thief: And Other Stories” by Jill Kearney is a book I highly recommend. Pet and human advocates will have a hard time putting this book down, as Kearney provides an insightful look at what really matters.