Review of "Oliver: The True Story of a Stolen Dog and the Humans He Brought Together" by Steven J. Carino and Alex Tresniowski

 

This is a heartwarming true story about a man and his dog.

 
Steven Carino and Oliver

Steven Carino, who drove people around for a living, was heartbroken when his Shi Tzu-Yorkie mix, named Oliver, was stolen from his van on Valentine's Day 2019. Steven had no spouse or children, and little Oliver was his best friend and cherished companion.


Oliver

Dark thoughts assailed Steven as he considered the dog-napper. Was it someone who took Oliver on a whim? Someone who wanted a dog of their own? Someone who would harm the little pooch? Steven feared he might never see Oliver again, and could hardly bear to think of it.


Steven playing with Oliver

Steven called his older sister Laura, who could always 'set a target, zero in on it, and blast through all obstacles to reach it.' Sure enough Laura knew just what to do. Laura made missing dog flyers - offering a $2500 reward - to post around the Mount Vernon, New York neighborhood where Oliver was taken; arranged for a TV reporter to interview Steven; and posted the story to Facebook. Pretty soon thousands of people knew about Oliver, and many left messages expressing sympathy and encouragement.


Steven frolicking with Oliver

The search for Oliver went on for day after day, and came to involve a cadre of caring people. Steven's sisters joined him in Mount Vernon, to help look for the dog; Steven's uncle contributed $2500 to double the reward; children searched the streets calling Oliver's name; police, shopkeepers, and residents offered support; people called in tips; and so on.


Oliver resting

Steven had trouble maintaining hope, and grew despondent many times, but his faith helped sustain him - and Steven talks about this a lot in the book. At times, Steven even imagined little Oliver's reaction to being taken, and thought Oliver would be bewildered, but would behave himself, waiting for 'Stee' to come get him.


Oliver was waiting for 'Stee'

The story of the search for Oliver is interspersed with flashbacks to Steven's past, which was difficult. Steven's beloved mother died of cancer when he was thirteen, leaving Steven with a father who drank, got into rages, and constantly criticized his son. As a result Steven grew up feeling worthless and insecure, and he failed in many business and personal relationships.

With shaky human interactions, Steven's best friends were always his dogs, all of whom he fiercely loved. Thus Oliver's disappearance was especially devastating. Still, the dognapping had a silver lining because Steven realized how much his friends and relatives loved him, and how kind the public could be.




Steven and Oliver love each other

I don't want to spoil the suspense, but books like this always have a happy ending, so the story is safe to read. There's a children's version as well, appropriately edited for content.



This is a touching story about Steven and his adorable dog Oliver. Recommended to animal lovers everywhere.

Thanks to Netgalley, Steven Carino, and Thomas Nelson Publishers for a copy of the book.

Rating: 3 stars