Ali - this is my favourite book of all time. I don't really enjoy reading and will rarely actually read a book but I read this one in 4 days. My sister actually bought it for me 3 years ago when DH bought me a golden retriever for Christmas and I was having trouble coping with her behaviour - I'm sure you can imagine why (especially if you are familiar with the breed). She's now settled down and like the book DH and I have experienced loss as they did. Sometimes i feel like it's spooky how much of the book we can actually relate to. Can't wait to see the movie, I don't expect it will be as good as the book but I'm sure I'll have a good laugh....and cry.