| Category: | Biographies and Memoirs |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jennifer Huston Schaeffer |
| Publisher: | White Dog Books |
| Publication Date: | March 9, 2025 |
| Number of Pages: | 288 |
| ISBN-13: | 979-8992201222 |
| ASIN: | B0DY572G1V |
Jennifer Huston Schaeffer's memoir, Mommy's Boy, is a
unique story of a bond between a woman and her canine son, a story of the
transformative decade she spent with Benny, a rescued Westie-Maltese mix who
became her “doggie soulmate.” Following heartbreaks and realizing traditional
motherhood might not be her future, Jennifer adopts Benny in 2014, finding
unconditional love that heals her loneliness. The narrative follows their
journey from Chicago to Indianapolis, where Benny helps Jennifer pursue a
romance with Brad. Together, they face Benny’s complex health battles,
including pancreatitis and gallbladder surgery, treating him as their child. For
how long can they keep Benny with them?
The memoir explores themes of grief, destiny, and the
validity of pet parenthood. Schaeffer writes with unusual clarity about the
guilt and “tsunami of grief” following Benny's death. Literary highlights
include recreated dialogue and humorous anecdotes, such as Benny's “neon poops.”
The bond between the trio is cleverly written, and Benny acts as an “ambassador
of love,” bridging the gap between Jennifer and Brad. Tender moments abound,
such as the bride-and-son dance to “You Are My Sunshine” at their wedding and
Benny’s “Schaeffer Strong” pep talks during hospitalizations. The story
highlights how Benny emotionally rescued Jennifer, teaching her to accept love
without limits. Schaeffer also underlines the advocacy required for pet health.
The part that captivated me the most is the chapter, “Lessons from Benny,” which
humanizes the relationship between pets and humans and shows how perceptive
these creatures can be. Mommy's Boy is a story of love, a unique love,
and one that demonstrates how a dog can help us discover the part of us that we
often ignore; it is sweet and tender, and dog lovers won’t put this down.
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