A Dog's Purpose (novel)

A Dog's Purpose is a novel written by W. Bruce Cameron, published in 2010. The story is narrated from the perspective of a dog who is repeatedly reincarnated, experiencing life through the eyes of different canine breeds and owners. Through each life, the dog searches for the purpose of his existence, learning about loyalty, love, and the human-animal bond.

The narrative follows the dog through several distinct lives, including:

• Toby: A stray puppy who has a brief, traumatic existence.

• Bailey: A golden retriever who lives with Ethan, a young boy. Bailey's life with Ethan is a central part of the book, portraying a deep and meaningful relationship.

• Ellie: A German Shepherd police dog partnered with a troubled police officer.

• Buddy: A Labrador Retriever who eventually finds his way back to an older Ethan, having fulfilled what he perceives to be his ultimate purpose: to be with Ethan again.

The novel explores themes of reincarnation, the importance of animal companionship, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. A Dog's Purpose became a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a film of the same name, released in 2017. While commercially successful, the film adaptation was met with some controversy regarding alleged animal mistreatment during filming.