How does an adult golden retriever behave around his first crush? Does he still jump in joy on seeing puddles? Does he like his fur cut short? In Gopi’s world — a web of love shared by his Ajja, Ajji, Tachi Ajji, Appa and Amma — life is about the small things. But more often than not, they leave a big moist imprint on his family. Author and educator Sudha Murty’s lucid diary-writing style makes the last part of the series special through her choicest selections of events colouring Gopi’s life. As most dog parents would vouch for, the transition of a pet becoming a near equal family member is barely tangible. And so, while holding the book in your hands, you might think of an energetic dog jotting down his day under a reading lamp while snacking on chew sticks.

Murty with her dog. Pics Courtesy /HarperCollins