The Dogs of Venice

By: Steven Rowley

Narrated by: Neil Patrick Harris

From the best-selling author of Lily and the Octopus, a heartwarming and bittersweet story about finding love and courage in one of the most romantic cities on Earth.

New Yorkers Paul and Darren have planned a winter holiday in Venice. But when their five-year marriage suddenly unravels, Paul endeavors to make the trip alone, despite his heartbreak and anxiety. Far outside his comfort zone, Paul has a mission: to see if he can be adventurous, fearless, free. In short, to become someone new.

Soon after arriving in Italy, he notices a small, scruffy, self-assured dog trotting alongside a canal with the confidence he so desperately wants for himself. This street dog and his instincts for survival lend Paul’s trip a singular purpose - to determine how his new four-legged friend thrives on his own. A string of additional sightings culminate in a seemingly magical encounter that leads Paul to feel real connection - to a dog, to a foreign city, and, most important, to himself.

©2020 Steven Rowley (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Finding Self

I loved this story - the author intends for self reflection and discovery thru the allegory of the dog’s nature, the confidence of the dog, helping the main character thru a personal crisis to find his own internal balance. Most thought-provoking indeed.
The narration is quite excellently done by an actor who has been undervalued, imo, by his portrayal of a trivial and trite character in a tv series best forgotten. I’m pleased to have listened to his narration of this story.
A satisfying listen, definitely recommended.

A dreamy relatable tale with an inspired lesson.

I am a cisgender married male with a 13 year old daughter. This book was exactly what I needed.
We r a close family but my kiddo is a pro dancer and my wife is her manager so I don’t see them as much. I’ll be honest it effected me so much. The protagonist is very relatable to the loneliness I feel these days. I chose to read this on a 7 mile run through west Los Angeles with my rescue doggo. Goose bump city. Thank u Steven Rowley. Now if I can just go to the lasagne restaurant he mentions.

Sweet story, nicely told

Perfectly enjoyable. A nice divertismento between bigger listens. Harris has a nice understated style. I recommend it.

Pure and lovely story

What a heart warming story of finding your way of self acceptance. And the beautiful backdrop of Italy just added to the story.

just enough.

there's continuity in the simple story. it's a good romance for a free read. it's just the right length for a short story. the narrator did a fine job.

Nicely done!

The Dogs of Venice is a lovely, brief look at what it means to begin again. Neil Patrick Harris does an admirable job as narrator, imbuing Paul (the main character) with humanness and honesty. It’s a sweet story.

NPH convincing as a newly separated man

Most of us have struggled through the aftermath of a failed relationship. Paul BRAVES it.

It is exactly what I needed to hear at this time..

It is exactly what I needed to hear at this time of my life. If you find yourself alone after many years of being with someone then this will answer your questions of "how do I go on alone from here?". Listen, seek your own solace in being with yourself. You are never really alone because there will always be people who flither in & out of your life perpetually. Learn to be your own best friend, seeking comfort from yourself when it is required and keep your own consul where it is safe, within yourself.
I was born into this world alone and I will die alone.

Quick listen

A beautiful quick story about knowing one’s self and accepting one’s self and being okay with one’s self. Well read.

Rowley for the win!

I loved every minute of this story. It was perfectly narrated, and perfectly timed. I hope to hear more short stories from Rowley in the future. Highly recommended!