Shamus hasn't had much luck with humans for reasons he can't understand. At ten-months old, he's adopted into his third home by a young family and their canine companion, Lela. Playful, destructive and more than a little insecure, Shamus desperately seeks to find his place among them. But entering a new family is not easy, and Shamus quickly discovers that he has a lot to learn. He can't help feeling jealous of Lela, the family's favored dog, as he struggles to gain a paw-hold. Wise and understanding, Lela patiently mentors Shamus on duty, loyalty and love. Jealousy turns to admiration amid Lela's failing health, and Shamus embraces new responsibilities during a tumultuous period when his family finds their lives in upheaval too. He bravely stands beside them as they trudge through the inherent challenges of daily life - the loss of innocence, a job, a friend, one's self. Through financial woes and marital problems, he comes to understand that while it takes a lot to make a family, it takes even more to sustain one. Beautifully written and warmly told from a dog's point of view, Becoming Shamus is a heartbreaking but humorous tale of friendship and family, loss and rediscovery. This insightful and ultimately uplifting story reminds us that we are all connected, and that we carry those we love forever in our hearts.