Spiral Publishing, $0.99, ISBN 978-1393181323
Paranormal Fiction, 2020

Kari Kilgore’s Dawn Visitor is basically about Ellie moving back to her childhood home and being confronted with memories of her beloved dog Toby, gone for over 30 years now but never forgotten.

That’s basically it.

For a short story, this one feels complete. It doesn’t end prematurely or on some rushed, story-aborted-short note; it is a super short story that does what it does well.

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how one looks at it, I am a dog person. I still remember the names and have keepsakes of all the furry dingbats that have been a part of my life. Reading this story, therefore, hits me hard in all the most vulnerable places in my heart and I am crying a bit by the time the story ends. Okay, maybe it’s more than a bit, but it’s a nice kind of catharsis all things considered.

I find myself recalling happier times with those dingbats. Parting is always the hardest, but I take some comfort in knowing that I have always done my best for them: no leash, always plenty of time for walks and exercises, cuddles… sigh.

Anyway, it’s been a bittersweet experience, reading this short story. I’m a dog person, though, hence my reaction to this story. How a non-dog person would respond to this story, however… well, it’s only $0.99 so it’s not exactly a pricey gamble.