Breakfast at Sally's: One Homeless Man's Inspirational Journey


By Tanya Turgeon

Breakfast at Sally's: One Homeless Man's Inspirational Journey
by Richard LeMieux

Skyhorse Publishing, 2008
433 pages
$24.95

Review by Tanya Turgeon

August 21 is National Homeless Animals Day. It goes without saying this encompasses the countless strays and animals needing adoption from a shelter. But as we sit comfortably at home with our well-fed dogs at our feet what may be easier to overlook is the beloved pets of people who unexpectedly find themselves on the streets. "Breakfast at Sally's" is a very special look into the life of a man who loses everything, except his little white dog.

After he went from rich to poor the two constants in Richard LeMieux's life--thoughts of suicide and his Bichon Frise Willow--engage in requent battles. Although he never dwells on it long, LeMieux recognizes time and again the victories of Willow the Wonder Dog (as Richard calls her). "More than once I had thought of driving over the center line into a big truck to end my journey on this planet. It would be quick and easy and effective. But how do you do that when you are traveling with a wonderful furry white dog who loves you and whom you love back?"

Richard considers trying to find Willow a more suitable home and life, but when the opportunity presents itself in the form of a four hundred dollar cash offer the penniless LeMieux says simply,"But I can't sell her. She's my friend. I couldn't sell her for any price." Good thing since who is Batman without Robin? Like a true loyal sidekick, Willow quietly and un-demandingly wanders through each anecdote bringing laughter to children, comfort to the sick, and always saving her hero Richard.

LeMieux successfully uses "Breakfast at Sally's" to give real faces to the homeless, breaking down stereotypes, labels, and judgement. Although a bit lengthy the words move along with the clip and polished technique of a sportswriter, Richard's previous profession. Plus how can you fault a writer for fighting to fit in the stories of the numerous generous people-both with and without homes-who touched his life?

You never know someone's story until you give them a chance to tell it and for Richard LeMieux, and those on whose behalf he writes, that opportunity has come. Willow was one dog lucky enough to have a person willing to give her a home even when he had none and for that
LeMieux deserves extra credit. This National Homeless Animals Day let's keep in mind not only the animals, but the people, who may be struggling along with them.

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