My Dog, Moss


Children - Animals
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 01/10/2025
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

I have been writing short stories to share with friends and family for many years and always enjoy exploring my creativity when putting pen to paper, so I am very excited to have the opportunity to share my love of writing with others.

I love spending time with my pet dog, a Labrador x Huntaway called Smoky, teaching her tricks and taking her for walks. We live in a small town in New Zealand near many beautiful parks and beaches. I also enjoy a bit of freelance photography in my spare time, especially if it involves taking pictures of sunsets.

Writing achievements include 'The Bronson Escapades' being a Silver Recipient of the Mom’s Choice Awards® honorary seal of excellence. 'The Wolf Cub' placing 2nd in the Royal Dragonfly Book Award Competition of 2024 in both the ‘Education’ and ‘Coffee Table & Gift Books’ categories, in addition to obtaining Honorary Mention in several others: Best Cover Design, Children’s Chapter Books, Middle Grade Fiction, and Animals/Pets (a complete list of results can be found on the Story Monsters Book Awards website). It has also received the Bronze Medal in the EBook Pre-Teen Fiction category in the 2025 Moonbeam Book Awards. My 2024 trilogy titled Whisper, Lucas, and Escape have also been presented with the NAPPA Award winning seal.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite

My Dog, Moss by Alison Bellringer is a heartwarming story that celebrates the timeless bond between a boy and his loyal dog. Set in the picturesque New Zealand countryside, the tale follows Jayden, a young farmer, and Moss, his devoted sheepdog, as they navigate challenges ranging from a mysterious threat to their flock to building trust within their community. The story combines moments of heartfelt connection with suspenseful action, such as the tense scenes involving missing sheep and Moss’s brave encounter with a wolf. At its core, the book is a touching exploration of loyalty, friendship, and the resilience that comes from enduring life's hardships together.

I enjoyed the simplicity and charm of the narrative, which is both comforting and thrilling. The pacing felt just right, steadily building suspense without losing the quiet, reflective moments that make Jayden and Moss’s bond so special. The action scenes were gripping, especially Moss’s confrontation with the wolf. The characters were relatable, with Jayden’s hardworking nature and Moss’s bravery standing out. Even Joseph, who begins as a skeptical and distant figure, becomes a testament to growth and understanding. Alison Bellringer explores the theme of trust, particularly Joseph’s journey toward appreciating Moss, adding a meaningful layer to the story. The story beautifully illustrates the deep connection that can exist between humans and animals, showing the central theme of the unbreakable bond between Jayden and Moss. My Dog, Moss is an uplifting read that captures the spirit of loyalty and the value of second chances, making it a perfect choice for animal lovers and fans of inspiring narratives.

Kirkus Review

“Bellringer offers a novella about a mysterious but friendly farm dog… Although Bellringer’s brief story moves quickly, it manages to sketch out a memorable relationship between Jayden and his “ever-faithful” dog in a manner that gives the tale some heart… A lightweight but touching tale of a helpful animal companion and his grateful owner…”

The Children's Book Review

“In this short chapter book, readers are invited inside the joys and hardships of sheep farming… Jayden is humble, hard-working, and kind, making a sympathetic main character for readers to get to know… Moss, on the other hand, is intelligent, loyal, and lovable—the perfect canine best friend… My Dog, Moss is a heartwarming chapter book, perfect for dog lovers…”

Amy Walsh: aspiring children’s author

“In My Dog, Moss by Alison Bellringer we meet a second-generation farmer and his furry friend. As the story unfolds, these two develop a bond that is inseparable; Moss truly becomes this man’s best friend. Jayden knows the land well and Moss is eager to join forces with him. And as if Jayden doesn’t already spend enough time on his feet every day, Moss shows a remarkable ability to get himself into some tricky situations, which constantly keeps him on his toes. Together they discover how incredibly valuable they are in each other’s lives. Bellringer provides a window into the life of Jayden through writing this story from his point of view. Gradually, we get to learn the context of his humble beginnings on the property and why this place means so much to him. As we come to know Jayden’s personality more fully, and that of his companion, we can see the undeniable compatibility of the pair and just how much of an asset they really are to each other. In a sense, this allows the reader to connect with the main characters and makes for quite the emotional response in scenarios of tension and suspense. Some key themes that are reflected in this story are of humility, loyalty, courage, and forgiveness. Bellringer highlights the importance of being a good neighbour, because you just never know when you’ll need their help. This short story is packed with action and moments that’ll leave the reader chuckling. I am impressed with Bellringer’s ability to descriptively pull the reader into the story and create an impactful and exciting reading experience.”

Bronte Hodgetts: B. Ed (Primary)

“My Dog, Moss is a beautiful short story that takes you on a journey along with the dog and his owner. The story is written in a way that children would understand, while also having challenging vocabulary that encourages children to think about what they’re reading. The story is relatable for many children, and stories about sweet, mysterious animals are popular with primary-aged children. It doesn’t take long for the reader to feel attached to Moss the dog, so when troublesome events occur, it is difficult to put the book down until we know that Moss is safe. A great read for year 5-6 children interested in dogs or farm life.”

Prairies Book Review

“Evocative, heartfelt, and tenderly told… Bellringer captures the raw beauty of solitude, loyalty, and love in this moving tale. Set against the rugged backdrop of the rolling countryside, the story follows Jayden King, a hardworking farmer whose world changes after he finds a stray dog caught in a fence. A single act of compassion binds man and dog in lasting friendship. Together, they build a life of meaning and purpose. But a looming danger threatens to tear it all apart. Bellringer writes with a quiet grace that draws readers in. Rather than relying on flourish or high drama, she lets emotion rise naturally through simple, sincere moments. The dialogue feels real, the pacing unhurried, and the feelings genuine. Her empathy shines through—not only for her characters but also for the land they inhabit, the creatures that share it, and the small acts of care that make life meaningful. At its heart, this is a story about faith, endurance, and friendship, a reminder that love, whether human or canine, has the power to heal what grief has broken. Libraries seeking heartfelt, animal-centered stories will find this a worthy addition to their collections.”

BookView Review

“A farmer finds solace and purpose through the steadfast love of a dog in Bellringer’s quietly affecting novella. When Jayden King discovers a wounded stray tangled in a fence, he has no idea that rescuing the dog will rescue him, too. Life on his rural farm has long been quiet and solitary until Moss arrives. Together they weather dawns and downpours, and their bond deepens. Then comes the neighbour, all sharp words and mistrust. Accused of killing sheep, Moss becomes the center of a storm that threatens to undo them both. Bellringer captures farm life with quiet authenticity: she balances the stark isolation of rural life with its understated beauty. Jayden’s memories of his parents as well as his solitary life add to the story’s emotional pull, and his gradual transformation (from grief-stricken loner to someone reawakened by companionship) unfolds with quiet power. The reconciliation between Jayden and Joseph adds a layer of redemption and humanity to the story. Graceful in its simplicity, this is a story rich in heart and humanity—a reminder that even the smallest acts of devotion can give shape to meaning, and that the bond between man and dog is among life’s most enduring hopes. Readers seeking a quietly powerful story about courage, trust, and the restorative bond between human and animal won’t want to miss this one.”