Walking in Circles Before Lying Down — Merrill Markoe

Dawn Tarnauer's life isn't exactly a success story. Already twice divorced, the young Californian is too busy job-hopping to start a career, her Life Coach sister provides perpetual interference, and her eccentric parents need parenting. Dawn's only source of security and comfort, it seems, is Chuck, a pit-bull mix from the pound. So when her boyfriend announces that he's leaving her for another woman, a despairing Dawn turns to Chuck for solace.

"I should have said something sooner," she hears Chuck say, consoling her. "Couldn't you smell her on his pants?"

Dawn is stunned. Suddenly she can hear not just Chuck talking, but all dogs -- and man's best friend has a lot to say. Doubtful of her own sanity, Dawn nevertheless considers that in the ways of life and love, it might be better to trust Chuck's doggie instincts instead of her own.