A Stray Dog, an Angry Teen and a Path to Healing: New Book Explores Childhood Mental Health - Review / Interview Op
Terence Rousseau Novel Uses Dog Training to Examine Teen Anger and Recovery
A new middle-grade and young-adult-oriented novel places emotional regulation, family trauma and school discipline at the center of a teenager’s relationship with a stray dog.
Jenna Finds a Dog, written by New Mexico family medicine physician Terence Rousseau, follows 13-year-old Jenna Connor after behavioral and mental-health struggles have led to hospitalization, medication, conflict with peers and expulsion from school. The book is published by Little Studio Films and is available through Amazon, according to information provided by the author’s representatives.
The story depicts Jenna’s recovery through therapy, changes in her family life and her growing responsibility for Lucky, a stray dog she begins to train. Their work eventually moves from basic obedience to regional agility competitions and a national championship event.
Rousseau’s book incorporates discussions of stress, hormonal responses and nervous-system regulation, while portraying medication and group therapy as parts of the character’s treatment. It also addresses consequences that can follow destructive behavior, including school discipline, court hearings and probation.
The author, who practices medicine in a remote New Mexico mountain community, said the novel is intended to frame childhood anger as a condition requiring understanding and support rather than punishment alone. Rousseau previously worked as an English teacher, broadcast journalist, soldier and seminarian.
The book originated as a screenplay, and Rousseau’s representatives said a film adaptation is being considered.