3 1/2 stars ... I can't say I "really liked it" although it's a great story! =) 
 This was a poignant story told through the eyes of Happie, the family dog. From the time he burst into their lives, he observes his family, witnessing the break down and then finally the separation of his family members. He stays with "Daddy" as they road trip aimlessly across Japan. Happie is the only "person" left in Daddy's life and they loyally stay at one another's sides until the end. The last part of Stargazing Dog follows the social worker tasked with identifying the body of the man found in the abandoned vehicle. The body of the faithful dog reminds him of his treatment of the loyal pup in his childhood. 
 I'd heard of elderly in Japan dying alone and not found until months later and this reminded me of those stories (and of Hachi). (view spoiler)[ Why did Daddy use a fake name at the pawn shop near the end? It didn't seem like he wanted anyone to find him after he was gone ... Was it to avoid shame? I thought it was interesting to note a slightly different culture and mindset. But something made me sad to think that his daughter or wife wouldn't know what happened to him. Even if they didn't split on the best of terms (it seemed they were both kind of resigned rather than angry) ... I don't know, I still think that his family would go to the funeral. (hide spoiler)] Even if you were a "cat person" (like me) I don't see how you could dislike Happie ... I think any pet owner would be moved by his loyalty and sweetness. I'm glad I decided to eat my lunch outside and not in the staff room when I read this ... you may shed some tears reading this story. =) 
 For regular manga readers, I'd recommend it to folks who enjoyed "Chi's Sweet Home" (though Chi is a cat) because the story is told from the pet's point of view ... I'd feel pretty comfortable recommending it to teens and up, as I didn't remember anything really graphic. Though they might not be able to really relate to the protagonist, it might give them insight to the older family members or adults in their lives ... 
 For non-manga readers, if they were interested in "animal stories" or memoirs, such as Dewey, Marley and Me, Hachi, etc. I'd recommend "Stargazing Dog."