From
Pembrokeshire Print House (Dog Training Weekly):
This is a small pocket-sized
hardback book containing over 90 pages of valuable lessons in life which we can
all learn from our canine friends. The author undoubtedly shares a deep passion
and love for dogs and although it is not clear whether or not she continues to
share her life with four-legged friends, she reminisces fondly about her
childhood greetings of wagging tails and sloppy kisses. The book is “hot off
the press”, only being published in mid-October 2004 and readers may be
interested to note that the author has also written a similar book about cats.
The book has ten chapters, each
chapter analysing an individual lesson which dogs can teach us about leading an
enriched life. The author suggests that there is a “doorway to knowledge about
a life lived in contentment” - to be gained by observing our dogs’ simple,
honest qualities. We can learn how to have fun, play, appreciate, enjoy the
company of family and friends and lead less stressful lives. More importantly,
the author insists that these simple lessons can lead to more honest, happy,
loyal, affectionate, considerate and contented people (not to mention
less-worrisome) – something, surely, we all strive to achieve?
Each lesson is followed by an
exercise offering the reader an opportunity to consider choices they have made
in the past and how a different decision could have caused less hurt to loved
ones and achieved a more positive outcome. Rudeness, insults and arguments
could have been prevented, thereby causing less emotional damage. Lesson ten
discusses how to deal with grief and coping with the loss of a much-loved dog.
The author suggests ways to create unique tributes for your dog and find
comfort in his passing by celebrating his life (“The pain passes, but the
beauty remains”).
The book contains beautiful
black and white photographs which, in my opinion, capture the expressions in
more detail than would have been possible with colour photos. The various
quotations throughout the book are hard-hitting and tug on the heart strings
but allow the reader an opportunity to consider their hidden meaning and
emotional depth (perhaps two of the most poignant: “One reason the dog has so
many friends; he wags his tail instead of his tongue” and “Joy is not in things;
it is in us”).
The author asks the reader to
imagine a world where friends, colleagues and loved ones are as loyal as our
canine companions. This world could, perhaps, offer a place without arguments,
worries, war and strife. She goes on to state that relationships with dogs are
easy because dogs are effective communicators and do not hide behinds personas
and falseness or exhibit maliciousness, vengeance, or dishonesty. If dogs like
you, they wag their tail and lick your hand; if they don’t, they growl or bite
– if only we could be that uncomplicated!
This book does not bombard the
reader with “spiritual” jargon and verses, it is simply a celebration of our
wonderful co-existence with dogs. It will strengthen any bond the reader has
with their dog and the author has explained, in plain English, how dogs enrich
our lives with unconditional, undemanding, selfless love and friendship. If you
watch dogs closely enough, they may just provide many answers to life’s
questions. We should cherish the gifts that our dogs are more than willing to
share. Upon reading the book, I experienced an overwhelming peaceful feeling as
I reflected on the immense bond I share with my dogs (and the sadness for my
cherished dogs who are waiting at rainbow bridge…) and the individual lessons
they have each taught me. I am sincerely grateful for the enriched life I lead
because dogs share it with me.
The book would make a wonderful
gift (or stocking filler with Christmas fast-approaching) for any dog lover or
owner who truly appreciates the wonders of dog ownership. Its short narratives
makes easy reading and maybe it is one of those books that will be close-by
during times of sadness or hardship. Who knows, it may make you a better, more
appreciative person and will certainly teach you that all actions have
consequences. A must-have for would-be sentimentals!
