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The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone: A Four-Legged Approach to Enlightenment
Is "loving everyone" really possible, as the title of Michael J. Chase’s new book suggests? The answer may surprise you, as he chronicles his journey toward enlightenment, gaining insight from a very unlikely source—a four-legged guru named Mollie, who happens to be the most lovable yet mischievous dog in the world. In his attempt to understand her ability to unconditionally love all, Chase begins to see the world through his best friend’s eyes, especially during their morning walks. Mollie’s hilarious antics and maddening behavior ultimately lead to profound insights learned at the other end of the leash. Written with heart and sidesplitting humor, this one-of-a-kind true story of friendship and a divine albeit outrageous dog delivers on its promise to reveal a pathway toward enlightenment . . . and brings each of us one step closer to loving everyone.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 6, 2013
34 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Michael J. Chase
6 books8 followers Michael J. Chase is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, and one of today’s most influential voices for creating a kinder world. Considered an expert on the subjects of kindness, resilience and positive behavior; his teachings reveal how living from the heart plays a critical role in healing our lives and our planet.
Speaking at events throughout the US and Canada, Michael has shared the stage with Louise L. Hay, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Marianne Williamson and other self-empowerment legends. Whether presenting his ideas in a classroom or on stage in front of thousands, his message of hope impacts countless lives each year.
Michael’s work is not aligned with any particular belief system—his teachings are based on the universal language of kindness, which embraces all and excludes none. When he is not traveling, Michael resides on the coast of Maine where he has authored three books that highlight the benefits of living a compassionate life.
Speaking at events throughout the US and Canada, Michael has shared the stage with Louise L. Hay, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Dr. Christiane Northrup, Marianne Williamson and other self-empowerment legends. Whether presenting his ideas in a classroom or on stage in front of thousands, his message of hope impacts countless lives each year.
Michael’s work is not aligned with any particular belief system—his teachings are based on the universal language of kindness, which embraces all and excludes none. When he is not traveling, Michael resides on the coast of Maine where he has authored three books that highlight the benefits of living a compassionate life.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 25, 2013
What a truly heartwarming story about Michael, Mollie, and meditation. This book will make you laugh, cry, contemplate the wonder and intuitive nature of dogs.
November 19, 2023
Not really my style of book or philosophy on life, however I appreciated how genuine the authors perspectives are. And I certainly agree with the premise that dogs are enlightened much further than we are.
The lesson I take from this book is to think of the world like a dog would: be open to anything, excited for new experiences, and love those around you with your whole heart.
The lesson I take from this book is to think of the world like a dog would: be open to anything, excited for new experiences, and love those around you with your whole heart.
May 5, 2023
Recommended: yes!
For heartwarming and reflective stories about coping with life via how a dog lives, for an easy introduction to some key elements of Buddhism, for people who like dogs
Thoughts:
I loved this one! I've been reading a lot of animal-based-Buddhism stuff (The Dalai Lama's Cat for example) but this one is nonfiction which made it feel more believable and immediately relevant in some ways. This is an actual guy in these actual sitatuons and finding his own ways to deal with it.
A dog entered my life for the first time about a year ago, so some of the stories of general dog-ishness that he shares feel a lot more recognizable than they would have been for me before that. I think most people would be able to follow this though, assuming they have some passing familiarity with dogs and what they're like in general. But if you've spent a lot of time with them, you'll see a lot more familiarity here.
The format is generally allowing each chapter to find a theme through an anecdote around Michael and his dog Mollie, though that varies off sometimes. One that comes to mind immediately is that of him taking her on the same walk path every day until she suddenly refuses to continue home the same way, and forces him to take another path home. He realizes he's locked himself into such a tight box and never thought to explore all the other beautiful and unique areas around him, just streets away. It expanded from there on being open-minded and curious, which quite resonates with me.
Michael is also pretty fair about admitting his own bad tendencies and such. Getting easily frustrated, or having this one person whom he just cannot stand, or judging others based on the way they look -- he confronts all of those and more through seeing the way his dog approaches the same situations with a totally different attitude. And most often, Mollie the Doggie had a much happier attitude, and who wouldn't prefer to be happy?
This book made me happy and it taught me things and it helped me reflect on myself and who I want to be (as well as how to get to that point a little more every day).
For heartwarming and reflective stories about coping with life via how a dog lives, for an easy introduction to some key elements of Buddhism, for people who like dogs
Thoughts:
I loved this one! I've been reading a lot of animal-based-Buddhism stuff (The Dalai Lama's Cat for example) but this one is nonfiction which made it feel more believable and immediately relevant in some ways. This is an actual guy in these actual sitatuons and finding his own ways to deal with it.
A dog entered my life for the first time about a year ago, so some of the stories of general dog-ishness that he shares feel a lot more recognizable than they would have been for me before that. I think most people would be able to follow this though, assuming they have some passing familiarity with dogs and what they're like in general. But if you've spent a lot of time with them, you'll see a lot more familiarity here.
The format is generally allowing each chapter to find a theme through an anecdote around Michael and his dog Mollie, though that varies off sometimes. One that comes to mind immediately is that of him taking her on the same walk path every day until she suddenly refuses to continue home the same way, and forces him to take another path home. He realizes he's locked himself into such a tight box and never thought to explore all the other beautiful and unique areas around him, just streets away. It expanded from there on being open-minded and curious, which quite resonates with me.
Michael is also pretty fair about admitting his own bad tendencies and such. Getting easily frustrated, or having this one person whom he just cannot stand, or judging others based on the way they look -- he confronts all of those and more through seeing the way his dog approaches the same situations with a totally different attitude. And most often, Mollie the Doggie had a much happier attitude, and who wouldn't prefer to be happy?
This book made me happy and it taught me things and it helped me reflect on myself and who I want to be (as well as how to get to that point a little more every day).
May 15, 2022
Viewing life from love
Michael j Chris chase speaks from his heart in this book. I think of Only as a metaphor for that within us that reminds us that we can always choose love with and as we do that we are spiritually free. I love the idea that we might be on vacation here in the earth
and on our way back home. A great way to look at this adventure.
Michael j Chris chase speaks from his heart in this book. I think of Only as a metaphor for that within us that reminds us that we can always choose love with and as we do that we are spiritually free. I love the idea that we might be on vacation here in the earth
and on our way back home. A great way to look at this adventure.
February 8, 2018
Dogs are amazing!!
I loved this Book, since I have an amazing dog whom I share my life with, an as the author, I think she has been a wonderful Teacher for me and company.
I enjoyed reading the stories and learnt about Budha and his religion.
I loved this Book, since I have an amazing dog whom I share my life with, an as the author, I think she has been a wonderful Teacher for me and company.
I enjoyed reading the stories and learnt about Budha and his religion.
January 16, 2021
Amazing writer and truly needed in my path of life.
July 25, 2013
Have you ever read a book that turned out to be totally different than what you expected?
For me, The Radical Practice Of Loving Everyone – A Four-Legged Approach To Enlightenment by Michael J. Chase is one of those books!
When I started reading The Radical Practice Of Loving Everyone, I expected a book filled with whimsical tales about Mollie – the puppy mill poodle that Michael and his wife Cara fell in love with and whose life they most likely saved. At first, the author delivered exactly what I hoped for. During the first six chapters of the book, Michael delighted me with stories of “The Cookie Thief”, made my heart race when he wrote about “One Sick Puppy”, and made me smile by asking “How Bad Can She Be?”
After all, who can resist the antics of a naughty pooch? Certainly, not me! I had high hopes that this would be another Marley And Me in the making.
Alas – that was not to be!
After writing six charming chapters about Mollie, the “Tasmanian devil” of a poodle I’d grown to love – the author switched gears! Suddenly, Mollie was no longer the primary focus of the book. As Michael focused on chronicling his journey towards personal enlightenment, Mollie no longer shined as the star of his stories – she became relegated to the impetus for them. Instead of writing about the lessons he was learning from Mollie, Michael's focus shifted to the lessons he was learning from his spiritual gurus whose wisdom is based in Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, and other Eastern religions.
Now, I commend Michael for his desire to evolve spiritually. I appreciate many of the stories he shares. Unfortunately – as a reader who signed up to read a dog-centric book – I wasn’t ready to make the shift to lessons gleaned from Eastern mysticism. As I look at sweet Mollie’s photo on the cover of the book and read the sub-title – “a four-legged approach to enlightenment” – I can’t help but feel like I’ve fallen prey to a bit of bait and switch!
I’m disappointed that the book did not live up to my topical expectations. I also feel the shift in focus weakened the overall cohesiveness of the book. However, the book isn't all bad, or without merit. I appreciate the positive message this book conveys, and enjoyed a few chapters, including 24 Hours Of Kindness and Learning To Love Again.
The Radical Practice Of Loving Everyone is an easy-to-read book that encourages us to love others more. It’s a great message – but one that would have been better had the author ditched the mystics and stuck with the dog!
This review was written by and originally published at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
For me, The Radical Practice Of Loving Everyone – A Four-Legged Approach To Enlightenment by Michael J. Chase is one of those books!
When I started reading The Radical Practice Of Loving Everyone, I expected a book filled with whimsical tales about Mollie – the puppy mill poodle that Michael and his wife Cara fell in love with and whose life they most likely saved. At first, the author delivered exactly what I hoped for. During the first six chapters of the book, Michael delighted me with stories of “The Cookie Thief”, made my heart race when he wrote about “One Sick Puppy”, and made me smile by asking “How Bad Can She Be?”
After all, who can resist the antics of a naughty pooch? Certainly, not me! I had high hopes that this would be another Marley And Me in the making.
Alas – that was not to be!
After writing six charming chapters about Mollie, the “Tasmanian devil” of a poodle I’d grown to love – the author switched gears! Suddenly, Mollie was no longer the primary focus of the book. As Michael focused on chronicling his journey towards personal enlightenment, Mollie no longer shined as the star of his stories – she became relegated to the impetus for them. Instead of writing about the lessons he was learning from Mollie, Michael's focus shifted to the lessons he was learning from his spiritual gurus whose wisdom is based in Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, and other Eastern religions.
Now, I commend Michael for his desire to evolve spiritually. I appreciate many of the stories he shares. Unfortunately – as a reader who signed up to read a dog-centric book – I wasn’t ready to make the shift to lessons gleaned from Eastern mysticism. As I look at sweet Mollie’s photo on the cover of the book and read the sub-title – “a four-legged approach to enlightenment” – I can’t help but feel like I’ve fallen prey to a bit of bait and switch!
I’m disappointed that the book did not live up to my topical expectations. I also feel the shift in focus weakened the overall cohesiveness of the book. However, the book isn't all bad, or without merit. I appreciate the positive message this book conveys, and enjoyed a few chapters, including 24 Hours Of Kindness and Learning To Love Again.
The Radical Practice Of Loving Everyone is an easy-to-read book that encourages us to love others more. It’s a great message – but one that would have been better had the author ditched the mystics and stuck with the dog!
This review was written by and originally published at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 8, 2013
I received a complementary copy of this book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
Can a family dog teach life lessons to her human family? That’s the premise of Michael Chase in his new book “The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone: A four-legged approach to enlightenment”. I found the book full of light and fun stories about Chase’s pet, Mollie, and how her offbeat behavior showed the author how to live a better life.
“Who do I know that exudes the qualities of a great spiritual master—a person who lives in the present moment, is detached from the material world, embraces simplicity, has the joyful heart of a child, and loves without condition?” Chase asks early in his book. “The answer I had been searching for literally walked up to me and … licked my face.” I enjoyed the many stories of the author’s beloved Mollie in the book – from eating cookies under a neighbor’s Christmas tree, to an unexpected lick-to-the-face wake up call for the author at 2 a.m. one morning, to dragging Chase to navigate new streets in a circuitous walk home. These stories reminded me of my pet Sandy when I was growing up, and are sure to put a smile on any dog lover’s face.
Loving Everyone is more than just entertaining canine tales, though. Chase makes a spiritual point about each of the Mollie episodes he writes about, with chapter titles like “Wag More, Bark Less”, “Go with the Flow”, and “Dealing with Difficult Dogs”. Mollie faces each challenge with a cheerful, loving attitude and a sense of curiosity. In writing about questionable characters the two would meet on their walks, Chase observes that Mollie’s reaction “is always the same—joy, enthusiasm, and the desire to know the person better. She adheres to the suggestion often made by great spiritual teachers: See everyone you meet as God in disguise.” The book is not deep metaphysics – rather through humorous Mollie stories Chase skillfully slips in his observations on how us humans could learn a thing or two from our happy canine companions.
Chase makes changes to his own life thanks to Mollie. “I now apply four of her canine habits into my daily routine in my effort to duplicate her feel-good ways: 1) get adequate rest and take power naps, 2) make water my primary drink, 3) have portion control at mealtime, and 4) make exercise and play a daily part of life. It all may sound very basic, but Mollie’s health regimens have resulted in higher energy and lower weight for both of us—a significant reminder that tiny changes can have profound, lasting effects,” he writes.
I recommend Loving Everyone for the many Mollie stories that teach us life lessons in a fun and entertaining way.
Can a family dog teach life lessons to her human family? That’s the premise of Michael Chase in his new book “The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone: A four-legged approach to enlightenment”. I found the book full of light and fun stories about Chase’s pet, Mollie, and how her offbeat behavior showed the author how to live a better life.
“Who do I know that exudes the qualities of a great spiritual master—a person who lives in the present moment, is detached from the material world, embraces simplicity, has the joyful heart of a child, and loves without condition?” Chase asks early in his book. “The answer I had been searching for literally walked up to me and … licked my face.” I enjoyed the many stories of the author’s beloved Mollie in the book – from eating cookies under a neighbor’s Christmas tree, to an unexpected lick-to-the-face wake up call for the author at 2 a.m. one morning, to dragging Chase to navigate new streets in a circuitous walk home. These stories reminded me of my pet Sandy when I was growing up, and are sure to put a smile on any dog lover’s face.
Loving Everyone is more than just entertaining canine tales, though. Chase makes a spiritual point about each of the Mollie episodes he writes about, with chapter titles like “Wag More, Bark Less”, “Go with the Flow”, and “Dealing with Difficult Dogs”. Mollie faces each challenge with a cheerful, loving attitude and a sense of curiosity. In writing about questionable characters the two would meet on their walks, Chase observes that Mollie’s reaction “is always the same—joy, enthusiasm, and the desire to know the person better. She adheres to the suggestion often made by great spiritual teachers: See everyone you meet as God in disguise.” The book is not deep metaphysics – rather through humorous Mollie stories Chase skillfully slips in his observations on how us humans could learn a thing or two from our happy canine companions.
Chase makes changes to his own life thanks to Mollie. “I now apply four of her canine habits into my daily routine in my effort to duplicate her feel-good ways: 1) get adequate rest and take power naps, 2) make water my primary drink, 3) have portion control at mealtime, and 4) make exercise and play a daily part of life. It all may sound very basic, but Mollie’s health regimens have resulted in higher energy and lower weight for both of us—a significant reminder that tiny changes can have profound, lasting effects,” he writes.
I recommend Loving Everyone for the many Mollie stories that teach us life lessons in a fun and entertaining way.
August 7, 2013
The bully who made your life impossible in school.
The relative whose comments damaged your self-esteem.
The person who abused you.
The partner who betrayed your trust.
The murderer in the evening news.
You can’t love these people. Can you?
With The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone, A four-legged approach to enlightenment, Michael Chase shows you that it’s possible to extend love to everything and everyone on this planet. Chase tapped on the wisdom of a guru who would win the “Cutest Guru” contest: his dog Mollie.
Just holding Chase’s book in my hands made me feel more loving. The picture of Mollie on the cover with her tongue sticking out and her teddy-bear face says it all: Mollie knows how to be aware and conscious of the present moment. She doesn’t judge or hold grudges. She approaches life with excitement and curiosity. She loves everyone.
The book is structured in three parts. In the first part, I learned about Mollie’s story and the role she played in Chase’s wake-up call to a life of meaning. The second part is full of lessons that we can draw from Mollie’s approach to life. She’s a guru that teaches by example! The third part is full of many heart-warming stories that illustrate how Chase has followed through on his calling and how he met some of his spiritual teachers.
There was a chapter that I’ll never forget: “24 Hours of Kindness.” Chase led this “marathon of goodwill” in July of 2012. From 9am Friday until 9am Saturday, Chase and his team were “on the streets of New Jersey and New York City for a non-stop marathon of performing acts of kindness. Their goal was to inspire, uplift, and touch as many lives as possible.” Scientific research shows that by witnessing an act of kindness, our serotonin levels increase. Well, just by reading this chapter I felt warmth spread through my body. I read it right before bed, and went to sleep with a smile on my face.
So yes, it’s possible to love everyone. I know that many times loving every person on the planet proves difficult, especially after we’ve been hurt. But if we learn to see people as children of God who sometimes get lost and don’t know what they do, we’ll be on the right path.
Love to all of you and to Michael Chase for writing an uplifting and heart-warming book.
For more loving, uplifting stories, check out my blog: selfactualizedlife (dot) blogspot (dot) com.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.
The relative whose comments damaged your self-esteem.
The person who abused you.
The partner who betrayed your trust.
The murderer in the evening news.
You can’t love these people. Can you?
With The Radical Practice of Loving Everyone, A four-legged approach to enlightenment, Michael Chase shows you that it’s possible to extend love to everything and everyone on this planet. Chase tapped on the wisdom of a guru who would win the “Cutest Guru” contest: his dog Mollie.
Just holding Chase’s book in my hands made me feel more loving. The picture of Mollie on the cover with her tongue sticking out and her teddy-bear face says it all: Mollie knows how to be aware and conscious of the present moment. She doesn’t judge or hold grudges. She approaches life with excitement and curiosity. She loves everyone.
The book is structured in three parts. In the first part, I learned about Mollie’s story and the role she played in Chase’s wake-up call to a life of meaning. The second part is full of lessons that we can draw from Mollie’s approach to life. She’s a guru that teaches by example! The third part is full of many heart-warming stories that illustrate how Chase has followed through on his calling and how he met some of his spiritual teachers.
There was a chapter that I’ll never forget: “24 Hours of Kindness.” Chase led this “marathon of goodwill” in July of 2012. From 9am Friday until 9am Saturday, Chase and his team were “on the streets of New Jersey and New York City for a non-stop marathon of performing acts of kindness. Their goal was to inspire, uplift, and touch as many lives as possible.” Scientific research shows that by witnessing an act of kindness, our serotonin levels increase. Well, just by reading this chapter I felt warmth spread through my body. I read it right before bed, and went to sleep with a smile on my face.
So yes, it’s possible to love everyone. I know that many times loving every person on the planet proves difficult, especially after we’ve been hurt. But if we learn to see people as children of God who sometimes get lost and don’t know what they do, we’ll be on the right path.
Love to all of you and to Michael Chase for writing an uplifting and heart-warming book.
For more loving, uplifting stories, check out my blog: selfactualizedlife (dot) blogspot (dot) com.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.
July 4, 2013
This book caught my eye because there was a dog on the cover ... I love dogs! Plus it had a good message I wanted to read more about ... loving everyone using a four-legged approach to enlightenment.
In 2007, the author ended a career as a professional photographer in search for the meaning of life. He created The Kindness Center and became an inspirational speaker. He practices what he preaches for sure!
He and his wife, Cara, adopted Mollie, a standard poodle, from a puppy mill. It was fun to read about the escapades of Mollie who sounds like quite a dog with a lot of personality (it made me miss having a dog). It was interesting to read about how Mollie's antics teaches the author life lessons. This is from the chapter entitled "A Deeper Understanding" ...
She sees each day as an exciting new adventure that's filled with endless opportunities. Mollie has no interest whatsoever in reliving her past. She got over it, moved on, and has chosen to embrace the here-and-now. And because there are walks to take, people to kiss, cats to chase, and the bliss of afternoon naps, why be anything but happy? My dog really gets it: each moment of life is a gift.
Everyone has a story to tell. But for some, their personal history actually becomes a leash that holds them back from experiencing life to the fullest. Playing the victim card will never allow them to love unconditionally or achieve enlightenment.
So true, right?
I liked the writing style. It was funny and honest with real-life stories. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
In 2007, the author ended a career as a professional photographer in search for the meaning of life. He created The Kindness Center and became an inspirational speaker. He practices what he preaches for sure!
He and his wife, Cara, adopted Mollie, a standard poodle, from a puppy mill. It was fun to read about the escapades of Mollie who sounds like quite a dog with a lot of personality (it made me miss having a dog). It was interesting to read about how Mollie's antics teaches the author life lessons. This is from the chapter entitled "A Deeper Understanding" ...
She sees each day as an exciting new adventure that's filled with endless opportunities. Mollie has no interest whatsoever in reliving her past. She got over it, moved on, and has chosen to embrace the here-and-now. And because there are walks to take, people to kiss, cats to chase, and the bliss of afternoon naps, why be anything but happy? My dog really gets it: each moment of life is a gift.
Everyone has a story to tell. But for some, their personal history actually becomes a leash that holds them back from experiencing life to the fullest. Playing the victim card will never allow them to love unconditionally or achieve enlightenment.
So true, right?
I liked the writing style. It was funny and honest with real-life stories. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
February 12, 2015
With plenty of humour and lots and lots of heart, Michael J Chase recounts how poodle Mollie came into his life, and the life lessons she has taught him. It’s not some kind of spiritual version of Marley & Me, though. This is more about how walking a dog has inspired spiritual insights in a human, which is perhaps not exactly the reason why you’d get this book.
Yes, it contains cute stories about Mollie enthusiastically doing things that every dog would probably love, but it also shares stories about the author’s life and work, for instance when he goes to New York for a 24-hour charity project.
In a way, it’s more about how having Mollie and putting himself in her “shoes” (collar?) and realising that dogs are way more relaxed about daily life than we are than, well, anything else.
Mollie might be a furry Buddha (the author is a Buddhist, if I read it right), but I think this book might have a problem, because you expect the book to be all about a dog and then … it isn’t. Still, the book is worth a read in its own right. It’s charming, inspiring and restores a bit of faith in humanity. More people should follow Chase’s example, with or without being inspired by a beloved pooch.
Yes, it contains cute stories about Mollie enthusiastically doing things that every dog would probably love, but it also shares stories about the author’s life and work, for instance when he goes to New York for a 24-hour charity project.
In a way, it’s more about how having Mollie and putting himself in her “shoes” (collar?) and realising that dogs are way more relaxed about daily life than we are than, well, anything else.
Mollie might be a furry Buddha (the author is a Buddhist, if I read it right), but I think this book might have a problem, because you expect the book to be all about a dog and then … it isn’t. Still, the book is worth a read in its own right. It’s charming, inspiring and restores a bit of faith in humanity. More people should follow Chase’s example, with or without being inspired by a beloved pooch.
October 3, 2013
I am a huge animal lover and I especially love dogs! This book honestly brought tears to my eyes when I started reading the book and saw that the name of the main guru of this book is Mollie! When I was younger, my Dad had a dog named Molly. She was like another daughter to him and like a member of our family. When she broke her back, I helped him nurse her back to health. When she died at the age of 14 due to old age, we mourned like she was a member of the family. In addition to our human family members, my Dad's dog taught us how much you could love something besides another human.
This is a book that is family friendly and a must have for all dog lovers!!
I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more of the author's books! This book is a quick read that will have you laughing out loud!
I learned a lot from Mollie and Michael in this book. Sometimes all it takes it looking at things through the eyes of another.
Thank you to Hay House for sending me a complimentary copy for my review
September 14, 2013
Be ready to fall in love with Molly, author Michael J. Chase's poodle, who becomes an unlikely accomplice in her companion's endeavor to achieve enlightenment. Molly is a mischievous, head strong guru dog whose unique practice of unconditionally loving everyone opens up Michael, founder of The Kindness Center, to the possibility that this state of grace can happen for humans if they would only pay attention to how their dogs relate naturally to the people around them. Molly and Michael's journey of discovery occurs through the telling of their adventures in stories that will make you laugh and cry. If you love dogs and spirituality, turn off the computer, silence your cell, and find a comfortable spot to immerse yourself into a tale of a man and his dog and their search for nirvana.
June 2, 2017
When author Michael J. Chase and his wife, Cara, buy a standard poodle pup from what they soon learn is a breeding mill, he doesn't really expect much more than companionship from a rather troubled young dog.
What he gets, instead, is a lesson in staying present and loving everyone (hence, the title of the book). Chase shares various tales of his adventures with Mollie and the people he meets through her antics, as well as some of his work with the Kindness Center.
This book is at times moving and at others laugh-out-loud funny. It is a great lesson in accepting people as they are and, most of all, in loving ourselves.
Highly recommended.
What he gets, instead, is a lesson in staying present and loving everyone (hence, the title of the book). Chase shares various tales of his adventures with Mollie and the people he meets through her antics, as well as some of his work with the Kindness Center.
This book is at times moving and at others laugh-out-loud funny. It is a great lesson in accepting people as they are and, most of all, in loving ourselves.
Highly recommended.
November 18, 2013
This book is incredibly heartwarming, as many books about pets are. Reading about Mollie's adventures makes me think of my own pup, and our frequent use of the phrase "This is why we can't have nice things!" We are lucky enough that she quickly learned that my knitting was not her toys to play with, though sometimes she still runs off with balls of yarn. Chase's tale about Mollie and his wife's sewing needle was relatable, and I felt relieved to read she came through that scare unscathed.
I think anyone, dog owner or not, will find humor and wisdom throughout this book.
I think anyone, dog owner or not, will find humor and wisdom throughout this book.
April 21, 2014
Adorable book at the intersection of canine and buddhist spirituality. I was especially inspired by the author's work with encouraging acts of kindness. Truly many dogs test our ability to love while also living a life that shows us how to love without restraint. Great for animal lovers looking for spiritual inspiration.
July 19, 2013
Michael is a breath of fresh air. Not much is new in what he writes, but it is presented in a way that makes you just love him and Molly and want to know more. I already know that I will be buying this book for Christmas for some dog-loving friends.
April 18, 2013
Love this book. Made me think about love in a whole new way. I will be blogging about this book soon.
October 3, 2013
One of the best and most beautifull books I ever read. Highest recommendations
June 2, 2013
Amazing. Review coming soon.
August 4, 2013
For me, I wanted to hear more about Mollie, or more about the leanings. I felt a lot of the book was the thoughts of others relayed by the author. Quick read.
November 22, 2013
Book about a guy's annoying, badly trained dog, and how rather than train the dog, he wants to gain spiritual insight. Not much about the dog other than description of its bad behavior.
March 14, 2014
Very uplifting and shows us the many places we can find enlightenment, strength and hope.
February 9, 2017
Heartwarming read. The author's humanity shows through and brings insight that he has learned through his everyday activity with his dog companion.
November 21, 2014
Who can resist a good dog book? Not me. Great philosophy of life exemplified by a dog.
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