After Emma

by Sheila Hocken

Anecdotes of Sheila Hocken and her five dogs which recalls events when a sixth dog, Elsa, comes to live with them and just doesn't fit in. She causes havoc and eventually goes off to a new home where she settles down well.

Genres: Animals

151 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Bionic Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth in Sheila Hocken's autobiographical series about her guide dog, Emma.

[Stephanie Pieck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hocken's memoirs continue. After the death of Emma, she continued to add dogs and other creatures to her home, dealt with eye and money troubles, and began writing a weekly advice column about pets. She writes candidly about a dog she bought on impulse that was totally wrong for her. After trying valiantly to make things work, she conceded that the new dog was actually a danger to everyone in her home. Her determination to do right by this dog despite the mutual dislike and unhappiness between them should be an example to anyone facing a similar mismatch.
While she was alive, Emma was at the center of Hocken's world, and all the people, dogs, and stories drew energy, inspiration and joy from her. Although the current book is as warm, engaging, and informative as the others in this series, the bright sun that was Emma is gone. Events are recounted here with Hocken's typical flair for detail and sharp characterization, but the narrative doesn't quite coalesce. Hocken acknowledges that, with every dog she brings into her home and heart, she's looking for another Emma, even though she knows she'll never be able to duplicate the relationship she shared with such a special and singular dog. So she finds parts of Emma's character in all her dogs, but also notes that Emma's death left an unfillable hole in her heart. Readers will admire Hocken's determination to love and appreciate all her dogs for the unique individuals they are.