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Final Thoughts from a Dying Zen Dog
RECOMMENDED MATURE AGE 13 AND UP.
You humans often joke about how limited our thoughts are as dogs, but don’t mistake simple for trivial. We actually have a Zen way of viewing life, from the ground up.
While I was recently diagnosed with a fatal illness, my story isn’t a sad one. Trust me—when death is near, the present moment becomes the most beautiful thing in the world.
In Final Thoughts from a Dying Zen Dog, a sheltie named Julia shares her unique perspectives on humans, four-legged creatures, the world, and what it is that really matters in life. An imaginative memoir told with candid canine insight, humor, and compassion, this lighthearted yet poignant read will touch the hearts and minds of dog people and non-dog people alike.
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I’ve seen a lot in my thirteen years of life. I’ve run away and been rescued. I’ve had children and lost them. I’ve lived in cages and in beautiful homes. But these days, a lot of my thinking is done behind closed eyelids, as I just feel so old and tired all the time.
Now, you’re probably confused at this point because, in human years, thirteen isn’t old at all; but in dog years, especially if you’re a sheltie like me, that’s ancient. So, when my human parents—the best people you could ever meet—started moping around the house, I knew something was up. For a few days, I tried to ignore it, but after another visit to the doctor, we all had to finally face the truth.
I am dying. But the story I have to tell you isn’t a sad one. You might say we dogs tend to view the world through rose-colored glasses. But really, we just see it for the wonderful place it is. Sure, there are difficult moments, but that’s just it—they are momentary. The way I see it, every day we have a choice to love, laugh, and be grateful.
You humans often joke about how limited our thoughts are as dogs, but don’t mistake simple for trivial. We actually have a Zen way of viewing life, from the ground up.
While I was recently diagnosed with a fatal illness, my story isn’t a sad one. Trust me—when death is near, the present moment becomes the most beautiful thing in the world.
In Final Thoughts from a Dying Zen Dog, a sheltie named Julia shares her unique perspectives on humans, four-legged creatures, the world, and what it is that really matters in life. An imaginative memoir told with candid canine insight, humor, and compassion, this lighthearted yet poignant read will touch the hearts and minds of dog people and non-dog people alike.
-------------------------------------
I’ve seen a lot in my thirteen years of life. I’ve run away and been rescued. I’ve had children and lost them. I’ve lived in cages and in beautiful homes. But these days, a lot of my thinking is done behind closed eyelids, as I just feel so old and tired all the time.
Now, you’re probably confused at this point because, in human years, thirteen isn’t old at all; but in dog years, especially if you’re a sheltie like me, that’s ancient. So, when my human parents—the best people you could ever meet—started moping around the house, I knew something was up. For a few days, I tried to ignore it, but after another visit to the doctor, we all had to finally face the truth.
I am dying. But the story I have to tell you isn’t a sad one. You might say we dogs tend to view the world through rose-colored glasses. But really, we just see it for the wonderful place it is. Sure, there are difficult moments, but that’s just it—they are momentary. The way I see it, every day we have a choice to love, laugh, and be grateful.
- GenresAnimals
254 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2015
6 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Richard I. Kaye
1 book9 followersOur very own Julia has just been named the spokesdog for 2milliondogs.org, a national organization that funds cancer research. Go here to see her blog post and story. www.2milliondogs.org/julia-zen-dog
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Rich Kaye is a retired psychotherapist who once lived and worked in upstate New York. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Iowa and a master of social work degree from the State University of New York as well as completed postgraduate psychotherapy training. After moving on from private practice ten years ago, he relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where he worked with children in a school-based nonprofit agency for four years.
Rich currently lives in Middleton, WI with his wife, Diane, who is a dog trainer, and their four-legged family. This is Rich's first non-academic publication. Rich has an adult daughter who lives in Boston.
____________________________
You humans often joke about how limited our thoughts are as dogs, but don’t mistake simple for trivial. We actually have a Zen way of viewing life, from the ground up.
While I was recently diagnosed with a fatal illness, my story isn’t a sad one. Trust me—when death is near, the present moment becomes the most beautiful thing in the world.
In Final Thoughts from a Dying Zen Dog, a sheltie named Julia shares her unique perspectives on humans, four-legged creatures, the world, and what it is that really matters in life. An imaginative memoir told with candid canine insight, humor, and compassion, this lighthearted yet poignant read will touch the hearts and minds of dog people and non-dog people alike.
______________________________________
Editorial Review:
"Julia is absolutely lovable. She holds incredible wisdom and represents the idea that humans have a lot to learn from dogs. Her more philosophical words are what take her story out of the realm of an ordinary dog story and to the next level. The light humor is great! Using a dog narrator is an interesting way of contemplating philosophical thoughts about the human condition. It throws a whole new perspective into the mix. It's also creative to imagine what a dog might make of her own illness. Julia's one very intelligent dog. She grows ever braver as the chapters continue. A great read." Valerie Grant, Editor, CS
_______________________________________
Available in both trade paperback and Kindle editions. Please visit our Amazon book site for additional book information and reader reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Final-Thoughts-...
_____________________________________
“Rich says, “Writing this book was a complete act of love and we're hoping that you'll join us on Julia's journey. Despite the title, this is far from a sad, depressing story about a sick and dying dog. Rather, it’s a funny, upbeat novel that speaks to the very heart of the strength and magic of the human-dog bond. It's also a reminder to us all that dogs are very smart, loyal, and loveable.”
_____________________________________
*We are proud supporters of the WI. Sheltie Rescue and a portion of book proceeds are donated to them. We also financially support "Puppy Up," a national organization that funds human-canine cancer research.*
______________________________
Rich Kaye is a retired psychotherapist who once lived and worked in upstate New York. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Iowa and a master of social work degree from the State University of New York as well as completed postgraduate psychotherapy training. After moving on from private practice ten years ago, he relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, where he worked with children in a school-based nonprofit agency for four years.
Rich currently lives in Middleton, WI with his wife, Diane, who is a dog trainer, and their four-legged family. This is Rich's first non-academic publication. Rich has an adult daughter who lives in Boston.
____________________________
You humans often joke about how limited our thoughts are as dogs, but don’t mistake simple for trivial. We actually have a Zen way of viewing life, from the ground up.
While I was recently diagnosed with a fatal illness, my story isn’t a sad one. Trust me—when death is near, the present moment becomes the most beautiful thing in the world.
In Final Thoughts from a Dying Zen Dog, a sheltie named Julia shares her unique perspectives on humans, four-legged creatures, the world, and what it is that really matters in life. An imaginative memoir told with candid canine insight, humor, and compassion, this lighthearted yet poignant read will touch the hearts and minds of dog people and non-dog people alike.
______________________________________
Editorial Review:
"Julia is absolutely lovable. She holds incredible wisdom and represents the idea that humans have a lot to learn from dogs. Her more philosophical words are what take her story out of the realm of an ordinary dog story and to the next level. The light humor is great! Using a dog narrator is an interesting way of contemplating philosophical thoughts about the human condition. It throws a whole new perspective into the mix. It's also creative to imagine what a dog might make of her own illness. Julia's one very intelligent dog. She grows ever braver as the chapters continue. A great read." Valerie Grant, Editor, CS
_______________________________________
Available in both trade paperback and Kindle editions. Please visit our Amazon book site for additional book information and reader reviews.
http://www.amazon.com/Final-Thoughts-...
_____________________________________
“Rich says, “Writing this book was a complete act of love and we're hoping that you'll join us on Julia's journey. Despite the title, this is far from a sad, depressing story about a sick and dying dog. Rather, it’s a funny, upbeat novel that speaks to the very heart of the strength and magic of the human-dog bond. It's also a reminder to us all that dogs are very smart, loyal, and loveable.”
_____________________________________
*We are proud supporters of the WI. Sheltie Rescue and a portion of book proceeds are donated to them. We also financially support "Puppy Up," a national organization that funds human-canine cancer research.*
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 9, 2015
Final Thoughts from a Dying Zen Dog - Richard I. Kaye
This is an amazing read! I give it ***** WOW!
I learned of this book through an ad on Facebook. It immediately caught my attention due to the beautiful cover photograph. When I clicked on the link I was taken to the book's Amazon page, which is incredibly informative. I bought the Kindle version and from the very first sentence I was totally 100% engrossed. I could barely stop reading it and finished it in two days (record time for me) as it's just that compelling a read! I smiled, laughed, and cried just a bit. It's an extraordinarily well written book and a funny one at that. This dog, Julia, should have begun her writing career long ago. She tells some amazing stories and knows more about humans that most of the humans I've known. I have read several other novels in the "written by a dog genre," but this is by far the best one yet! Do yourself a favor---read it!
John Murphy
This is an amazing read! I give it ***** WOW!
I learned of this book through an ad on Facebook. It immediately caught my attention due to the beautiful cover photograph. When I clicked on the link I was taken to the book's Amazon page, which is incredibly informative. I bought the Kindle version and from the very first sentence I was totally 100% engrossed. I could barely stop reading it and finished it in two days (record time for me) as it's just that compelling a read! I smiled, laughed, and cried just a bit. It's an extraordinarily well written book and a funny one at that. This dog, Julia, should have begun her writing career long ago. She tells some amazing stories and knows more about humans that most of the humans I've known. I have read several other novels in the "written by a dog genre," but this is by far the best one yet! Do yourself a favor---read it!
John Murphy
February 24, 2015
I fell in love with Julia and her family. I loved her sense of humor and her zen dog perspective on things. Julia's book was about so much more than her illness. Julia's story was sweet, funny, insightful and delightful with just a touch of sad. Anyone who loves animals or has had a dog, loved a dog or lost a dog will enjoy this story. It's a very eclectic story with something for everyone. I always wondered why people took on special needs dogs. Now I understand that is what special people do. We are so blessed that there are humans like Rich Kaye and his wife Diane Pellowe who take on special dogs like Julia and Elliot, who wouldn't survive this world without them. I hope there's another story coming! it was a great read. I highly recommend this book. 4.5 Stars!
February 10, 2015
Step into the mind of an extremely zen dog with the first page of this book! While her illness and upcoming death is woven throughout the book, it is far from the typical "dog-is-gone-sobbing" you are left with from other animal stories.
Julia tells her story while also giving some great psychological insights, lessons on geography, history, science and other political and religious opinions.
You won't want to put her story down once you start, and it will leave you wondering what is going on in your own dog's mind!
Julia tells her story while also giving some great psychological insights, lessons on geography, history, science and other political and religious opinions.
You won't want to put her story down once you start, and it will leave you wondering what is going on in your own dog's mind!
February 21, 2016
Facing as we all must what I fear is coming in my own life and looking for answers. This book was not it but it was an interesting take on the subject and might help in the long run. I was disappointed when the author broke his cover in the last chapter...I would have preferred a different ending ...a note saying when the dog passed and how and ...not dropping out of the dog's story and into the owner's.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews