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We Give Our Hearts to Dogs to Tear: Intimations of Their Immortality
More than a hauntingly beautiful memoir about small dogs in Big Sky country, this book is a wise account of the relationships among dogs, humans, and the land that surrounds them. It is the story of successive generations of Jack Russell terriers, their animal friends, and their human companions. Alston Chase searches for the immortality of dogs, what makes them unique companions, and why we humans willingly give them our hearts knowing that someday they will be broken. This book will resonate with anyone who has ever loved a dog. Chase muses that dogs are the embodiment of spirit over mortality and through the window of their brief lives we glimpse eternity. This eternal includes the Earth, the land, and the bonds forged between people and dogs over thousands of years. Chase sees threats in the decline of rural life, unbridled urbanization, and in dog breeders who judge by conformation to breed standards and fashion rather than ability and health. An uplifting tribute to the dogs we love, and a reflection on the limitations of life, this book shows a triumph of the spirit. Rich in poetic citations, it is an environmental cry for help, a naturalistic appreciation of a dissolving world, and a deeply spiritual reminder that nothing loved is ever lost.
- GenresDogs
252 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 13, 2014
We Give Our Hearts to Dog to Tear: Imitations of their Immortality by Alston Chase is a Transaction Publishing release. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
The title of this book is taken from a quote by Rudyard Kipling and if you have ever forged a close bond with your canine pals you know what is meant by that sentiment.
I confess to feeling just a little jealous of the author and his family and the life they chose to live. I can see myself living that lifestyle someday. This story is about how the family came to love the Jack Russell Terrier breed of dog sort of by accident. A spur of the moment decision to take a puppy even though the timing for the family was somewhat dubious, began a journey for them as they learned all there was about this wonderful breed of dogs.
There is a wealth of information pertaining to the history of the Jack Russell terrier as well as the disposition of the breed and health issues the dog is predisposed to. Through the years the Jack Russell has grown in popularity and is now recognized by the Westminster Kennel Club. This decision spawned some debate and that was understandable.
The 1980's would prove to be a pivotal time for the JR terrier as it gained popularity as a companion dog and times were changing bringing about the formation of anti- fox hunting animal rights groups in England. This was sort of confusing since people loved the “ hunting parson” Russell but not the hunting.
Once we have been armed with all this knowledge about the breed, the author begins to share his family's personal relationships with their JR terriers. There were touching stories, funny stories and of course tears.
The family grieved hard for some of the dogs they had bonded with and attempted to genetically keep them alive through breeding. The live and learn part of live taught them that this was not the solution and tells a cautionary tale in regards to inbreeding. Through the years the family has added so much enhancement to their lives by loving and caring the this breed. They now wish to spread that love and information on to others.
As an animal lover I was completely engaged in this book. I have a neighbor that rescued a JR from the pound and he is just adorable and smart and a really good dog. This is my only experience with the breed so I found all the information in this book very helpful and interesting. I also felt the emotional ups and downs that go with having dogs … the smiles, the fun, the joy, and the risk you have to take when loving and bonding with your dog.
For me and my family it's always been Cocker Spaniels and my husband and I can relate to the issues addressed here. One of the dogs we had so bonded with my husband we couldn't have just one dog after that. We wanted to breed them so we would always have a family of them, but just as the author state here, this is not always the best idea. Thankfully, we decided against that in the end.
So, even if you are not an owner of JR terriers don't let that deter you from reading this book. This information and experience could apply to all dog lovers and you will certainly understand and relate to how dogs enrich our lives and what a joy they are. Yes, a time will come when you will have to say goodbye but the time I have had with my dogs is worth it and I will continue to bring them into my life always.
This one is 5 stars.
The title of this book is taken from a quote by Rudyard Kipling and if you have ever forged a close bond with your canine pals you know what is meant by that sentiment.
I confess to feeling just a little jealous of the author and his family and the life they chose to live. I can see myself living that lifestyle someday. This story is about how the family came to love the Jack Russell Terrier breed of dog sort of by accident. A spur of the moment decision to take a puppy even though the timing for the family was somewhat dubious, began a journey for them as they learned all there was about this wonderful breed of dogs.
There is a wealth of information pertaining to the history of the Jack Russell terrier as well as the disposition of the breed and health issues the dog is predisposed to. Through the years the Jack Russell has grown in popularity and is now recognized by the Westminster Kennel Club. This decision spawned some debate and that was understandable.
The 1980's would prove to be a pivotal time for the JR terrier as it gained popularity as a companion dog and times were changing bringing about the formation of anti- fox hunting animal rights groups in England. This was sort of confusing since people loved the “ hunting parson” Russell but not the hunting.
Once we have been armed with all this knowledge about the breed, the author begins to share his family's personal relationships with their JR terriers. There were touching stories, funny stories and of course tears.
The family grieved hard for some of the dogs they had bonded with and attempted to genetically keep them alive through breeding. The live and learn part of live taught them that this was not the solution and tells a cautionary tale in regards to inbreeding. Through the years the family has added so much enhancement to their lives by loving and caring the this breed. They now wish to spread that love and information on to others.
As an animal lover I was completely engaged in this book. I have a neighbor that rescued a JR from the pound and he is just adorable and smart and a really good dog. This is my only experience with the breed so I found all the information in this book very helpful and interesting. I also felt the emotional ups and downs that go with having dogs … the smiles, the fun, the joy, and the risk you have to take when loving and bonding with your dog.
For me and my family it's always been Cocker Spaniels and my husband and I can relate to the issues addressed here. One of the dogs we had so bonded with my husband we couldn't have just one dog after that. We wanted to breed them so we would always have a family of them, but just as the author state here, this is not always the best idea. Thankfully, we decided against that in the end.
So, even if you are not an owner of JR terriers don't let that deter you from reading this book. This information and experience could apply to all dog lovers and you will certainly understand and relate to how dogs enrich our lives and what a joy they are. Yes, a time will come when you will have to say goodbye but the time I have had with my dogs is worth it and I will continue to bring them into my life always.
This one is 5 stars.
February 4, 2023
The meat of this book is dogs and the author’s love for them as individuals. I have rarely read such loving, nuanced portraits of family dogs and as members of a breed (Jack Russells). Chase’s life story embraces nature in Montana and his dog’s role in it. We learn the names and personalities of a herd of Jack Russells and a few others - all pure breeds my only caveat for the author’s deep admiration and affection for dogs. If you are interested in the history of the Jack Russell breed look no further. It seems half his book was written with a terrier in his lap.
The other theme of the book is death - something all of us who love dogs are familiar with. There is even a picture of the dog graveyard complete with gravestones. Be prepared to shed a tear. The author states the graveyard will disappear into nature once he passes. I discovered that Alston Chase died in 2022.
The other theme of the book is death - something all of us who love dogs are familiar with. There is even a picture of the dog graveyard complete with gravestones. Be prepared to shed a tear. The author states the graveyard will disappear into nature once he passes. I discovered that Alston Chase died in 2022.
May 13, 2014
Review: WE GIVE OUR HEARTS TO DOGS TO TEAR by Alston Chase
"everyone who's ever owned and loved a dog has experienced its death, and those who've owned dogs their entire lives have experienced such grief repeatedly."- Author Alston Chase
"Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear."--Rudyard Kipling
An extraordinary, lyrical, heartfelt, loving, poetic, narrative of some of the dogs in the lives of author Alston Chase and his wife Diane. This is a book that deserves to be savored, then repeatedly reread at intervals. Author Chase is equally at home with his dogs, wildlife, and the land he loves. I think his quote above encapsulates it all. Yes, our animals may not live forever; but the joy they bring while still beside us!
If you love animals at all; if you've ever developed a sense of the spirit of Place: read, read read WE GIVE OUR HEARTS TO DOGS TO TEAR.
"everyone who's ever owned and loved a dog has experienced its death, and those who've owned dogs their entire lives have experienced such grief repeatedly."- Author Alston Chase
"Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear."--Rudyard Kipling
An extraordinary, lyrical, heartfelt, loving, poetic, narrative of some of the dogs in the lives of author Alston Chase and his wife Diane. This is a book that deserves to be savored, then repeatedly reread at intervals. Author Chase is equally at home with his dogs, wildlife, and the land he loves. I think his quote above encapsulates it all. Yes, our animals may not live forever; but the joy they bring while still beside us!
If you love animals at all; if you've ever developed a sense of the spirit of Place: read, read read WE GIVE OUR HEARTS TO DOGS TO TEAR.
September 27, 2010
I'm not the only one these dogs worked their magic on!
March 14, 2015
I loved this book. To anyone who has ever given their heart to a dog - or any pet, for that matter - this is a must read. To anyone who has ever given their heart to a Jack Russell and lived through the trials and tribulations of such an endeavor, this is a must read. To anyone who cares what "designer breeding" is doing to dog breeds (and other species), this is a must read. Lastly, to anyone who has ever lived near a wilderness area and seen people who have absolutely no idea what they're doing move in and destroy it by "protecting" it, this is a must read. Alston Chase's insights are right on.
July 14, 2009
Loved this book about the little jack russell terriers. I do have the joy of owning one who was a rescue pup. Both happy and sad book, about their adventures in Montana. They are a special breed of dog,Parson terrier(aka Jack Russells) are very smart and very loyal to their peeps(people).
December 25, 2015
For dog lovers...
....but in particular, JRT lovers. A comprehensive narrative of JRT breed origins, and a virtual ballad of canine/human interaction. Love, joy, sadness, tears....the celebration of what most call dog ownership, and what dog lovers call true partnership.
I initially hesitated to buy this book, based on the price, but I am so glad I took the leap. I am also a multi dog owner, or should I say, multi terrier owner. Terriers, because of their rough and tumble natures, are the dogs most often abused and dumped at animal shelters (pit bull terriers being the most common.) It is clear this author understands the essence of a terrier, and celebrates rather than attempts to change what is truly the very core of these wonderful dogs. Several times while reading, I wanted to curse the author because he let his dogs run freely, resulting several times in the death of his dogs, but I also understand how he chose to let his terriers simply be what they were bred to be; feisty, wonderfully silly hunters, that were all the better for being able to exercise their true selves. I'm only sorry that the author took so long to realize that each dog that shares our lives is a gift, and in wanting to replicate a beloved friend, we may miss out on the next gift we're given, different as it may be..
Keep a box of tissues close at hand....
....but in particular, JRT lovers. A comprehensive narrative of JRT breed origins, and a virtual ballad of canine/human interaction. Love, joy, sadness, tears....the celebration of what most call dog ownership, and what dog lovers call true partnership.
I initially hesitated to buy this book, based on the price, but I am so glad I took the leap. I am also a multi dog owner, or should I say, multi terrier owner. Terriers, because of their rough and tumble natures, are the dogs most often abused and dumped at animal shelters (pit bull terriers being the most common.) It is clear this author understands the essence of a terrier, and celebrates rather than attempts to change what is truly the very core of these wonderful dogs. Several times while reading, I wanted to curse the author because he let his dogs run freely, resulting several times in the death of his dogs, but I also understand how he chose to let his terriers simply be what they were bred to be; feisty, wonderfully silly hunters, that were all the better for being able to exercise their true selves. I'm only sorry that the author took so long to realize that each dog that shares our lives is a gift, and in wanting to replicate a beloved friend, we may miss out on the next gift we're given, different as it may be..
Keep a box of tissues close at hand....
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews