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Angel Dogs with a Mission: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life
This fascinating book puts the spotlight on working dogs — those heroic canines who have found ways to give back more than sloppy kisses and happy snuggles. The courageous dogs you will meet
— Keno, a yellow Lab, who rescued a lift operator buried in an avalanche.
— Kobi, a beloved and intelligent family pet with an exceptional sense of smell, who became one of the most famous cancer-sniffing dogs in the world.
— Tuffy, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who served as a grief counselor with Dr. Karla Rose during the horrible days following the Virginia Tech shootings.
— Abdul, the first service dog for people with mobility impairments, who was trained by Bonnie Bergin and Kerrill Knaus-Hardy and paved the way for people with disabilities to be independent.
— Anna, a German shepherd, who damaged her lungs searching through the wreckage at Ground Zero after 9/11 and inspired Sarah Atlas to found an assistance program for volunteer search-and-rescue dog handlers.
— Skidboot, the world-famous Texas blue heeler, who performed for Jay Leno, Oprah Winfrey, and David Letterman and on Animal Planet (with cowboy and entertainer David Hartwig) but started life as an abandoned puppy.
— Keno, a yellow Lab, who rescued a lift operator buried in an avalanche.
— Kobi, a beloved and intelligent family pet with an exceptional sense of smell, who became one of the most famous cancer-sniffing dogs in the world.
— Tuffy, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who served as a grief counselor with Dr. Karla Rose during the horrible days following the Virginia Tech shootings.
— Abdul, the first service dog for people with mobility impairments, who was trained by Bonnie Bergin and Kerrill Knaus-Hardy and paved the way for people with disabilities to be independent.
— Anna, a German shepherd, who damaged her lungs searching through the wreckage at Ground Zero after 9/11 and inspired Sarah Atlas to found an assistance program for volunteer search-and-rescue dog handlers.
— Skidboot, the world-famous Texas blue heeler, who performed for Jay Leno, Oprah Winfrey, and David Letterman and on Animal Planet (with cowboy and entertainer David Hartwig) but started life as an abandoned puppy.
280 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2005
About the author
Allen Anderson
45 books37 followersNew York Times Best-Selling authors, Allen and Linda Anderson, are pet experts, keynote speakers, and founders of the Angel Animals Network. They help people discover and benefit from the miraculous powers of animals.
Dedicated to promoting human-animal companionship, Allen and Linda donate a portion of proceeds from their work to animal rescue organizations and do fundraising activities.
The Andersons believe that whenever you connect spiritually with animals, thousands of new doors open. Through their books, newsletters, presentations, and insights, they show portals into a whole new world where animals are guides, healers, and friends.
With pets in 70% of American homes, it's crucial to consider animals as wisdom partners and appreciate the benefits of tapping into their hidden talents.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 15, 2010
I found this book in America. People ask why are animals so important to people they can't even talk. But if you read this book you'll change your mind. Dogs are truly messengers of love they help you guide you and protect you through times of need no trainig is even neede for yhif that is why dogs are truely meesengers of love. You know why we live longer than dogs this is a reason why:
A Dog's Purpose? (From a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron , his wife Lisa , and their little boy Shane , were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane , who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live.
He said,’ People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice,right?''
The Six-year-old continued,’ Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
A Dog's Purpose? (From a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron , his wife Lisa , and their little boy Shane , were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane , who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live.
He said,’ People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice,right?''
The Six-year-old continued,’ Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
August 27, 2009
Angel Dogs by Allen and Linda Anderson is a fascinating non-fiction book of amazing stories about dogs from different people. One of the most uplifting and fun stories was from a family sharing about how they celebrate “Dog Day.” All day, they focus on their dogs and make it a very fun day for the whole family. I thought this was a wonderful idea! The stories range from how people’s dogs brought joy to their lives to amazing things they did to revisiting their owners after they died both in dreams and in signs and one even appeared to wake his owner up when he fell asleep on guard duty to save his career! It certainly is comforting for any dog owner in that it gives us hope of seeing our pets again who have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. Who knows? Read it for yourself and you’ll see what I mean.
December 17, 2008
Lovely inspirational stories from people to show how loyal and loving dogs are!
February 25, 2011
Sometimes I wonder why the heavy religious undertones? While this is borderline IMO, some go far, far, far. And they alienate people. There are non-religious folk who love animals, who love dogs, who want to hear these stories also. I suppose that's for another book. But the fact remains that religious people, for the most part, will read a non-religious book about dogs without much hesitation, the other way around? Questionable.
I would have liked to have done without the "meditations". IMO they made for tacky areas in the book. I actually read them just to chuckle.
The one piece of info that I learned and that didn't surprise me is that there is an over 75% overlap between the genetic codes for humans and dogs. Interesting.
On pg. 92 the authors tell the story of how a woman who was walking her dogs has her dogs run away from her to go to the authors. The dogs have never done this before so, according to the authors, the dogs must "sense" who these two people are and what they do for animals.
Now, and believe me 100% here, I know dogs are intelligent creatures, much more so than most people think. I believe dogs do sense things, things we may never know. But this is stretching it. It takes you into the realm of unbelievable and makes it hard to take what the authors say as truth.
The meditations and the questions posed to the reader are cheesy as hell at best. Most of the stories are worth reading I think, if you're a dog lover. But they're average at the same time. You can find these stories anywhere, in any dog book.
I would have liked to have done without the "meditations". IMO they made for tacky areas in the book. I actually read them just to chuckle.
The one piece of info that I learned and that didn't surprise me is that there is an over 75% overlap between the genetic codes for humans and dogs. Interesting.
On pg. 92 the authors tell the story of how a woman who was walking her dogs has her dogs run away from her to go to the authors. The dogs have never done this before so, according to the authors, the dogs must "sense" who these two people are and what they do for animals.
Now, and believe me 100% here, I know dogs are intelligent creatures, much more so than most people think. I believe dogs do sense things, things we may never know. But this is stretching it. It takes you into the realm of unbelievable and makes it hard to take what the authors say as truth.
The meditations and the questions posed to the reader are cheesy as hell at best. Most of the stories are worth reading I think, if you're a dog lover. But they're average at the same time. You can find these stories anywhere, in any dog book.
March 14, 2012
I think this would have to rank as the best book I have ever read. I loved it. I'm a dog lover and it just totally warmed my heart. I recommend it to all dog lovers, and I especially recommend it to people who have recently lost their dogs, as it helps them to realise that their dogs had a special purpose in their lives. We believe that our dog, a gorgeous 6 yr old tri-colour beagle, named Shebuh, is our Angel Dog. We got her as an 8 wk old puppy, but we chose her at 4 wks - and she has helped us through so many, many trials. She is an angel without wings, sent to us by God to help us through the tough times. This book is funny, sad, uplifting, heartwarming, moving, so many things, and I heartily recommend it to all.
This is a book that I would read over and over again.
This is a book that I would read over and over again.
November 7, 2010
First I would like to welcome myself back to the land of the reader again. What an awesome book this turned out to be. It was absolutely beautiful. Being a dog lover, I especially enjoyed this book. Both of my dogs are a VERY important part of my life and I do consider dogs angels.....and this book confirmed this fact for me.
April 5, 2008
I love the short stories in this book. Dogs are amazing in so many different ways. It has helped me to appreciate the quirkiness of my own dogs. Each short story ends with a meditation too. Great book.
July 11, 2012
This book touched me from beginning to end. I am an animal lover, and have always felt that animals have more in their minds than we think. This book has shown that, at least in the case of dogs, this is true. Highly recommended for all animal lovers.
July 9, 2007
FILLED with wonderful short stories... wonderful!
November 10, 2007
Beautiful stories that share the human-dog connection in all its beautiful glory.
November 24, 2008
READ THIS!!!! But, I must inform you that you will need a box of kleenex while you read. An exceptional view of the power of dogs! Such wonderful and touching stories!
December 3, 2009
My passion is animals and this book just proves how amazing they are!!
Many of the stories brought me to tears. Fanastic book!
Many of the stories brought me to tears. Fanastic book!
March 2, 2011
I loved it!
January 16, 2012
A must-read for dog lovers! I laughed, I cried, and I smiled throughout the whole book. I also donated to the ASPCA the second I finished it. Truly wonderful book.
January 25, 2012
I loved it!
June 10, 2012
Made me love my dog more. I never thought I could love her more.
January 16, 2013
"I love Angel Dogs. Its stories and messages will amaze and delight you. Allen and Linda Anderson's book will make a wonderful gift for all your dog-loving friends, for anyone who is considering adopting or rescuing a dog, and for those who have lost a beloved dog. Read it and marvel at what the world looks like through the eyes of some of God's most loving creatures."
--Willard Scott, NBC's The Today Show
Angel Dogs: Divine Messengers of Love
The Andersons have done it again! Angel Dogs is a healing and heart-opening book. Highly recommended."
--Doreen Virtue, author of Angel Medicine and Healing with the Angels
"God created angel dogs to help us live better and happier lives, as the Andersons' book clearly shows. Our Golden Retriever Jack is an angel dog. Everyone feels that Jack is there especially for them. He smiles at them and they have no choice but to smile back."
--John Paul DeJoria, co-founder, president, and CEO of John Paul Mitchell Systems
"If the love of your life has a wagging tail and drools a little, then this book is for you. Four paws up for this lovely collection of inspiring stories."
--Christine Davis, author of For Every Dog and Angel and For Every Cat an Angel
"The wonderful stories in this book not only made me laugh and cry but also reaffirmed my feelings about the spiritual nature of dogs."
--Stephen Huneck, artist and author of The Dog Chapel
--Willard Scott, NBC's The Today Show
Angel Dogs: Divine Messengers of Love
The Andersons have done it again! Angel Dogs is a healing and heart-opening book. Highly recommended."
--Doreen Virtue, author of Angel Medicine and Healing with the Angels
"God created angel dogs to help us live better and happier lives, as the Andersons' book clearly shows. Our Golden Retriever Jack is an angel dog. Everyone feels that Jack is there especially for them. He smiles at them and they have no choice but to smile back."
--John Paul DeJoria, co-founder, president, and CEO of John Paul Mitchell Systems
"If the love of your life has a wagging tail and drools a little, then this book is for you. Four paws up for this lovely collection of inspiring stories."
--Christine Davis, author of For Every Dog and Angel and For Every Cat an Angel
"The wonderful stories in this book not only made me laugh and cry but also reaffirmed my feelings about the spiritual nature of dogs."
--Stephen Huneck, artist and author of The Dog Chapel
January 27, 2020
A book any dog lover would enjoy. A book of short stories from normal dog owners all over the world sharing their experiences with their dogs and how extraordinary they've been. Religion underpinned the whole book, which I found a bit heavy. I can relate to why the author said dogs are angels sent from God to walk the Earth, but I just felt it unnecessary. Other than that, a winner for any dog lover. 4/5.
January 31, 2011
Pretty good. I'm not really a dog person and this book helps me believe maybe I just haven't found the right dog yet... Or he/she hasn't found me. Can't say I can relate to any of the stories but I enjoyed reading them. This would be ideal for a dog lover, I think! I'm just not there yet ~
July 25, 2012
Some of it's hokey. Some of it's poorly written. The last chapter had me bawling. I miss my baby girl Lucy. It will be three years on August 9th. I pray everyday she's watching over me. I want nothing more than to be reunited with her one day.
April 24, 2015
A really thought-provoking yet fun book about the spirituality of the human-animal bond. It took me a while to read because I wanted to take in the value of what I was reading. Warning: a few of these stories they make you cry.
Read
September 19, 2015Great read for dog lovers and very inspirational for those straddling the fence about the roles dogs can play in our lives.
May 26, 2013
Lovely stories of how dogs interact with us even when they are gone to the rainbow bridge. The stories are touching, funny and loving. Great book, easy read, wonderfully touching.
November 8, 2013
Another amazing book by this author! They really have a way of brining out some of the best stories out there involving pets.
March 11, 2014
Amazing stories! Very inspiring. If you love dogs, I recommend this book!
February 25, 2021
"Angel Dogs with a Mission: Divine Messengers in Service to All Life"
By Allen and Linda Anderson
I'm a huge dog-lover and run a dog rescue in Brisbane, so I do hear a lot of stories about the ordinary dogs, but few have such heart-warming, life-saving stories of this book. I loved the meditation messages after each chapter. I especially liked the message on page 54 after the chapter about the police dog Midge, "What could you master that you thought or others said that you were to small to accomplish?"
Some of the stories kept me more interested than others. I found this book at my local library and am glad it wasn't something I had actually purchased.
Dogs can surely allow you to look at life from a different perspective, no matter if they are heroes or ordinary family members.
By Allen and Linda Anderson
I'm a huge dog-lover and run a dog rescue in Brisbane, so I do hear a lot of stories about the ordinary dogs, but few have such heart-warming, life-saving stories of this book. I loved the meditation messages after each chapter. I especially liked the message on page 54 after the chapter about the police dog Midge, "What could you master that you thought or others said that you were to small to accomplish?"
Some of the stories kept me more interested than others. I found this book at my local library and am glad it wasn't something I had actually purchased.
Dogs can surely allow you to look at life from a different perspective, no matter if they are heroes or ordinary family members.
March 7, 2020
Bonds of Love That Keep on Giving
Reading these precious stories not only opens the heart but makes it dance with joy! They remind us that love continues to exist long after the body has succumbed in its final moments. It weaves a trail of memories of our own that each of us who has loved can relate to, no matter what form it took while it lived in this world. You won’t regret reading it!
Reading these precious stories not only opens the heart but makes it dance with joy! They remind us that love continues to exist long after the body has succumbed in its final moments. It weaves a trail of memories of our own that each of us who has loved can relate to, no matter what form it took while it lived in this world. You won’t regret reading it!
June 29, 2020
While some of the stories were very heartwarming, I have to admit that the book ultimately felt extremely tacky. So many stories that stretched, sensationalized, and exaggerated the truths to the point they became too mawkish for me to enjoy in the slightest. Reading this to the end was a real struggle.
October 17, 2017
Such sweet stories about so many precious dogs!
March 5, 2018
Cute, funny, and sad stories of how dogs touch our lives. Not all fit perfectly with a Christian perspective, but I still enjoyed it. It made me appreciate my own pups.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews