The Enlightened Spaniel - The Cat with One Life Left

by Gary Heads, Toby Ward (Illustrator)

This is the story of two springer spaniels and their unrelenting quest towards enlightenment. Supported by their trusted companion The Bookshelf, and guided by an unwavering belief in the teachings of the Buddha, they undertake to discover the truth surrounding the reincarnation of the Buddha’s dog. The story takes an unusual twist when a mysterious cat arrives. The cat, Amara, believes he has used eight of his nine lives and is suffering from anxiety and uneasiness. He has travelled from afar to find Half-Sister in the hope that she will teach him to live in the present moment and therefore enjoy his final life on planet Earth. However, it soon becomes apparent that all is not as it seems, and that Amara holds a secret that Half-Sister must unravel if the truth is to be revealed. The Enlightened Spaniel – The Cat with One Life Left is a charming story that winds its way down a path filled with ancient wisdom, humour, and compassion for all living beings.

Genres: Dogs

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2020

About the author

Gary Heads is a writer based in North East England. He founded one of the UK’s leading organizations delivering mindfulness services in the UK, and has a personal meditation practice spanning 30 years. A long-standing interest in all matters relating to Tibet has led to his appointment as trustee of a charity working to assist the Tibetan people. He can often be seen out walking with his two springer spaniels, if they are not meditating or studying the Buddha’s teachings that is. The Enlightened Spaniel is his second book.

Reviews

[Abigail Yardimci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindfulness entwined in a humorous story - brilliant!

This lovely story about two spaniels and their crazy quest to become enlightened in the ways of the Buddha is the perfect antidote to frantic, modern life. I have read the first book but I think I enjoyed this one even more because of the new characters (who wouldn't love a scraggy cat claiming this life to be his ninth and absolute last?), the beautiful settings described and the ever-evolving wisdom that is learned, especially by the reader. Thoroughly recommended for anyone who loves animals and / or wants a gentle but informative introduction to mindfulness.

[Hannah Deverson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book but this one was absolutely fantastic! I can see that these books will be a permanent feature on my Bookshelf and read more than once.

It was so beautifully written: the topics covered are impermanence, reincarnation and how to deal with fear and anxiety. Half-sister deals with these issues with such compassion and guides the others through meditation techniques and the teachings of Buddha in such a sublime way that you totally believe this is actually happening!

I love the concept that there is a 99% probability that Half-sister is the reincarnation of Right Nuisance and Amara had been reincarnated several times with the past wisdoms of his time with Indian gurus and the Dalia Lama!

Can’t wait to read the next instalment….

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming.

Every bit as good as book one and leaves me craving for more interaction with these wonderfully flashed out characters. Book 3 is waiting and not for long. I shall then have to read them all again.

[Dixi-chik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly delightful book! Interesting, amusing, informative - dare I say enlightening?! It made me think & it made me smile. If you have any interest in mindfulness, or in dogs and cats, it's well worth a read.

[Natalie Hannah Writes 🤍]

such a good book :)
Highly recommend this as a follow up to the first book if you want a deeper but light hearted introduction to buddhism, the buddhist mind and buddhist philosophy.

[Kylie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really sweet story. I think I preferred this one to the original.

[Fantasia Osmonson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - so much joy and laughter