Finally Home: Lessons on Life from a Free-Spirited Dog

by Elizabeth Parker

Meet Buddy, the golden retriever who touches the lives of everybody he meets. The heartwarming, true story of an excessively mischievous dog that had been shuffled from owner to owner since no one could control his crazy behavior. He was on his way to meet his fate at the local shelter when a mere coincidence connected him with his current owners. While he no longer had to switch homes, the hilarious acts he committed, from ingesting bottle caps to barging into a stranger's house, caused his current owners to almost reconsider their decision.

Buddy was a dog that no one wanted, yet he became one of the quirkiest, friendliest, smartest and most cherished of dogs. The reader is not only drawn into the book, but learns from the unfortunate mistakes of others and how to think outside of the proverbial box. It gives the reader hope that if they are going through a similar ordeal, they can also successfully overcome any related obstacle.

If you are looking for a great gift for both dog lovers and even non-dog lovers, this book is perfect. Get ready to laugh a little and perhaps even shed a few tears.

*A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to an animal rescue group.*

Genres: Animals, Dogs, Nonfiction, Humor

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 2, 2010

About the author

Author of Dog Books and Thrillers!
I'm an author with a deep passion for storytelling and a profound love for animals. Over the past two decades, I've immersed myself in writing, exploring various genres ranging from dog books to thrillers and suspenseful romance novels. My writing journey has been a reflection of my curiosity and creativity.
My affinity for animals permeates throughout my work, infusing each story with warmth, authenticity, and empathy. Whether I'm weaving tales of canine companionship or crafting intricate plots filled with mystery and suspense, my love for animals serves as a driving force behind my storytelling. I draw inspiration from my observations of animal behavior and my genuine connection with them, striving to create characters that resonate with readers on a profound level.
Beyond my writing, I am deeply committed to animal welfare causes, using my platform to advocate for the well-being and protection of all creatures. From volunteering at local shelters to participating in fundraising events, I'm dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of animals everywhere whenever time permits.
I hope to inspire compassion, empathy, and positive change in the hearts and minds of readers!
Personal Interests:
When I'm not lost in the world of writing, I enjoy spending time outdoors, taking long walks with my beloved dogs for inspiration.

Books:
Throughout my career, I've penned over 20 books:


Unwanted Dreams
Phobia
Evil's Door
Faces of Deception
Occupational Hazard-Perfect Lies
Finally Home: Lessons on Life from a Free-Spirited Dog
Final Journey: Buddys' Book
My Dog Does That!
Paw Prints in the Sand
Paw Prints in the Sand: Mission
Accomplished
Hearts of Gold
Bark Out Loud!
Fur-Baby's Keepsake Book
Dog Book: It's All About the Dogs
Dogs Behaving Badly
Goldie: A Day in the Life of a Blind Dog
"Purr" Baby's Mementos Book
Passionate
Reflections on Life, Love, and Dogs
Silly Pups Coloring Book
Love of Dogs Journal – with Quotes!
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Pet’s Medical Journal
Cypress Cove
Peace, Love, Paws
Virtuous Victory
Blaze of Fury
Silent Redemption

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although if you are a dog lover you will probably appreciate this light and easy read on some levels, it is an example of the fact that almost anyone can publish these days. The book has numerous typos and the writing style is less than polished.

This is essentially the story of a person who adopts an untrained dog and then finds ways to live with the dog's quirks. Rather than train the dog with effective positive training methods and patience, the owner decides that the behaviors are "cute quirks" and essentially allows them to continue. Although there are some instances when this can be okay, generally I would not advocate having a dog with these behaviors and not working to shape the behaviors. For example, allowing a dog to jump up on people and knock them over is not acceptable and any dog can be trained out of this behavior in a humane manner with positive training and patience, rather than warning guests to expect it and deal with it. Instead, this author finds it amusing that the dog is badly behaved. Similar, "amusement" is found in the dog stealing items, eating things it should not, etc.

The author purports to be a dog lover, and in many respects seems sincere, yet when considering acquiring dogs she defaults to pet stores. In this era of puppy mills and the available options in shelters and breed rescues, I don't know why she doesn't even mention these as options. She does luckily end up with two of her three dogs being essentially recuses, but the attitude that it is appropriate to buy dogs if one I found out of place with the rest of the story.

Overall this was not a great book and I did not identify that well with the owner or the dog. As a dog lover there were things I could appreciate, but there are many better books out there for dog lovers. There are also passages in the book that indicate a lack of understanding as to what a dog needs. With a very young dog needing exercise, for example, walking a mile is nothing to them - it is a drop in the bucket.

[Dana Zanotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!!

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book because I love good dog stories that showcase the relationship between dogs and their families. However, the simple writing in this book failed to engage me as a reader. The writing was very basic and unorganized. I felt like I was reading a high school writing assignment. The stories she told were not exciting or humorous. I rushed through it just to be done with it. I later realized it was self published, which explains a lot.

[Jill Hallenbeck · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth the paper it was printed on. Yes, great dogs, but HORRIBLE writing style. Hire a grammar coach. Hire an agents that will say "Are you writing for 3rd graders?". I want my money back. Would have given -1 stars if that was a option.

[Maria Turley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this book because I love stories about dogs and this looked like it would be an enjoyable one. I stopped after reading the first few chapters. The writing is amateurish and reads like a high school writing assignment. It moves very slowly and cannot hold the reader's interest.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful true story of a couple giving a home, love and time to a Golden Retriever who had already lived with 3 families in his short life, before finally being adopted from his third home, by Michael and Elizabeth. During the years that Elizabeth and Michael had Buddy they learnt a totally different way of training him which differed from any rules an animal trainer would suggest, but for Buddy, it worked, he was not an average dog.
Trials and tribulations followed throughout his life and new 'Buddy' rules was learnt daily by his humans, who then had to translate them into how that would conform to their life, and the life of the other rescue Golden Brandi.
Buddy loved life and everyone and thing in it, but it would only be a true dog lover that would understand and accept the way that Buddy was and how he viewed the life of a dog should be.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read this book all I could think about was the dog that my sitter rescued and vice versa. He was so timid and shy and became her shadow and faithful friend. He had his quirks and was loved by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. His time here on Earth served a greater purpose than one could imagine. Rest is peace buddy (Humphrey Peppodopolous....or simply Pepper).💗

[Crystal Clary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anytime you take on a new pet the personality traits shine through and this can be a learning experience for the owner and the dog. I love the story and thank Miss Parker for sharing her story and life lessons for pet owners.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story

As an owner of two dogs I enjoyed reading this book. I love my dogs and give them tons of love and attention; but after reading this I appreciate them that much more.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illuminating and insightful personal account that speaks from the heart…

I personally connected to this book having owned rescue Cocker Spaniels for many years {Cocker Spaniel Club}, and so I was able to empathize and relate to the narrative by prior awareness and understanding. Anyone who is a responsible Dog owner will be keen to learn from others experiences, especially so in regards to rescued Dogs {where you don’t always know the animal’s past history}. I loved how * a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book is donated to an animal rescue group* as it was a nice thoughtful touch. Elizabeth captures the trials and tribulations many people face when introducing a new dog into their homes, including helpful hints and tips that can be put into practice. Furthermore I was able to gain a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction after reading Buddy’s story, as I felt inwardly moved and reassured that I wasn’t alone.

Wonderful elements included within this book are the appendices, which aim to educate while also guide those seeking a new pet/ use book for own dog(s). With delightful photographs of gorgeous Golden Retriever Buddy up to all kinds of mischief and antics, Elizabeth’s messages and journey is conveyed to you so clearly and dynamically. I can appreciate my own Dog even more since reading this brilliant book, as well as take from it a lot of useful advice and a heightened sense of understanding as to my dog’s behaviour. Other books such as Jane Fennell’s Dog Listener or novels like A Dog Called Perth, tend to focus on mainly (1). Aspect of canine behaviour or ownership rather than presenting a rounded picture through a light-hearted reflection.

There are so many non-fiction books on Dog Behaviour together with many fictional novels about an owner and their Dog, and yet I liked how this book specifically focuses on the rescue dog and one owner coping with the ups & downs. There are many moments that had me laughing-out-loud as well as silently agreeing to either an event (or) comment made, which I found either reminiscent of something I had experienced or could comprehend. If you are a Dog lover then I would definitely recommend this book as a compelling, sincere and heart-warming read that will not disappoint!

4.5 STARS!

* I won a copy of Elizabeth Parker’s book “Finally Home: Lessons on life from a free-spirited dog” through a ‘first-read’ giveaway on Goodreads *

…cute!

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The past decade or so have seen numerous books come out in groups: Jane Austen books (those with Jane Austen in the title and/or as an updated version of an Austen book), animal books (following the success of Marley & Me, Art of Running In the Rain, and Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, and, more recently, vampire books.

Having read several books from the animal genre, including the much-loved Marley & Me, I decided to read Finally Home: Lessons on Life From A Free Spirited Dog, by Elizabeth Parker. (Disclaimer: It helped that it was temporarily on the "free Kindle book" list.)

Parker and her fiance found themselves the owners of a rambunctious Golden Retriever name Buddy. Buddy had gone through several owners before winding up with the couple. It didn't take the two long to figure out why he had worn out his welcome with previous owners; he was a handful. Almost half-way through the book, the couple adds a second dog, Brandi, in the hopes that a buddy for Buddy would calm him down. Eventually, the two dogs bonded.

While I kept hoping for another Marley & Me or Glenn Plaskin's Katie Up and Down the Hall, Finally Home never quite jelled. While Buddy seemed like an energetically amusing dog, the book lacked a decent path to follow. It seemed not much more than one amusing anecdote after another. Parker's obvious love for Buddy, and later, Brandi, come through. However, while John Grogan (Marley & Me) wove how Marley came into his family's life and became part of his family, and Plaskin was able to show how Katie was the thread that wove several unrelated families into a larger family, Parker's book has little flow beyond the "we bought Buddy, anecdote, anecdote, ... , we bought Brandi, anecdote..." I wanted to love the book, and while I found parts of Finally Home funny, Parker would have served her readers - and Buddy - better by showing how Buddy became part of her life and her family.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddy is an extremely "active" golden retriever who finally finds a permanent home with the author and her future husband, Michael. The author provides a hilarious account of the life of Buddy including his stealing addiction, undying energy and intelligence. He outwits his owners during a trip as discovered after they suffered for 4 days. The Benadryl pills which were supposed to help sedate him for the journey from New York to Nevada are found upon cleaning the car in Nevada. He devoured the pill cookie surrounding the pills. During a walk on a trail, Michael stops to smell a cactus flower. The author will not allow Buddy to accompany Michael and holds onto his leash. However, on the walk back, Buddy runs immediately to the same exact cactus and smells the flower anyway, imitating Michael.
Brandi soon joins Buddy shortly after the memoirs begin. She is an exact opposite of Buddy, calm and completely happy to follow commands. Perhaps the only major event was the chewing of not one, but two couches. Other than that, she is as the author describes, "the perfect dog."
Upon becoming a permanent resident in Nevada, the author begins to volunteer at a no-kill shelter along with her manager at work. As her manager goes to take one particular dog to an adoption day, the author decides to foster Toffee instead. During the week of fostering, Toffee becomes incredible ill as a result of an infection from spaying. This bonds the author to the dog and she is unable to allow anyone else to adopt her and so adopts Toffee herself.
The story is centered around the antics of Buddy as he is certainly a one of a kind dog. The story provides plenty of laughter and fond memoirs about this dog and his companions without the typical ending to any dog story. The author's intent was to write about Buddy's life prior to his death in order to hold onto the memories as well as share them.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Parker has captured the essence of the wonderful breed of Golden Retrievers. Though all Retrievers aren't as mischievous and spontaneous as Buddy, they all seem to share that special closeness with their owners.

Thank you Mrs. Parker for for allowing this book to focus on Buddy's life. When I feel the death of a beloved pet is eminent, I often have to put the book aside until I work up the courage to let go of the "family member" of whom I have become so attached. I will have to pass on reading Final Journey Buddys' Book though I understand another Buddy became a part of your life. I always want to remember your first Buddy as the vital, lively character portrayed in the first book.

I borrowed this book from the Amazon lending library and must return it. I was allowed one free loan with the purchase of a Kindle Fire. Now that I have read it, I need to remedy the loan situation by buying a copy. This book is definitely a keeper!

[CatBookMom · Rating 2 out of 5]

We recently acquired a rescue dog, so I thought this freebie would be interesting. Ms Parker, though she seems to have a couple of other published books, isn't a very skilled author, at least based on this effort. I am among those who have learned that positive reinforcement training works very well, and I am amazed that Ms Parker didn't seem to have tried very hard to train Buddy - or at least she didn't write about it. At some point in their lives, they lived next door to a dog trainer, but the story doesn't reflect that they took the opportunity to learn from his skills.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an easy read, but nothing amazing. I enjoyed the beginning as some of Buddy's habits are evident in my goldendoodle, so I could easily relate (and laugh). I just felt like I was reading another Marley & Me copycat. Hey, I'm a dog lover, my dog is funny, maybe I should write a book too!
The author has an excellent chapter at the end that anyone considering becoming a dog owner (especially for the first time) should read.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why are "over-the-top" dogs so often Golden Retrievers? I kept remembering my own over-the-top Golden Retriever, Remedy, while reading about Parker's high spirited, Buddy. I share her view that life is seldom dull with such a house-mate. Buddy certainly tested Parker and her husband, but he gave so, so much in return. Parker's writing is a bit unpolished, but this was an enjoyable read.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book about a Golden Retriever named Buddy. I was so happy to know ahead of time that the dog does not die...but now I know that he does in the sequel! The author has the same feelings about dogs that I do...and about people who throwaway their dogs. I have no use for those people...and totally can not understand that mentality!

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Think out of the box

Not what I expected, but I enjoyed.
Just because one training technique worked for one person, doesn't mean it will work for another. Made me think of some of the idiosyncrasies and antics of some of my dogs.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book about a dog who does not die at the end!! Extremely funny moments in this book. I laughed and read passages out loud to my Mom while I was reading it. I couldn't help it - I wanted her to enjoy the moment too! A must read for any dog lover!!!

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

WONDEFUL book. So heartfelt and real. Buddy is the most adorable dog. Anyone who has owned a pet can relate. (Even those who are not dog lovers will find this book a great read).

[Melissa O. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story for dog lovers or those thinking about getting a dog.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, heartwarming story of the love a dog brings to the life of the author. I loved the book and glad to have read it.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a dog lover and my Rudy is just like this dog...I just laughed out loud at some if his antics and kept saying "this is my Rudy" OMG!!! Loved this book!!!!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! It brought back so many memories of my Golden, Tyler. And it also made me laugh as I compared this dog to the dogs I have now.

[Zulay · Rating 4 out of 5]

very funny, entertaining and thoughtful I enjoyed a lot

[Anmarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good read for dog lovers ... Not thrilling, just a feel good story.