Faithfully Yours is an uplifting examination of the bond we share with the animals in our life. Peggy uses a great many amazing and touching stories tFaithfully Yours is an uplifting examination of the bond we share with the animals in our life. Peggy uses a great many amazing and touching stories to show that connection via the themes of devotion, protections, acceptance, rescue, healing, compassion, guidance, comfort, faithfulness, and love. As she weaves these stories into a whole, Peggy shares own personal experiences with the animals in her own life.
Though there are certainly dogs in these stories, there are a host of other animals. Among others you'll meet:
**Everyone who leaves a comment on any of these blogs will be entered into a contest to win one free copy of the book! If you comment on all 14 posts (including this one!) you'll get 14 entries into the giveaway! - See more at: http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/#stha... **Everyone who leaves a comment on any of these blogs will be entered into a contest to win one free copy of the book! If you comment on all 14 posts (including this one!) you'll get 14 entries into the giveaway! - See more at: http://peggyfrezon.blogspot.com/#stha... • A schnauzer that rescued his owner after a devastating lighting strike. • A 40-foot whale that shocked her rescuers when she helped to save a baby whale trapped in a fishing net. • A miniature horse that guides a blind teacher. • A cat that comforts stressed-out college students. As well as people who love animals in extraordinary ways: • The dog trainer who transformed an unwanted shelter dog into a Broadway star. • The man who became a voice for the humane treatment of farm animals. • The woman who gave up everything to help street dogs and, in turn, learned lessons of trust and love.
These are heart warming stories and though most have a very happy ending, you may want to have some tissues handy. As I read, Peggy's words called to my mind so many of the animals who have shared my life. So, they were happy tears.
I highly recommend this book to any animal lover, especially if you enjoy the Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
*I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participated in the Faithfully Yours Blog Book Tour....more
I'd been looking forward to reading Jackie Bouchard's third novel House Trained for quite awhile. In fact, I pre-ordered it on Amazon as soon as I couI'd been looking forward to reading Jackie Bouchard's third novel House Trained for quite awhile. In fact, I pre-ordered it on Amazon as soon as I could. So when Jackie offered me an advanced reader's copy, I quickly said yes! I thoroughly enjoyed her first two books, What the Dog Ate and Rescue Me, Maybe. I was pretty sure I would enjoy this one, too. And I did!
House Trained is a story about trust, love and being judgemental - with a labradoodle dog named Marie playing an essential role:
"Alex Halstad, a childless-by-choice interior designer and dog mom, is a true perfectionist. But her orderly life turns chaotic when the teenage daughter her husband, Barry, never knew he had shows up on their doorstep...with a baby girl of her own in tow.
While Alex’s dog enthusiastically welcomes the new arrivals, Alex struggles with the loss of her steady routine. She desperately needs peace and quiet to get her business back on track before Barry finds out she’s spent most of their savings. Meanwhile, the arrival of the girls stirs up old insecurities, and Alex can’t help but worry that Barry’s ex will make an entrance too.
With her tidy life a distant memory, will Alex be able to learn from her dog the true meaning of love and acceptance?"
House Trained is not a light, fluffy chick-lit read. It's what I call women's fiction with complex characters and an unpredictable plot.
When I first began reading I was wearing my judgey pants. Without talking to her husband, Alex has spent most of their life savings?! In spite of that influx of cash, Alex's business is failing, yet she isn't honest with her friend who works for her?! Um, I was not particularly sympathetic to our heroine.
However, as she is confronted by life's complications I realized she is a good example of "the mirror rule": life acts a a mirror to what is going on inside you. If you're feeling loved and valued, that's what you project to the world and other people. In the case of Alex, she's felt undervalued and judged for most of her life.
Alex is childless by choice, yet feels judged as lacking for that life decision. She then spends a lot of head time justifying herself and judging those women who do have children. She also feels like a runner-up and second best with her husband whose first serious relationship produced a love child (and grandbaby.) Alex feels judged as lacking with her mother and sister, too, and her judgey pants were pretty tight when she relates to her sister in the book.
Honestly, I can't tell you more because I'll give away the plot twists and turns. Suffice to say, about 30% in, I took off my own judgey pants and really began to appreciate our heroine.
Throughout the book, Alex thoughtfully wishes she could be more like her dog, Marie. More accepting and more loving. Actually, I think Alex had already learned those lessons pretty well, however, she really needed to love and accept herself.
I highly recommend House Trained. The characters were well drawn, worth rooting for and engaged me emotionally. When I wasn't reading I found myself thinking about the book and eager to return to it. There's a believable happy ending with no cliffhanger. I enjoyed it enough that I'm sure I'll re-read it. Last, but far from least, the writing was lovely.
As author Bouchard says: "If you love books and dogs and laughter, you'll love my Fido-friendly fiction novels." That's definitely true of House Trained.
One of my favorite animal rescue organizations is Stray Rescue of St Louis. In late July, I wrote about the Dream at Dreamfund to benefit Stray RescueOne of my favorite animal rescue organizations is Stray Rescue of St Louis. In late July, I wrote about the Dream at Dreamfund to benefit Stray Rescue which was set up by Benoit Denizet-Lewis, author of the book Travels with Casey. When Benoit's publishers at Simon and Schuster saw my tweets, they offered me a copy of the book.
Since I knew there would be no actual traveling for me this summer, I was delighted to take them up on their offer. I figured it would be fun to vicariously travel the US with Benoit and his yellow Lab.
New York Times Magazine writer Benoit Denizet-Lewis worried that his dog, Casey, didn't like him very much. So Benoit rented an RV, lured Casey inside with treats, and embarked on a 13,000 mile road trip designed to help them bond.
Along the way they spent time with wolf-dogs in Appalachia, dedicated stray dog rescuer Randy Grim, got pulled over by a K9 cop in Missouri, visited Cesar Millan and so much more. The result is Travels with Casey: My Journey Through Our Dog-Crazy Country.
Part travelogue, part memoir and part informational, Travels with Casey made me laugh. It made me cry. It made me think a lot about dogs in general, but especially about my own dogs and my relationships with them.
I'd read some early reviews of this book that portrayed it as humorous. It is, however, Benoit also tackles some very serious issue regarding canine health, pets of the homelessness, overbreeding, dog rescue and much more.
At first I was disappointed. I'd expected a light hearted story of a man and his dog hitting the road. A compilation of their adventures together.
Instead I found a thoughtful examination of the relationship between this man and his dog. As well as the human - dog connection as well. Perhaps, as someone along the way suggested to Benoit, our dogs teach us to love. I know mine have.
I'm delighted to thoroughly recommend Travels with Casey to dog lovers everywhere. ...more
When Jan Dunlap's teen-aged daughter began to experience bouts of insecurity that reminded her of her own increasAn inspirational book for dog lovers!
When Jan Dunlap's teen-aged daughter began to experience bouts of insecurity that reminded her of her own increasing anxieties and depression, she reluctantly agreed to adopt a shelter dog. You see, said daughter had fallen in love with a black Lab mix at shelter dog adoption day.
No matter that Jan didn't like dogs. She was afraid of dogs and certainly had never wanted one of her own.
The resulting pet ownership growth curve resulted in Saved by Gracie.
As this self proclaimed "dog hater" learns how to be a dog owner, she finds that her anxiety issues disappeared in direct relationship to her increasing dog ownership skills. Through her growing relationship with Gracie, Dunlap rediscovered joy in life. And got her life back.
Dunlap's experience made her a believer that animals can be powerful healers. Plus, she discovered what so many of we dog lovers already know: dogs are good for us.
Many are the mimes floating around in cyberspace about rescue dogs with the tag line: who rescued who? Many are the dog lovers, like myself, who knew when we rescued our own shelter dogs, that those dogs were also rescuing ourselves.
Dunlap may have rescued Gracie from the shelter, but Gracie spiritually rescued Dunlap. The result is a joyful book of discovery about the magic and joy of dogs.
Saved by Gracie is an easy, enjoyable read for dog lovers. Plus, if you enjoyed Marley and Me by John Grogan, you'll definitely enjoy Saved by Gracie....more
Part memoir, part a handbook to choosing and living with dogs.
I fell in love with an English Bull Terrier when I was a little girl. Heloise was an essPart memoir, part a handbook to choosing and living with dogs.
I fell in love with an English Bull Terrier when I was a little girl. Heloise was an essential character in one of of my favorite books, I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. So I was definitely looking forward to Chris Olund's new book.
Oslund did not disappoint me. As she notes in the preface, every story has a dog. Her story has many.
Gracie, An English Bull Terrier, is part memoir, part a guide to choosing and living with dogs.
Billed as a handbook for being dog's best friend, the author not only talks the talk, but as she illustrates with personal stories, she walks the walk. Along the way Oslund has the enviable ability to laugh at herself while generously allowing us to laugh along with her.
A prime example is how Gracie came into her life. Following up on a newspaper advertisement, the author finds herself in the home of a "backyard breeder" interested in making money from their purebred dogs. While inside her head a voice is telling her to run (for many reasons), she not only leaves with Gracie, later in time she's able to foster, train, and re-home one of Gracie's sisters.
When contemplating adding a puppy to her pack Oslund notes:
"I did not want a winter pup as housetraining a pup in the Keweenaw during the winter is a fool's game entailing standing in snow drifts while 40 mile per hour winds whip through you and you're trying to encourage a wee animal to 'go potty' even as they are in danger of having what they eliminate become an icicle in the process."
Stories are told so intimately that I felt I was present in the moment. Advice, tips and suggestions are made with a gentle touch and wry humor, yet with 30 years of dog training and rehabilitation under her belt, also with great expertise.
From the chapter To Thine Own Self Be True:
"My dad likes to say, in reference to me and my dogs, 'How much of a glutton for punishment can one person be.' The rhetorical response in my case appears to be, 'Nearly endless.' In Dad's opinion, my willingness to take on high energy and/or problem dogs is a form of gluttony for punishment. In my opinion, I'm having a really lovely time."
And I had a really lovely time reading this book. Gracie, An English Bull Terrier is a thoughtful read from a woman is an authentic dog lover for whom "every story has a dog."
Do you love the Harry Potter series? Enjoy a bit of fantasy? Love dogs? Then you need to fetch Recovered by Amber Polo. You're in for a real treat!
RecDo you love the Harry Potter series? Enjoy a bit of fantasy? Love dogs? Then you need to fetch Recovered by Amber Polo. You're in for a real treat!
Recovered is the third book in Polo's Shapeshifters' Library, a delightful dog adventure series. Bibliophiles will be charmed by the "Dewey-speak." Dog lovers will find new beloved canine characters.
I laughed, as well as trembled with fear for Bliss and Harry. I also marveled at the imagination of Polo. It didn't take me long to be fully immersed in her world, even though I'd not read books #1 and #2.
Shapeshifting was new to me and, I confess, I thoroughly enjoyed Recoverd. My curiosity led me to the author's website where I discovered her quiz: How to Tell if Your Dog is a Shapeshifter. Oh, oh. Dogs who are unusually smart or good looking may be dog-shifters. Definitely need to keep an eye on my Golden Retriever, Jeffie, and give him some high quality reading material. Actually, I think he'd enjoy Polo's Recovered.
Truly, I don't want to say much more without giving away the plot. Recovered is a magical experience and so much fun....more
Tennessee Tails is a series of short stories about events that really happened in the author's veterinary practice.
How many times have you wondered aTennessee Tails is a series of short stories about events that really happened in the author's veterinary practice.
How many times have you wondered about the stories your vet could tell about his pet patients and their people? Well, here is a behind the scenes peek.
Obviously told from the heart, Tennessee Tails is charming and often humorous. Primm writes in a chatty, personal style. Almost immediately, you'll feel you're having a conversation with a friend.
The stories are fairly evenly divided between cats and dogs, so devotees of either should be pleased. Though ailments and diseases are involved, Primm does an excellent job of making sure we understand the situation without unnecessary, detailed medical lingo.
Some stories will make you cry; some will make you laugh. You may come away from this book wishing you lived near Chattanooga and could avail yourself of Dr. Primm's services. I say that because throughout the book, her concern for her patients and respect for their human caretakers, shines through.
I highly recommend Tennessee Tails: Pets and Their People by Kathryn Primm DVM and look forward to more of her tales from the heart in the future.
Another reason I loved this book: 100% of net proceeds from the sale of this book in the first year will benefit The Pet Placement Center in Red Bank, TN and the Humane Educational Society in Chattanooga, TN.
Rescue Me, Maybe is a story about loss and new beginnings. It made me laugh. It made me cry. And it left me well satisfied and trying to live life morRescue Me, Maybe is a story about loss and new beginnings. It made me laugh. It made me cry. And it left me well satisfied and trying to live life more like my own dogs.
I love the protagonist, Jane. She's what I like to call an honorable person. When the husband she was planning on divorcing falls ill with cancer, Jane keeps her mouth shut, sticks it out until the end and even puts up with a very pushy mother-in-law.
Jane is a loner. Though good at taking care of others, she is loathe to speak up for herself. I can relate.
Jane has a kind heart. No matter that her agenda is to get back home to San Diego as soon as possible, she's easily roped into helping out her aunt and uncle at their Arizona B & B because they really need her.
Jane is a dog lover. I keenly felt her loss of her Beagle boon companion. I was with her all the way as she figures out her relationship with the dog (Maybe) she recues at a highway rest stop. Having had a tripawd dog myself, I anguished along with Jane as she makes health care decisions for Maybe.
Jane thought she was rescuing a dog. Ha! As happens more times than we humans like to admit, it was the dog doing the real rescuing. With rescue dog, Maybe, as her teacher, Jane learns to open herself to new possibilities and create a nurturing life for herself.
What a barking good read! Bouchard writes with great compassion combined with humor. She deals with issues like death and loss with an attention for the ironic details that made me sigh and, yes, made me laugh out loud. Along the way, we meet a cast of characters that remain with me even though I long ago finished reading this book.
Rescue Me, Maybe is a warm, dog friendly tale that makes real the saying: Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans.
Do yourself a favor and snap up a copy of Rescue Me, Maybe. It's a great read from a woman who is an authentic dog lover. An added bonus: the author has pledged 10% of 2013 profits to the Morris Animal Foundation....more
A dog with mental illness and bullying neighbors create a perfect storm in this compelling non-fiction dog tale.
Yes, you read that correctly: mental iA dog with mental illness and bullying neighbors create a perfect storm in this compelling non-fiction dog tale.
Yes, you read that correctly: mental illness. This book is about a dog with mental illness. It is also about a dog lover who adopted that dog when she was still a pup, did everything she possibly could to make sure that dog had a good life, yet faced bullying by neighbors who made that dog's life a living hell.
I almost did not read this book. It sounded heartbreaking and, truth be told, I'm not good with animal stories.
Actually, this IS a heartbreaking story. Once I began reading, I couldn't put it down.
Crazy Bitch is not just another warm fuzzy tribute to a dog memoir. Tibbetts takes us on a journey of love and beyond-the-norm commitment to a dog. She looks for solutions until they simply run out. Along the way, she consults veterinarians, dog trainers, dog friends and does exhaustive research to rehabilitate her dog, Venus.
Going the extra mile turns into miles and miles, especially when neighbors - involved with the Tibbetts in town politics conflict - decide to take out their frustrations on the dog.
You see, Tibbetts blogged about her experiences with Venus. The neighbors, reading the blog, knew just how to target Venus in their efforts to bully the Tibbetts family.
Crazy Bitch is a great read. Not only is it an excellent look into the world of canine mental illness, but also in coping with bully behavior. Tibbetts writes in a style that draws you in, as if you're a friend. Within a few pages, you'll find yourself caring more than perhaps you'd like to about Venus and cheering on the author in her quest to provide her dog with the best life possible....more
I reviewed this book on my Talking Dogs blog this week. Here's my review minus the synopsis of the book.
I found Learning to Live with Fritz to be a goI reviewed this book on my Talking Dogs blog this week. Here's my review minus the synopsis of the book.
I found Learning to Live with Fritz to be a good summer read. Though I thought it would simply be light reading, I found myself contemplating a larger issue: dog as spiritual teacher.
Personally, I believe dogs have much to teach us, plus as our special friends, they have prime opportunity to deliver lessons about live and love. So, I was very open to Rawlins tales of her dog, Fritz.
The first (and largest) part of the book is a series of stories, some hilarious, some eyebrow raising (think Marley and Me), that give you a very clear picture of this little dog and how he is in charge of his world. And I do mean in charge.
Fritz/Frizbee leads his mistress on a merry chase of the good life. With his bad behavior, huge personality, headstrong temperament, Fritz seems an unlikely match for a woman who describes herself as a Diva.
Yet, the two make quite a team in life. The author notes: "Frizbee's sojourn here on Earth was the beginning of a personal transformation that I hope will continue for the rest of my life. It has become a journey toward self-knowledge, fulfillment, and success through service to others."
Part 2 Learning to Live Without Him, was even more enjoyable for me. I fully understood the author's heartbreak when it was time for Fritz to end his 15 years of life here on earth. More importantly, I enjoyed Rawlins' exploration of what she had truly learned from her beloved dog, both before and after his death. Did Fritz truly communicate with his mistress from beyond the grave? I leave that for the reader to decide.
If you're not a fan of opera (I'm not), don't let this dissuade you from a fun, thoughtful dog book.
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