5 comments about Blessing the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond.

1. Blessing the Bridge is a book that everyone with a four legged companion should read. I purchased this book as my long loved companion of 14-1/2 yrs was what I thought close to crossing the bridge. Knowing that this was going to be difficult for both of us I knew I must prepare myself and her for the letting go. Reading this book gave me insight to talk with her and let her make the decision. We are three months later and she lays beside me as I write, snoring! What I recognized from reading this book is that I will rely on my baby to let me know when she believes it's time to let go. Allowing her to slip into a deep peaceful sleep as she crosses the bridge of serenity. By no means will it be a smooth ride when the time arrives, but this book will give you insight and a sense that you both made this decision together.
   I previously had to make a decision 8 years ago for my 15 year old and had I been aware of this book I certainly would have read it then to help us both through the decision making and letting go process. This is a book that will give you hope and a sense of acceptance that both you and your four legged friend can share. A must for all who one day will learn the true meaning of letting go.



2. This book really helped me through the dying process of my beloved dog of 10 years. He had cancer and toward the end when there was nothing medically possible for him, I came to accept he wouldn't be around much longer. This book helped me to see that death is a natural process for animals. They accept it as part of their life. There are many things in the book that one can do to help this process. I highly recommend this book. It brought me comfort during this difficult time and after his passing I refer to it often.



3. A great book for those who are in pain from the loss of a pet. Has a wonderful spiritual side.



4. I bought this book from Amazon back in 2003 when I was doing a study at Vermont College on Animal Bereavement. This book was and is like a gift from the heavens. Every night one hears these heart wrenching stories on the evening news of the dark side of the human heart. How deeply rewarding to read Rita Reynolds's book, "Blessing The Bridge" and to know without reservation that The Creator does indeed have angels, in human form, caring for the lost sheep. I would also submit to the reader that this book is a security blanket of sorts. Ms. Reynolds has been at the side of so many of her animal companions as they took their final breath. Therefore it is very much a solace for those of us that are in grief for our companions'. Get this book! It will linger with the reader long after the last page is closed and it is placed back on the shelf.



5. Rita Reynolds runs the animal sancutary Howling Succeses in Afton, Virginia. This is a place where the aged, infirm, and abandoned of the animal world find loving kindness and comfort for as long as they remain in this world. Rita is able to commit her life to this work because she has the heart and soul that are open to the loving and beautiful moments of this world; the takes them in and gives them back in beautiful ways.
   
   In her book Blessing the Bridge, Reynolds talks about her lifelong love for animals as friends and teachers. Her gentle, humble vision has opened the doors of her souls to animals and, really to God's Creation as a whole work rather than a bunch of stuff for us to use at will and at our convenience.
   
   Rita's book is about the sanctity of all life. Her book lifts up the grandeur of ordinar life because it celebrates life as a holy phenomenon.
   
   Seen in this way, the book speaks to the nature of all relationships. It lifts up and illuminates our relationship with the animal world and our relationships with each other. All life is sacred and interdependent.
   
   As I was re-reading Chapter 1 the other day, it occurred to me that Rita's loving her pet dog Oliver's cancer as a part of Oliver--that is, not treating the disease as a separate thing, an opponent or even an enemy but as a part of the whole being known as Oliver--could be seen as a metaphor for forgiveness and acceptance in human relationships. Bad experiences, shortcomings, disappointments in relationships--all these things can be embraced as teachers that open doors of hearts that ultimately open the way to God's gracious love.
   
   Rita Reynolds is a beautiful person. Her prose reflects her spirit. See for yourself:
   Chapter One: Creating a Sanctuary
   
   In the midst of a routine day I gathered my dog, Oliver, into my arms, and held his soft, small body close to mine There is a strong possibility, I explained, that the cancer growing inside you will eventually cause us to be separated from each other. As the word separated left my mouth, his face rose to mine. Although blind, his eyes danced, shining with life. I sensed that he was seeing on another level, within and through me. You will change worlds and I will have to remain behind, but I will always love you. Oliver turned his head downward as my words and tears cascaded over him. A knowing flowed between Oliver and me that in truth we could never be separated, and that everything was perfect, even the cancer.
   
   But I had not always felt so. When I had heard the diagnosis three months earlier, I had immediately made Oliver's cancer an enemy. That cancer was the monster that would tear my dear friend of eight years away from me. Later, in a reflective moment I realized that by declaring war on the cancer, I was making all of Oliver's cells the whole basic structure of his body my enemy as well. From that moment, rather than cursing his cells, I began loving and blessing them, even the cancerous ones, hoping this approach would cure him. But what if he died anyway? I asked myself in doubtful moments. Would I have accomplished anything at all, or wasted energy, time, and emotion? Was I entrapping myself in false hope, blind faith, and utter stupidity? I wondered if I was setting myself up for a hard and terrible disappointment.
   
   Oliver's tumor was in his bladder. The medical prognosis was that the cancer would not respond to surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. After introspection and prayer, I decided to begin my own integrative therapy for Oliver. My intuition, always my best guide, directed me to use sound and music therapy, color and light, supportive nutrition, and the prayer support of friends and family. At the same time, I also realized that it might just be Oliver's time to go.
   
   As we proceeded with these alternative healing methods, I began to realize that everything I was doing for Oliver was appropriate for possibly curing his physical condition, while at the same time helping him through his dying if that would be the outcome. I was no longer attempting a cure-or-nothing approach, which would imply success versus failure or winning versus losing. I had ended my battle against the cancer.
   
   No longer was this therapy focused on my little dog alone. Now, Oliver and I were moving in tandem through a mutual and inter-supportive healing on infinite levels. As with so many of the animals who had been in my care, I was once again learning when and how to let Oliver go, making sure I did so with unconditional love, grace, and peace.
   
   We walked through our healing, step by step. Nothing long range. I felt compelled to give up all my goals, including healing him. My job was simply to offer Oliver my full participation and accept each moment as perfect, no matter what was going on. It was easier for Oliver, he had no expectations. But I also knew Oliver and I were not alone. There was a boundless, pure spirit that led us with love. Oliver shone with that love.
   
   But when finally faced with the certainty of Oliver's impending death, I once again struggled with my emotional attachment and inevitable sense of failure. I questioned everything. Was the pain I saw cross his face only momentary? Would it pass, and then we would still have more time together? Or was it his way of asking for compassionate release? I could not decide, so I turned within and prayed for help. The guidance came and I knew Oliver was ready to leave.
   
   The day before Oliver died, he laid his head on my foot as I wrote down my thoughts about him. He communicated to me, Don't begin missing me yet. Share this moment with me, everything is as it is meant to be. And if you let me, I will guide you for all the moments to come.
   
   I will, I responded, out loud, knowing he was pleased. And so Oliver's life on Earth ended well. My friend and teacher joined me in this lifetime as a honey-colored terrier named Oliver. Through his living and dying, he taught me there is no such thing as life versus death, or success versus failure. Love given and received, moment by moment, is all that really matters.

5 comments about Dancing with Your Dark Horse: How Horse Sense Helps Us Find Balance, Strength and Wisdom.

1. I loved some of the insights and it's worth reading. However, I thought the Author could have been more focused on the overall picture and less focused on himself toward some of the later chapters.



2. Chris is open but he tries unsuccessfully to convince the reader that he was humbled and knocked off his high horse during a session with Stella the horse. Seems to me that he wants to believe he has become altruistic and has written a book to try and convince himself.
   
   To his credit he has come a long way in life and conquered many demons. But, many irrelevant photos and self praise show that his ego is huge, and insecurities large.
   
   Sadly, I suspect this book was an insincere effort to try and save face in the business arena. It is highly likely that Chris will have another greater fall and the resultant book will reach sincerity.



3. Interesting ideas linked with inisghts into Chris Irwins personal life, trials & tribulations. Very readable.



4. Chris Irwin wrote this book after beating a mare named Stella at a demonstration. He'd been working hard and shouldn't have accepted the invitation that day; he had been pushing himself too hard. The manager of the event set him up by sending three mares that didn't pasture together into the arena, and a fight broke out between the horses. Chris fueled the fire by reacting to the situation and beating Stella after getting the other two mares out of the ring. He nearly ruined his career as a result. And this book of excuses is his attempt at finding a silver lining in that situation.
   
   If you want to hear about how Chris' life has unravelled... how a young man his age has been married four times in his attempts to overcome his dysfunctional childhood, then this story may peak your interest.
   
   If you want to see a picture of Chris skiing, and a photo of Chris teaching his son to ride a bike, and a photo of Chris playing guitar and singing at a wedding, and a photo of Chris in his cowboy cocaine days in the 80's, and a photo of Chris when he was 15 on the rowing team in high school and won the championship -- then this is the dark horse book for you.
   
   Every photo is "Chris this" or "Chris that" -- and most of the photos don't relate to the text. It felt egotistically motivated, and I began to realize that Chris' dark horse is his insecurity -- and he hasn't conquered it yet.
   
   I'm very interested in learning about the spiritual connection between humans and horses; but this wasn't the book for me.
   
   I respect everything that Chris Irwin has accomplished in his career, but he needs to forgive himself and stop making excuses, before he can stop dancing with his dark horse.



5. Well known clinician, Chris Irwin, met his match in Stella, a dark mare who refused to play games. She challenged Chris, forced him to decide what was most important to him, and then Chris, in the form of this book, shares his lessons with us.
   
   Unlike most of the other books I've read, Mr. Irwin calls it as he sees it. He doesn't sugar coat the truth, that "natural horsemanship" is an oxymornon (there's nothing natural about putting saddle and bridle on the horse and forcing it to go counter to its natural instincts which tell it to flee), that somebody has to be the better horse, the boss, and that horses provide a mirror for our thoughts and fears. He provides food for the brain, stuff to think about, and in sharing his story, he brings the knowledge he's gained to others.
   
   I found this book to be very thought-provoking. I find myself thinking about my relationship with my horse in a completely different light. Could it be my inner fears (of falling off, getting hurt again) are mirrored in her flighty nature? Perhaps by facing my own shadow self, my dark horse, that it will help our relationship? Mr. Irwin, through his prose, seems to think so.
   
   I recommend this book for anyone seriously pursuing a relationship with their horse. From backyard ponies to professional trainers and riders, anyone can benefit from the information in this horse. And if you don't even own a horse, but am looking for a little soul searching, I'm going to recommend this book too. It is an amazing piece of work, and I am looking forward to reading Mr. Irwin's other titles.

No comments about Walking Ollie: Or, Winning the Love of a Difficult Dog.

5 comments about The Craggy Hole in My Heart and the Cat Who Fixed It: Over the Edge and Back with My Dad, My Cat, and Me.

1. This was a great book and an easy read. It helps with understanding the feelings about our parents.



2. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Geneen Roth is a very talented writer - I love the way she writes from her heart, letting others in her life, to help us learn and grow by seeing parts of ourselves in her life. This book has helped me get a grip on some emotions I've been dealing with for a long time. And in just a few days of reading I finished it with a stronger attachment to my own cats and appreciation for their place in my life, as well as for certain people in my life that I've so long taken for granted. Can't wait to read more from Geneen! I'm sharing this one with my mom, a cat-lover as well.



3. A beautiful and engaging story, this memoir deals with coming of age, learning to accept and give love, coming to terms with parents, and death and dying. Geneen Roth masterfully writes about many of life's large universal themes and puts them together expertly into a cohesive whole. This story will stick with you. This book is one of those rare gems to keep in your permanent library, one that will surely unfold a different lesson and mystery each time you read it.



4. I love this book and I often re-read it. Funny and clever writing. Easy to relate to and written with heart!



5. Parents, like all humans, are imperfect. When they die, we sometimes recall events, actions, and issues that make us question why we may have ever thought they loved us. Pets, on the other hand, come with no strings attached. They love unconditionally and are a source of joy that is boundless. Geneen covers losing both in the funny and touching book, which may offer healing and hope for those who have lost either.

5 comments about Rex and the City: A Memoir of a Woman, a Man, and a Dysfunctional Dog.

1. This book is great!!!!!!!! If you love dogs you must read this book. Wonderfully written.



2. This book is great. I read it in just a couple of days, I could barely put it down. I carried it with me everywhere I went and would sneak in a few pages every chance I got.
   If you love dogs, New York City or just want a few good laughs, this book is for you. The love and humor that Rex brings into Lee and Ted's lives is heartwarming. As an owner of two rescue dogs living in a major city, I can relate to a lot of their experiences.
   Rex reall showed Lee and Ted how to give and receive love.



3. I cannot recommend this book enough! From the first page, I was immediately involved with these great characters. The book is non-stop laughs and sprinkled with endearing, heart-warming moments. I truly couldn't put it down! I was eager to see what would come to Rex and his "parents." It is simply wonderful!!!



4. OMG this was hilarious! but also tender and loving and wise and true. This woman is a terrific prose writer, and I would definately read other books by her. This is the story about rescuing an abused dog and bringing him into a teensy apartment in a bad neighborhood in New York City! who would have thought such a tough beginning (for the dog) would have such a happy ending. bravo! viva rex!



5. I had read excerpts of this in Bark magazine (yes I'm one of those dog nerds) and was charmed then, and after reading the entire book, remain so. The things I think I like best are, 1) its a really accurate depiction of the trials and tribulations of getting a shelter dog and that transition, 2)as well as how complicated dog ownership can be in an urban area. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's not heavy or serious, but it struck a chord in me- someone who has experienced both of those situations. It's not all sunshine and roses the first day, and no one warns you about that. But that is also where some good comedy comes from. I enjoyed this book very much and would definitely recommend it.

5 comments about Ninety-Nine Newfies.

1. I ordered this book since I was soon to get a newfie pup. I am so glad I did. The book is filled with 99 different stories about 99 newfies. They are short reads that touch your heart. I just have to share the stories with whoever is around while I am reading it! It is a fun and inspiring book. Although there are no pictures ( I like to see photos of the dogs) it is still an excellent book.



2. This book is for anyone who's ever wanted a newfoundland dog! Know what your up against BEFORE you welcome one of these drool slinging, fur dropping, vacumn killing puppers into your life! 'Cause once you do, your done. Your life will no longer be your own, neither will your bank account, house, or anything else you used to hold in high esteem . This book will show you the ups and downs, the laughter and tears, and frighteningly, how much smarter they are than us!
   Read this book to understand you are getting so much more than a "dog". You are getting a human in a dog suit, in other words a Newfoundland!



3. This book shows the true sides - all the wonderful traits that we grow to love. Including the stuff only a Newfie "parent" can appreciate!

   Of course, with 4 of the stories being about my "grandpuppies", I had to have it on my bookshelf!




4. This is a must have for any owner or wanna-be owner of a Newf (or any dog for that matter)! Through the eyes of many different people you can pull together a true picture of what life with a Newfie can be, from the good to the sad to the ridiculous. The varying perspectives come together to show what wonderful, loyal, loving furballs these `Gentle Giants' are and how much they can add to your life. In addition, 90% of the profits made on this book are going to the Newfoundland Health Challenge for scientific research to benefit this beautiful breed. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll want to hug a Newfie! Congratulations and thank you Pat for putting it all together :)



5. While readers of this book will enjoy the benefits of generous doses of laughter (and sometimes tears), Newfoundland dogs everywhere will benefit from the purchase of "Ninety-Nine Newfies." The author, Pat Seawell, is generously donating 90% of the book's profits to the Newfoundland Health Challenge, a trust run by the Newfoundland Club of America, which funds scientific research into Newfie health problems. So buy the book to bring joy to yourself and to bring improved health to our Newfoundland friends.

5 comments about Healing Powers of Pets, The: Harnessing the Amazing Ability of Pets to Make and Keep People Happy and Healthy.

1. If you are interested in the ways animals and humans have found ways to help and heal one another -- then this is the book for you. I am deeply impressed by the layers of information and deeply researched examples of ongoing pet and human partnerships in living well, healing, and transcending personal tragedy. If I were to offer one book to both the pet lover who is already persuaded at the amazing gifts of animals, and to the skeptic who isn't sure that pets do more than entertain or receive our projections -- this would be the book. It is a serious book with beautiful, remarkable stories and scientific efficacy to support its claims.



2. The book arrived in an excellent condition at the promised time.
   As this was a present for a friend it was greatly appreciated
   Susan



3. I am a dog lover in particular and a pet lover in general. Pets definitely have healing powers. The interaction between human and pet is healthy. In terms of my love for a dog the benefits are extensive. This book is scientific and gives the evidence that proves the healing power of pets. It is not speculation. As you read the book you will learn of the many ways in which your interaction with pets will maintain and enhance your good health.



4. The fact that this book was written by a co-author of "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul" (a book that I loved) is one of the things that made me pick it up. However, "Healing Power of Pets" is more than a collection of animal anecdotes. There's a lot of good, solid scientific information woven in, too. Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian who has worked with Animal-Assisted Therapy programs, cites numerous studies which show that people who are bonded with their pet(s) lead longer, heathier lives.

   On page 74, for example, he refers to a 1995 study conducted by Erka Friedmann, a professor at the Department of Health and Nutritional Studies at Brooklyn College. She recruited 392 patients who had suffered heart attacks and were part of the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial. Of these, 87 owned dogs and 282 did not. A year later, only one of the dog owners had died, while 19 of the non-dog-owners had passed away. In other words, people who own a dog are far more likely to be alive a year after having a heart attack.

   Why is this? Many reasons are given in the book: dog owners get more exercise, they take better care of themselves because they feel responsible for the dog, they relax while petting the dog, they are less lonely because of the dog, etc. Other studies have shown that the act of stroking an animal's fur lowers the human's blood pressure like a form of meditation.

   As a Jewish educator reading this book, I could not help but reflect on the fact that, compared to the general population, far fewer Jews have pets. In the Orthodox and Hasidic communities, especially, it is rare to see a dog in the house. One reason is because dogs were used to track and kill people during the Holocaust and other persecutions, so they have bad associations for many Jews. I understand this. Still, I found myself wondering how many of those 282 non-dog-owners in the Brooklyn College study were Jewish. (Brooklyn has a high percentage of Jews.) Are we allowing Old World fears about dogs to deprive us of a valuable form of therapy?

   The pet doesn't have to be a dog, however. Cats (of which I have ten!) are equally therapeutic. So are other species, such as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc. Even watching a tank full of fish can help a person to relax. The important thing is the Bond between the animal(s) and the human(s). Reading this book confirmed in a scientific way what I have always believed in my heart: this special Bond is a healing gift that God designed into the very fabric of creation.




5. Dr. Becker and Danelle Morton describe the positive effects that animals bring into our lives. They focus mostly on dogs and cats in this book and only briefly touch on other pets such as birds or rodents. They combine individual testimonials concerning animals assisting sick humans with data from researchers who study animal behaviour, and interviews with therapists who use animals for therapy. He sites several examples of nursing homes that have resident pets trained to assist in therapy sessions and discusses how these animals bring joy to lonely and/or ill elderly. More importantly, Dr. Becker details the type of pet best suited for a particular personality or illness.

   He candidly points out that pets are not for everyone; that sharing your home with an animal requires great commitment and sometimes expense. He outlines the required care, loving and guidance needed. For me, this was the most important point in his book.

   This book is well written, easy to read and absent of technical jargon. This book is not a treatise of recent scientific research on the subject of animal behavior or the use of animals in therapy. Most of the heart-warming stories are testimonials rather than solid scientific data, but anyone who truly shares a bond with an animal will appreciate these stories.

   I recommend this book for anyone thinking of getting a pet, who already has a pet, or who simply loves animals. I particularly recommend this book to folks who see animals only as a commodity or worker/helper/hunter. It's an enlightening book.

5 comments about Saying Good-Bye to the Pet You Love: A Complete Resource to Help You Heal.

1. Finally, a well written and very helpful book on grieving the loss of your pet. Dr. Greene shares a nice mix of pet owner stories and wonderful, proven exercises to help you move through your own emotions.
   
   Best of all, for us, was her suggestions on how to respond to others who may not share as strong a bond with pets. Her simple paper-pencil assessment helped us understand where we fell on the continuum from pets are animals to pets are family members. Our 14 year dog was definitely a family member to us!
   
   Her book provided us comfort, humor, and a sense of peace about not having to defend our grief over the loss of our dog. We highly recommend this book to anyone whose pet recently passed away, and to those with dogs and cats faced with the tough decision about putting their pet down at the vet due to a serious medical condition. Get it, read it, and allow yourself to celebrate your pet's life and its positive impact on you.



2. I found this book in a program that offers courses for R.N. continuing education. What a wonderful book! We have had many pets over the years. With three kids in the family, we've loved frogs, lizards, fish, cats, dogs and a horse. My horse is 25 yrs. old now and that's why this particular book caught my eye. I think it is very well thought out and written. I give thanks to Lorri Greene and Jacquelyn Landis for addressing the love that we have for our companions and how to help them-and us- to go on when their time comes. My daughter is in Vet school. I'm giving this to her. Good Book!



3. I got this book soon after I lost my 10-year-old Persian male soul mate, and it really helped me through a time of great sorrow. There are exercises to do that help you work through your grief and help you to understand your feelings. I highly recommend it for anyone dealing with the loss of a pet.



4. I ordered this book and waited for it eagerly, based on "Search Inside" reading I did on Amazon. I hoped the chapter devoted to guilt experienced by "animal guardians," as the author considerately calls pet owners, when euthanasia or an accident precipitates a pet's death would speak to me. Therefore I was surprised to find the book more clinical than inspirational. I also found it emotionally distant from its subject...which perhaps is to be expected, considering that it was written by a psychologist. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone suffering from deep grief over a lost pet.



5. Being in the mist of animal grief right now I just recently got this book. One of the things the author says is why one is grieving is to not look at the animal's toys or photos until later. Well the first thing I wnat to do is to have their photo out. She seems to contradict herself when she says there is no right or wrong way to heal then she says don't do this or that. I found the book trite, unfeeling ,and cold. I am sorry I bought it. I will return it and get "The Loss of A Pet" instead.

1 comments about Dogs We Love: With Jane Smiley, Armistead Maupin, Ann Beattie, Edward Albee, and 14 Other Dog People.

1. This is a chunky, endearing, handsome book that's just confirms everything we most love about dogs. But these are MASTERS of prose here, as well as being "masters" of their family dogs. So just imagine the novelists and short story writers you love sharing stories of their own canine companions. Jane Smiley on her golden's insatiable fetching, Armistead Maupin on his dog's uncanny ability to interfere with anything romantic, Merrill Markoe on her small dog's undeniable love affair with her slipper. There's Danny Shanahan writing and illustrating a short guide on how to read your dog's behaviors. There's--well, there are sheep dogs, mixed bred wonders, Labs, bull dogs, unruly dogs, cockers, spaniels...and a pack of other dogs photographed in black and white by Robin Schwartz that make this book the perfect gift to give or keep. Plus the book's profits are part of Rosen's ongoing efforts to support animal welfare agencies.

1 comments about Bandit: The Heart-Warming True Story of One Dog's Rescue from Death Row.

1. Just like her other book, Animal Happiness, Vicki Hearne really makes you care for Bandit another animal outcast that she rescues. Hearne goes to court and fights for this dog. This is a great, heart-warming tale that any animal lover will fall in love with.