5 comments about Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat.

1. 'Making Rounds With Oscar' helped relieve a lot of guilt I felt for "not doing enough for my mother". 'MRWO' showed me that you have to let go. I love Oscar and I love his book.



2. It heartened me to see a geriatrician who understands the impact and agony of dementia, not only for the patient, but for the family/caregiver.
   
   My 88-year-old mother has had dementia for ten years. As I was struggling to get my combative mom ready for an appointment at the office of her geriatrician of many years, expecting to see the PA as the doctor seldom bothered with her, my phone rang and one of the geriatrician's employees was calling to tell me not to bring my mother in as "Dr. W--sman feels she would be a waste of his time."
   
   I've never gotten over the shock of this ugly attitude toward dementia and the elderly. And from a "doctor" who claimed to practice geriatrics! And Medical Director for a respected MI hospital physicians organization!
   
   Thank you for writing with such understanding, compassion, and of course, the joy of Oscar, a most amazing cat.



3. If you have a loved one with Dementia, are a caregiver, or have just lost someone with Dementia - READ THIS BOOK. - We just lost my Father to Dementia related causes - and I can't tell you how this little book helped me come to terms with what we had just gone through. I have already given copies to, or recommended it to other friends in similar situations. Dr. Dosa is compassionate and understanding, and he uses the stories of Oscar's "patients" to explain Dementia - and the common thread all families dealing with the disease share. Some of the stories will make you cry and some make you smile but in the end you will know that you are not alone - and it just may help you.



4. This is a wonderful book, especilly for animal lovers. And it also gives us an insight into
   our nursing homes and things we can do to make the residents more comfortable. This is
   so typical of a cat. They certainly do their own thing and you just have to follow along
   with them. Knowing that Oscar made the residents and their families more comfortable at
   the end is truly a story of love.



5. In "Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat," David Dosa, M.D., chronicles the activities of Oscar, an ordinary house cat who lives at the Steere House nursing home in Rhode Island. Oscar has an amazing ability to predict when one of the home's residents is about to die; he literally climbs into bed with the patient and quietly lies next to them.
   I remember reacting with skepticism when I first heard about Oscar in 2009. The story of a cat who can predict when nursing home residents were about to die had made the national news, but I figured it was much to do about nothing. The cat, after all, is living in a nursing home filled with very old, and very sick, patients. And while Dr. Dosa cannot tell us how Oscar can predict when a resident is about to die, he does tell the story of an amazing cat who does provide an inordinate amount of support, companionship, and comfort for the residents, and their families.
   In "Making Rounds with Oscar," Dr. Dosa tells the stories of a number of the residents who live at the home. Many of the patients have dementia, and are in the final stages of life. Oscar is one of the cats who live at the nursing home, there to provide a "home-like" environment for the residents and visitors.
   But Oscar is more than just a regular cat. He does seem to know when a resident is about to die, does everything possible to get into the resident's room, and jumps on the bed to be with the patient when he or she dies. He provides comfort for the patient, and for their family members, who are suffering as they watch their loved one pass away.
   Dr. Dosa has a conversational writing style, and the book is very easy to read.
   While the subject matter, people with dementia who are in the final stages of life, is not a happy one, Dr. Dosa tells the story of the devoted and hard working staff of Steere House who do everything they can to make the residents as comfortable as possible, and a cat who has the uncanny ability to provide a great gift of compassion and companionship to people when they need it the most.
   Highly recommended, especially to animal and cat lovers.

5 comments about Rescuing Sprite: A Dog Lover's Story of Joy and Anguish.

1. This is a quick read book that tells the story about a dog rescued from an animal shelter and his resultant life with a family that truly loved him. We too have had a pet (four dogs, two cats) pass on to "Pet Heaven" and each time it has been very traumatic. Mark Levin describes the feelings of sadness and depression only a true dog lover could experience.



2. I love Mark Levin and I gave this as a Chrismtas gift to a fellow animal lover. It was very well received. Defintiely recommended.



3. I'm a big dog lover and have had different purebred dogs and "mutts" my entire life and its always devastating losing a dog who gives unconditional love and becomes one of the family. Loved all our dogs.
   
   Mark Levin and his family have a loving dog named Pepsi who they love as a family member. They get another older dog and name it Sprite. We see how both dogs become best friends and Sprite becomes a family member with unconditional love.
   
   The family only has Sprite a little over 2 years and Sprite comes down with a fatal illness. Its so sad as Sprite gets sick and eventually Mark has to have Sprite put to sleep in a most humane and loving action. Ive had to have dogs put to sleep when they are older,sick and in pain. Its never easy and you miss them so much as they give you all good things in life.
   
   We see both dogs gave so much love for the family and the family loved them so much. Its heart breaking. I shed a few tears reading this book and remembered each of the dogs I lost and the love they freely unconditional gave me and my family.
   
   Even though Mark is still depressed and sad with the loss of Sprite, his family gets another older dog with some health issues from a shelter. They together name the dog Griffin. Mark falls in love with the dog and wont refuse the family getting the dog. Griffin and Pepsi become friends and Griffin becomes a member of the Levin family too.
   
   I like the idea Mark had planting a tree and scattering Sprites ashes. As the tree grows and blooms Mark and family can be reminded of the good times and love they had with Sprite and the unconditional love and joy Sprite bought to everyone in such a short time.
   
   When our Boarder Collie Breagh and Swedish Vallhund Ada pass away and if I'm still alive I plan to have a tree and their ashes spread around the tree. Until then we will love and cherish our time with our dogs because they are precious and their lives are too short.
   
   Book 5 stars with a few tears.



4. Excellent book!! So real. So true to how pet owners really feel and bond and love our pets. I just lost my darling cat to lung cancer (of all things). Broke my heart as I loved on him through his last days. I prayed for God to cradle him as I was when his day to leave me came. Loosing a beloved pet is very hard for us who love them as our own family. The sorrow is deep and real. Mr. Levin's description was so well presented and so heartfelt. I also appreciate the way his friends sympathized with him and stood by him through the loss. Wonderful book!! Thanks Mark!!! (Dittos!!)



5. This book was so emotional. The love of this family for their beloved Sprite is really moving. I couldn't put it down even though the tears were running full blast. Thanks, Mark, for your wonderful story.

5 comments about Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates.

1. This book is well written, well researched and well presented by a very compassionate author.



2. I was initially very excited to see the title of this book and the subject matter. I was very disappointed, however, to find that the author decided to address the topic of evolution as part of his justification for his ideas. There was no reason to insert this controversial topic into this book. After reading the author's opinion on evolution, which I disagree with, I was totally turned off and could go no further in the book.



3. This book is about the loss of pets and afterlife. If you are religious, you may find comfort in the book. If you think our pets will meet with us in heaven, you may like the book. I couldn't read all of it. I cried too much and the book went into the bookshelf. I found more solace in Gary Kowalski's "Goodbye, Friend". I get that book out for relief more than any other. In Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates, the writer Gary Kurz states that God knew what he wanted to do in regard to creation, had the power to bring His plan to pass, created a perfect environment, created man in a perfect state of spirit, mind and body, created perfect animals to share perfect mankind's perfect domain, and intended for this perfect situation to continue forever without death for either human or animal. (pg. 32). What happened to that perfect world?
   Too much on religion and too little on loss. I'll let you draw your own conclusion.



4. I've finished "Cold Noses" today. I loved every minute. Mr. Kurz managed to write what
   I've thought was true after living in and around animals for many years. But, as he points out, many don't share the same opinion.
   
   Like Mr. Kurz I had a priest who didn't believe that animals
   had souls, but were put on earth to be a servant to man. hmm. I don't think any cat would agree.
   
   I think there was only one way to write this book and Mr. Kurz did it. He integrated
   opinions, with fact and research. That I appreciated. The books gave me a more definitive difference of creationism vs evolution. I too, thought that millions of years separated God's seven days, until I realized Gary was right. If plants were created first, there's no way they'd survive a millenium withought light.
   
   Like many of the other reviewers here, I've had my share of pet sadness. Truth is, they don't live as long as we do. They grow up live and die all within their particular life span. With my collies it was twelve, thirteen and fourteen respectively. Socks was twenty-five (horse) when he died. Punk (cat) was twenty-one. She wasn't even thinking of leaving this earth until then. I grieved for each and every one. And when three of the :"rat pack" collies passed away, not only did I grieve, but so did the fourth and youngest collie, Zuri. We rescued a collie from collie rescue and she's made a great addition. God sent her to us.
   
   This book is so timely to me. I understand from one of the reviewers that he though the book was poorly written. Maybe-maybe not so much. Yes, I found some redundancies, when I went back over the second time (yes I read it twice) The first time I found it so engaging, I must have missed all those errors.
   
   Patricia A. Guthrie, author
   Waterlilies Over My Grave 2008
   In the Arms of the Enemy 2007
   [...].



5. I bought all 3 books for family and friends who have recently lost pets.
   I copied and glued a beautiful poem on the inside cover as well as
   A picture of their departed pet. So far I can say that everyone has been
   Touched by this and just loved the thought and the book.
   
   There are some people who will think this is foolish but there are people
   Like myself who have never had children other than our furry ones. To
   Us our pets are our children and our lives. I know 1st hand because I lost
   My wonderful cat, Mr. Mean about a year and a half ago after 17yrs of
   Being with me... If you think about it that's a child graduating high school!!
   I wish someone would have told me about this book then because I am
   Sure I would have bought it for myself.

5 comments about The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven's Gain.

1. I just lost my dog of 14 years a month ago, and was searching for a book to help me answer questions. I read up about this one and bought it. I am so glad I did, it was an easy to read book, so I could understand, i was always confused with the how the bible was worded when i was younger. It had alot of bible references, and stories of children in near death experiences where they had seen their pets and relatives that have passed on.
   It made me see that we will meet again once we have passed on, now i have hope. I am still deeply upset, but i know i'll see my Misfit again.
   Lynne



2. I had already read There is Eternal Life for Animals, which is a more indepth book. The Rainbow Bridge was a repeat on the same subject and stories. I would read one of these and probably skip the other one. I personally liked Eternal Life for Animals more as it was more of a study book. The Rainbow Bridge was just an easier reading book. It depends on the individual which book, but not both, I think.



3. This book was so comforting to me after losing my cat that I had for 8 years. Being a christian I have always believed that God loves all that He created and that includes animals. I would recommend this book to anyone who has lost a pet.



4. Once again, I must congratulate Niki Behrikis Shanahan for yet another wonderful book, which has been researched and written with love and care for all of us who have loved and lost our dear pets.
   
   It must have been a long hard trail for her to pursue through the Bible to find the affirmation that animals do indeed have souls and that we will see them again.
   
   Having lost her own beloved kitty, she has empathy for all who have suffered losses, and I thank her most sincerely.



5. In May 2008 I lost an amazing animal and this loss book was one of the first books I read in trying to find comfort and solace in the loss of such an amazing beloved creature. I am not overly religious, although I do believe in God and am a spiritual person. While this book was comforting at times, I found it was also a bit hard to read with many citations to the bible in order to prove the existence of animals having souls and Divine Spirits. That said, I take my hat off to Nicki as her passion and love of animals is well and truly felt and that alone is comforting. After reading this book I read Animals and the Afterlife by Kim Sheridan and I found this much more enjoyable and uplifting.

5 comments about Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America.

1. We used this book for a course I taught in Costa Rica, essentially doing a chapter a day. It was informative for the class and work well in that capacity, but it isn't what I would call an especially good or deep read. It's interesting, but not transformative, I suppose.



2. I recently was required to read a book not specifically assigned by our professor but of something that sparks our interest and write a review on that book. I chose this book and found it to be a great choice. The class that this assignment was for was Physical Geography, which is a 100 level class. As a rookie in this area, I found my choice to be very informative and easy to understand. The authors clearly do a great job of writing this book for people of all degrees of knowledge in this area. They are able to mix some humor into the book that adds life to it rather than the boring, dry, text books we are all used to reading. For someone who hasn't read this book yet, you will find out what I mean by humor early on in the book when the author talks about dung scarab beetles. The authors cover a large portion of material in a laid back way that makes this read enjoyable even for financial economics majors who are required to take a lab class (like myself). It also provides you with enough knowledge and facts where one could keep a conversation going with a Bio major and not sound like an idiot. Overall a great read.



3. If you are visiting the rain forest, you absolutely must read this books first! It is well written and has a very broad scope. A good starting place to guide your own experiments and explorations in this wonderful part of the world.



4. This book is well written and easy to read and understand. The literary quality is not lost in the scientific terminology. A must read prior to a trip to the tropics. A good written explanation of why we should save the tropical forests.



5. I just loved this book. I have always been fascinated by tropical forests, and this book did a great job of presenting lots of factual information about them and at the same time giving a really good feeling for the aesthetic pleasure of being in one. Forsyth and Miyata are excellent writers, among the best pop science writers I've come across.
   
   I just wish I had read this book before before or during my recent Costa Rica vacation. it would have made it all that much more enjoyable.

5 comments about Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet.

1. If you are reading this book, you've probably lost a pet. This is a good book about your loss and tips on how to look at that loss, how to accept the pain. Although I was crying most of the time when I read this book, the writer makes you feel better and yet walks you through the process of loss. You don't have to be religious. You don't have to believe in heaven and that your beloved pet will go there. It's more about accepting life and dealing with death, yet going on in your life. You feel you're stronger after reading this book. I liked it. No preaching. No hell and brimstone. Pets die, we cry, life goes on. A good book and I hope there's more like this out there.



2. I can only speak for myself here but this was the only book that helped me when I lost my collie, Bear. I think I probably read just about every book on Amazon that talks about grieving for a lost pet because I was just lost and overwhelmed. Several of them were ok, but this book was the one that gave me genuine comfort. Because of that, I have purchased several other copies for friends whose pets have died.



3. It's been eight years since I read this book, and I was looking it up so that I could pass the details to my mother, whose cat passed away today. This book was an immense help when my cat died. So much so I wanted to write to the author and thank him - it really helped me through a distressing time. If you're feeling sad, lost and lonely after your pet passes away, this book will help.



4. This is a very easy to read and understand book. It is heartwarming and gave me comfort as I was going through the loss of my beloved dog. Make sure to have tissue handy.



5. As a Christian, I knew going into this book that the author is a minister of a Unitarian "church" that is not recognized as Biblical Christianity, so I accounted for that. This church's theology rejects Christ as the Son of God and equal with God, and their faith is guided more by reason and science than by the Word of God. Hence, there is a sense of spiritual and even emotional detachment when dealing with experiences and emotions. So I'll say at the top here that many of his expressions of faith come across as 'detached', so you'll have to move on from that and consider his presentation of nature and "the circle of life" which does have some benefit.
   
   Kowalski's scientific approach held some value for me because it helped me to reconcile the fact that losing my dogs (I lost both within 5 months of one another) was natural, beneficial for them and an experience of life at its most natural. In other words, death is a natural part of life; so if you prefer a more scientific-type approach to these matters, his writing may appeal to you. He does express his own love for his pets, there are some quotes in the begining of each chapter that are nice, and you'll find some compassion and affirmation there, but his view is so scientific in nature that you may imagine a very composed, straight face looking at you and saying, "Friend, it's a part of life. It's the way it is. Embrace it." Personally, I like a better balance between that sort of reality and the ability to reach into one's emotional experience at the same time.
   
   I think I highlighted a handful of helpful thoughts as I went through the book, and overall I appreciated his writing, but it was one of those books, for me anyway, where one reading sufficed. Whereas, another book "Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet", was a much more practical, walk-with-you approach that I gained an abundance from by comparison to Kowalski's book. It was much more therapeutic for me.
   
   God bless you and bring peace to you as you go through this time of grief, and if you are looking to buy a book for a friend who is going through it, I personally would recommend the above-mentioned book by Moira Anderson before this one.

5 comments about Animals in Spirit: Our faithful companions' transition to the afterlife.

1. Good book, lots of stories of how animals pass into the after life, since I am currently studying animal communication, and have lost a family member, my cat, Emily Anne, the book answered my questions to further understand and find comfort in her passing.



2. this is a wonderful book..I had just lost two of my beloved cats and it really brought me much peace...I would reccomend this book to anyone who wonders where our furbabies go



3. Thank you, Penelope, for this beautifully written book. I appreciate the ongoing awakening of our times. What a gift the animals provide, if we so choose to embrace their teachings.



4. Was very pleased with my purchase and even more pleased with the Book Monkeys who I purchased the book from. They were very personable and wrote me a personal letter regarding the loss of my pet cats. No other seller has done that. I will certainly recommend them to my friends and purchase more books from them.



5. I purchased this book after the passing of my precious cat in June. It has been a great comfort, offering an insightful look at the spirit life of our cherished friends while here on earth, as well as after passing on. Being reminded that animals are incredibly spiritual beings who come to us (and leave us) for a reason has been very helpful in dealing with my grief.

5 comments about Animals and the Afterlife: True Stories of Our Best Friends' Journey Beyond Death.

1. I read this book shortly after losing a pair of furry friends...cherished companions for many years. I knew why I was reading it too: looking out for exactly the kind of comfort these books are in the market for. The problem was twofold. First, it gave me exactly what I wanted to hear, except that for me, the effect was the opposite of what the author intended. I began to see the anecdotes as clear instances of psychological defense mechanisms and "grief reduction" on the part of the owners left behind. I also agree with the other reviewers who mentioned that there is too much spiritual philosophy in the book and not enough dealing with the raw experiences.
   
   The raw experiences are probably the stronger aspect of the material, and the author should have stuck with that instead of trying to sell us the interpretations of animal psychics and a philosophy of reincarnation. I would be satisfied if I could convince myself that kitty even survived. That he's back as kitty ##2, doesn't really do anything to boost my mood. All in all, a book of comfort, but to really persuade critical souls like myself, I would need a lot, lot more.



2. I love this book! This book has really helped me when my beloved teddy crossed over in feb 2009. I was looking for answers to my questions like: Am I going to see my boy again? Is he ok? Did he make it to the other side? Or is he gone forever? This book has answered all of my questions and more. I am happy i bought this book, i refer to it often when i am missing my boy. Nothing is gone forever. My baby is always by my side and will be waiting for me by the bridge.



3. This book helped me understand that god does take care of our furbabies. It has helped me work through my tremendous loss. It was insightful by giving examples of others losses and the signs left from their pets to let them know that their babies were okay.



4. I was so moved by this book that I just came to write my first-ever review, so I decided to see what others had written and was surprised to see what the previous reviewer said. Obviously that reviewer must have some strong religious dogma getting in the way of accepting this amazing book. There is not a stitch of "New Age Philosophy" in this book! In fact, I was impressed at how the author doesn't subscribe to any particular philosophy, but instead just reports the facts, the real life experiences of herself and many others, backed by a tremendous amount of evidence and credibility. The fact that some of these experiences seem to imply that God allows animals to return to us to continue the unconditional bond of love has nothing to do with New Age Philosophy! It seems to me like an act of love by our loving Creator. I myself am a Christian, so I noticed that the author mentioned that she was raised Christian also. This, to me, lends further credence to the amazing stories in the book, which clearly go beyond any kind of coincidence or philosophy. I have since researched the subject and discovered that, in fact, reincarnation was included in the original text of the Bible but was later removed because the "powers that be" (men, not God) found they could better control citizens who didn't know about all of the truths in the Bible. So the fact is that this book should appeal to all true Christians who want to know the TRUE word of God and not the adulterated versions of man. But regardless of what one wants to believe, these are beautiful stories of love, loss, and reunion. Also, the reincarnation stories are only in one chapter in the book, which is over 400 pages filled with a variety of real life experiences, so I think it's sad that the previous reviewer might prevent future people from reading the book that would otherwise help them the way it has helped me. Shame on people like that for writing inaccurate reviews due to some sort of personal agenda. I hope my review will help set the record straight. The truth is, the book was given to me by a friend who had been suicidal over the loss of her dog, her best friend, and the book is literally what prevented her from killing herself. In fact, it turned her whole life around and now she rescues animals. And then she gave it to me, and it has helped me in a time when nothing else could. So a book like that is definitely not evil. Quite the contrary, it's the most beautiful, heartwarming, spiritually uplifting, and genuine book I've ever read. My heartfelt thanks go out to Kim Sheridan, the author, for devoting herself to such an important cause. If I could give 100 stars, I would!



5. This book was very disappointing. It just wandered around constantly in new age philosophy and mysticism, without really getting into genuine spiritual encounters involving animals, or explanations of where they go after death. It was partially believable, but way too much made of the animal interpreters and reincarnation. The official reviews should mention this prominently so a buyer knows what they are getting into.
   
   Don't spend all this money on this book unless you believe in New Age philosophy.

5 comments about All Pets Go To Heaven: The Spiritual Lives of the Animals We Love.

1. My favorite book of Sylvia's! This book gave me the peace and reassurance that all animals go to heaven and their spirits do come back to visit. I have so much love for God's animals and continue to have a house full! I recently lost 2 beloved dogs one day apart and know that those 2 loved each other so much and didn't want to be away from each other. I have the peace in my heart that they are together on the other side running, playing and visiting me here on earth.
   
   Thank you Sylvia for sharing your love for the animals.



2. This book is a total triumph--just look at the sales, how many have paid for this, to know that even kitties and puppies and guppies and tarantulas have an afterlife and we'll all be together forever and ever! Sylvia Browne is the ultimate guide to "advancing to a higher level of spirituality." You should totally buy this book and ALL of her other titles, too. She needs the cash. Really. Do it now. NOW. Just suspend disbelief and stop asking those silly questions. Logic and rationality are so overrated. Westerners just want proof and proof and still more proof. Proof is a need of the spiritually immature. Let Sylvia guide you all the way. She even has an invisible spirit buddy named Francine who tells her about the Other Side! Golly!She's on "Montel," isn't she? What more evidence do we need that she's a fer-real psychic?



3. My theology certainly doesn't agree with that of Ms. Browne, but we do agree wholeheartedly about the bonds between humans and animals. I think the reviewer who was reminded of the "Chicken Soup" series has a point, but for me the resemblance wasn't a disappointment. This, to me, is a subject best approached through anecdotes; and I found these both touching and highly readable. There are some editing gaffes, but overall it's a worthwhile book for both animal lovers and those humans who find animal lovers puzzling.
   
   --Reviewed by Nina M. Osier, author of "Tabitha June Is a Shoulder Cat"



4. If you are interested in and enjoy Sylvia Browne books and cds this is a great cd. She has all sorts of interesting takes on the animal kingdom and why we have pets. The best feature of the cd is the help it provides for reconciling & coming to grips with a loss of a valued pet. It makes you feel better about an animal that has been with you and is an important part of your life. As with all of Browne's works you must take it with some amusement and as a learning experience. Ms. Browne is a wonderful gentle person who has experienced life to the maximum and one can learn from her even if you are not 100% sold on her views of the after life ect.



5. I bought this book for my brother-in-law who had just lost his beloved dog. I already own my copy which I purchased when I lost my Miniature Schnauzer, Abby after 12 years. I was devestated and Sylvia's book helped me more than I can say. It really gave me peace to understand that Abby never really leaves me, she is just waiting for me on the other side. Knowing that she is young and healthy and happy again made me feel so comforted. I have loaned my book to others that lost pets and they also found the comfort they needed. This book is for anyone that loses a pet, believer or not. It will give your broken heart a place to start healing.

5 comments about MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life: A Story of Love.

1. Dawn has shared [and bared] her inner-most feelings of how a beloved pet is such an intristic part of one's life. Dawn does a remarkable job of "leading" her readers to share & experience Maggie's life - teaching us all to love her, too. The loss is shared by anyone who has read the book. How life goes on is also shared as Dawn introduces us to Maddie ... never a replacement for Maggie...but a new way to share her love with another of God's creatures.



2. This book is a must read for anyone that loves their dog. It has information in it that could help save your dogs life. This book was heartfelt it truly pulled on a few of my heart strings. I would like to say, thank you Dawn for writing this book and to MAGGIE for guiding her way. This book has really made me think about how grateful I am for having my Black Lab Molly who is 13 1/2. This book made me think back at times when she was a puppy and what a joy she has been in my life.... as Maggie was for Dawn.
   From one dog Mom to another thanks again,
   Holly Churchill



3. There are scores of books to choose from about dealing with the loss of your pet, or a tribute to a much loved dog. MAGGIE is both of those and so much more as it explores the human-animal bond and the way dogs can communicate with us without a word. Dawn had a special connection with Maggie and intuitively knew when something was terribly wrong even though she could not get a diagnosis from the vet. When Maggie is finally diagnosed, too late, with an aggressive cancer she feels guilt over not acting on her instincts but uses that painful life lesson to go on and make a difference in the lives of others. I connected with Maggie's story on so many levels and couldn't put it down. My daughter has a black lab who looks so much like Maggie and has health issues as do so many of this breed because of bad breeding and genetics. My sister lost a beloved shihtzu last Christmas to the same aggressive cancer that Maggie had. Because I lost my "soul dog" in 2002 to melanoma, I am now fanatical about checking my dogs for lumps and bumps to catch it early while still curable. In September it paid off when a small black lump was removed from my 12 year old dog Wookie's toe that had only appeared 2 weeks earlier - melanoma. This book will touch you deeply if you have ever loved a dog and you will learn the lessons of listening to your inner voice when it comes to sensing that something is just not right with them. Dawn has taken a deeply personal story of love and loss and shared it with all of us who are devoted to our dogs and want to help and make a difference for all of those who don't have a voice. After the loss of Maggie she went on to rescue an 11 year old Golden Retriever named Chloe who had lost her family. Senior dogs hold a special place in my heart, as my "MAGGIE" was an old dog named Sam that I adopted at 7 and shared 5 gloriously happy years together until I lost him to cancer also. If there are dog lovers on your Christmas list, "MAGGIE The Dog Who Changed my Life" should be in their stocking.



4. A beautiful brave book, a story many of us will recognize as our own. If you have ever totally fallen in love with your dog - this may be your own story. Its often the first dog we have that is ours, they follow us everywhere, seem to understand exactly what we are feeling and need. They inspire us to learn more about them and ourselves. We grow, yearning to be who they believe we are and to deserve the love they give so freely. We regret not knowing more the second they come into our lives, but they are a catalyst for us to become more and be better more understanding caregivers. This is Karens and Maggies spiritual journey together, that is mirrored in so many of our lives. Dawn put it in words in a way few of us can, but for all of us who have experienced a "Maggie" - we will recognize ourselves and our one in a million dogs in this book and finish knowing someone else out there totally gets it! Thank you Dawn, you shared so much..



5. As I turned the pages of Maggie, the dog who changed my life, I felt a powerful kindred spirit connection with Dawn and Maggie. Their story is so similar to my own, and the path I am now on because of my own lab, Cassie Jo, who I lost to cancer in 2005.
   What I love about Dawn Kairn is the fact that she opens her heart wide to the world in sharing Maggie's story and their journey. She took an extremely difficult situation of realizing she should have followed her intuition, turned it into a positive, and now shares her truth in this deeply profound book.
   We can probably all say that at least once in our life we have wished we followed our own intuition. Dawn's intuition of cancer in Maggie, along with her vivid dreams, which she recalled and wrote in exquisite detail after each dream, brought to light what her gut was telling her all along.
   Even though there was a time Dawn could not forgive herself for not trusting what she believed was wrong with Maggie, she took a tough life changing lesson and turned into a blessing. The blessing of helping others understand that if our intuition is telling us something about our beloved animal, to follow it, no matter what anyone else says. She also takes all the heartache (and much joy) of her life with Maggie and shares it in this deeply moving memoir that I found very hard to put down.
   I laughed, reminisced, forgave myself for my own guilt with Cassie Jo, and cried for the loss of Maggie, who was a beautiful, knowing soul. At times I felt as if Maggie and Cassie Jo were twins because of the amazing spiritual lessons they taught Dawn and I.
   Dawn captures the essence and spirituality of dogs, as well as, eloquently gives us her heart by sharing Maggie with all of us, and I for one, am a better person for reading their story.