94 of 95 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Prior review is RIGHT. This book is a must in public schools, March 18, 2000
This review is from: Kinship with All Life (Paperback)
When I drove my Sheltie to the Vet to be spayed, she was shaking violently. Yet she was in that car *every* morning, riding with me on my errands. How could she know *this* morning was different? So, AS AN EXPERIMENT, I changed my view. (I'd been apprehensive as well) I told the dog, mentally, what was going on and also told her that she did not need to be afraid. I told her that she may experience some discomfort after this procedure, but it would be minimal and this surgery was in her best interest and there would be a good outcome. I told her that Love was present at the vet's office and the presence of Love forbade the entrance of fear. Her shaking quickly stopped and she laid down comfortably in the seat.
My childhood dog (he passed years ago) also was very sensitive to thought.
Boone's book - Kinship with All Life - proves that these examples are not the exception but the rule. Reading this book (just recently) has changed me forever. One of my all time favorites. I have always assumed dogs were "not too bright" but I have now have great respect for their capacities.
This book is a quick read, but it causes a real paradigm shift in thought. Nothing IN THE UNIVERSE will look the same after you read Boone's little treatise on animals.
One last note - In every book I've read about life after life, there is one constant theme - When the departed talk about returning home to say good-bye to loves ones, they always add "No one in the room could see me or hear my words, but the dog kept barking at me and looked right at me..."
Dogs see through the veil that obscures our own thoughts.
rosethorn@home.com
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58 of 58 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational, January 21, 2002
This review is from: Kinship with All Life (Paperback)
When my friend gave me this book to read, I groaned inwardly. "Oh no," I said to myself, "not another cutsy-cutsy book about animals." Boy was I wrong! This little book is one of the most profound I have ever read. I certainly will never look at another creature ever again without recognizing the consciousness inhabiting it.
The majority of the book is about the author's consciousness-raising experience with an amazing dog named Strongheart, who taught the author that every creature has within it an aware being. The story of the author's unfoldment of awareness is simply mind-blowing. I am going to buy and give away copies of this little book to all of my friends. It's NOT just about animals, and communication with them, but about life, the universe, and everything (no joke!). From his interaction with animals the author gained insight into the nature of existence itself.
Even if every story in the book was made-up, it still wouldn't detract from it's impact -- these are well-written stories which all have a deep and inspiring message.
I can't recommend this book highly enough, I consider it a must-read for every human being. Published in 1954, it is still in print, which should tell you something about the quality of this narrative.
Enlightening and inspirational!
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39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Native Americans aren't bitten when barefoot?, December 21, 2000
This review is from: Kinship with All Life (Paperback)
I haven't the ability, as Boone claims, to befriend and charm the flies from the air or persuade armies of ants to peacefully retreat from my kitchen. Nor have I sat with skunks and gazed at the moonlit evening sky, but I was intrigued.
This read was well worth the small investment of time. I read it while my wife and I were expecting our first child. Late in the pregnancy we started filling our nest with baby necessities. To save money we borrowed a crib from a casual, but generous colleague of my wife. I've never been to their home before and I doubt that my wife had either. As soon as we stepped out of our car, their dog began pacing, barking, growling and getting really worked up. I could imagine lots of reasons: we're strangers; we're a threat to the woman and her child; we're taking their sentimental crib that contains all of their scents, etc.
I've been bitten by strange dogs before, but I shrugged and thought this would be an ideal time to try out Boone's advice. I approached the dog, not the host, when the door was opened. While the dog backed up growling and posturing, I mentally told the dog that we're invited guests; that we are expecting a baby that we'll love just like this family loves theirs, that they're lucky to have such a loyal and brave dog in their home; how pretty the dog is; how if she calmed down I could pat her and tour the house; that we'll return the crib afterwards and so on. Well, to the astonishment of my wife, myself and most of all the hostess, the dog calmed down, wagged her tail and licked my face! I was glad to make a new friend. The hostess kept going on and on about how she couldn't believe that I was able to calm this particular dog - and so fast! I have had similar experiences with other animals whose 'owners' caution me 'don't like anybody'.
I had never heard of the author, Strongheart (pre-Lassie & Rin Tin Tin) before Wayne Green mentioned it on a talk show. The title is off-putting as it sounds so impossibly enlightened, but after reading several glowing reviews, I began to look for it.
I was amazed to discover the book is more pamphlet-sized, and reminds me of something you'd read at camp or in the waiting room of a doctor's office. If I were a vet, it would be amongst the leaflets and Cat Fancier, Dog Lover's Monthly titles.
Anyway, the premises all underscore respect: be attentive to each animals perspective and needs. Tell the animal all of the things that you admire about it; Be willing and open to learn. Ask them for their patience and give them your attention. If you are skeptical, I understand. I was and I am still. New ideas and friendships takes time to establish any bond, trust and comfort. If, for example, an animal isn't willing (abused, hungry or tired) or you are impatient, the likelihood of any 'kinship' or communication diminishes. Also, some animals are bred or easily conditioned to perform certain tasks like herding, retrieving and guarding. Others, like Strongheart, are exceptionally communicative and are the best kind of learners and teachers.
Currently, I have a parakeet and a stray tabby/burmese mix. Both get jealous, bored, lonely, silly and so forth depending on their circumstances. If I'm distracted, I won't notice their body language. Or if they're annoyed, they're less receptive. Boone's book helped me to consider their place in my life and they sure seem to respond.
I didn't read the book to train animals. I have since successfully called out to the bird and/or cat from the other side of the house with just a mental image, like a vivid wish. Amazingly moments later they will fly or gallop into the room ready to play and receive my affection. I don't do this constantly but if it's sincere and not a trick, it usually works. I really do try to minimize the amount of psychology I project into the mix, and simply enjoy their company.
Good luck.
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