Customer Reviews

Old Dogs Remembered

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Although each of the pieces in this book was inspired by the loss of a much beloved dog, this is really a book about vibrant, fully-alive dogs: family pets, fellow hunters, soul mates, and best friends. And while none of the dogs remembered so fondly here still lives, Old Dogs affirms the remarkably special place in the heart we reserve for our dogs. My own dog is sturdy in her middle-age, but reading the eulogies and odes in this moving anthology has made me appreciate more all the quirky habits I take for granted, like how she can't resist running off with one of my Reeboks when I'm shoeing up for our evening walk--the little prance she performs when I tell her, "Bring the shoe back!" Not a sad read but a celebratory one, required for every dog owner!

This is a remarkable anthology of stories and poems by outstanding authors of the past, as well as more recent times. Although these moving remembrances are only of beloved dogs, the lovers of any species of pet will find identical sentiments for their own losses. Whatever kind of companion animal you had, you will find your own bereavement and healing tears reflected here, as well.

Care was taken to avoid over-sentimentality, in this assortment of loving reflections of dogs, celebrated here. These accounts are full of love, and are sometimes even funny - and we are thrust into the realization that perhaps that is the most wonderful kind of living memorials we can have for a beloved pet. Too often, we lose this perspective, while trying to keep from drowning in our own bereavement and sorrows.

Rather than being a collection of sad literary memorials Old Dogs Remembered is a joyful celebration of life with pets. This inspires healthy new points of view and adjustments to moving on into our new lives, without them.

Here we are treated to many different outlooks on how they permanently enriched the lives of their owners. Reading these heartwarming pages will broaden the understanding of each reader, concerning his/her own personal bereavement. Here, we are offered the collective wisdom of others, who reminisce on their honored pets. There is much to be shared and learned here, as well as enjoyed.

With so many different authors, one must appreciate that references and styles have changed drastically, through the ages. As an example of this, some might find the essay by the dramatist John Galsworthy to be interesting, but a bit troublesome to read. And, as with any anthology, there may be some accounts not everyone would appreciate. But all pet lovers will readily identify with the overall shared remembrances, here. This is a heartwarming collection, which can be enjoyed comfortably, in several installments.

There will be many an uplifting tear shed in its reading, and we suggest it for your reading pleasure.

Prepare yourself to laugh, but be forewarned that you may also shed some tears. As a friend of the canine race and collector of books and articles relative to dogs, both sentimental and scientific, I can truly say that this collection is simply the best that can be found which profoundly portrays the dog-human relationship. I have provided copies to individuals who have lost their canine companions and it has provided much comfort. A parfect read and "must have" for canine fans everyhwhere!

read one of the short pieces in this anthology. They are also incredibly uplifting too. A brilliant bedside companion for any dog lover.

Old Dogs Remembered is a wonderful collection that reflects on the joy of being owned by a dog and being the object of unquestioning devotion. While it is the collected remembrances and obituaries for famous people's dogs long past, it also focuses the reader on the dogs in our lives now. Our dogs pass away, but we have the power to make sure they are remembered. Take a minute to reflect on your current companion or one that awaits you in an afterlife that can only exist because we love our pets. Write his or her story, and save it, for yourself, your children, or just for the future. All old dogs deserve to be remembered.

This is a great book to read if you are grieving the death of a beloved dog. This a great collection of short, long, moving, funny, serious, and sentimental stories about dogs. Many of the writers are unfamiliar names to me and I found myself wishing that the book included a brief bio of each author, or at least the date of the first publication of each story.

Like a good box of chocolates, this book is best consumed one piece at a time, slowly, with time to ponder, cry, and hug your dogs between portions. In Daniel Pinkwater's perfectly crafted essay, the reader can actually feel the writer's love for his big old fur-friend. I'm crying just thinking about it. Anyone who has had to put down an adored dog, anyone who has lost an old pal to illness or accident, will love this book. But it should come with a warning -- may cause ceaseless sobbing. It's worth the tears.

I first read this book when my own dog died. The collection of stories from sometimes famous writers about their own dogs and own losses is incredibly moving. It helped get me through a rough time. Since then I've given the book to others when they've lost dogs (or cats) and each one has really appreciated it.

Some of the greatest writers of our times have humbled themselves to celebrate the memory of lost dog-friends amd provide us with a spiritual boost. To experience the depth of feeling and understanding a human and dog can share is only possible through direct experience, or through the masterful language of these gifted people.

As a dog trainer, shelter worker and rescue volunteer, I am continually confronted with man's inability to respect, admire and wonder at the enrichment domestic dogs and cats bring to our lives. Even the most expensive purebred specimens are not exempt from man's ability to be inhumane.

Knowing that human intelligence and emotion at its highest levels of achievement and expression, through the works of these brilliant writers, recognizes the treasure that is the dog's presence in our lives, and deeply mourns its loss, gives me continued hope for humanity.

Barbara Davis
BADDogsInc
Corona, CA

These short stories (for the most part) were beautifully written without pretension. I was asked not to read them in bed as my spouse was too frequently interrupted by my giggles or by my (attempted) silent sobs. There were a couple or disappointing offerings, more often than not by respected authors.