Customer Reviews

Old Friends: Great Dogs on the Good Life

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Mark J. Asher's passion and talent for photography, and, in celebration of senior dogs everywhere is compassionately and brilliantly presented in "Old Friends". Mark truly captures the personality and ageless wisdom of each senior dog photographed. Plus, the "longevity secrets" next to each photo will make you grin from ear to ear! I received this book from a fellow dog lover, after my own sweet Golden passed away recently at 13.5 years, and, as I savored each page with laughter and tears, I felt like I was receiving a warm hug. "Old Friends" is a MUST addition for every dog lover's bookshelf. Or better yet, coffee table, so that it can be enjoyed daily and shared with loved ones. A Treasure!!!

At first glance I was attracted to the book, Old friends-great dogs on the good life because of Mollie's face on the cover, who so reminds me of my own most beloved senior friend and companion, Duke, who is the love of my life. The book takes on a very caring and personal relationship with our furry four-legged friends and companions who demonstrate unfettered, unconditional love and devotion. Mankind could "learn a lesson" from these wonderful creatures of God, who indeed, possess and exhibit strong emotions and feelings, although unheard because they have no voice. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and perspectives on our "senior pals".

"Old Friends" really captures the soul and spirit of elderly dogs. My dog Harry was given to me when he was 8 by my mother just before she passed away. He is 15 now and still going strong! He is my best pal who has been with me through thick and thin. Thanks, Mark, for recognizing how special these old friends are.

I purchased Old Friends as a holiday gift for the director of the animal rescue where I volunteer. She is the type of person who will pass up the cages of wriggling puppies at the pound and, instead, take the old blind boxer, the 13-year old shih-tzu with bad knees and a heart murmur, or the 8-year old brother/sister pair of dachshunds, cringing in the corner of their crate. All have been rescued, and all adopted. She, like Mark Asher, author of Old Friends, recognizes there are many dog lovers who value the companionship of canine senior citizens. Mr. Asher's book so beautifully captures the spirits of these lovely old dogs, who can still be affectionate, playful, and even, on occasion, bad! The photos are moving and the narrative is inspiring, and funny. My favorite is Bailey, the loudly snoring, gray-whiskered old pug. If you live with, and love, an old friend, who happens to be a dog, you must have this book. It is a fitting and beautiful tribute to our Old Friends. I can only hope that Mr. Asher is similarly inspired to create another beautiful book about feline Old Friends.

I found this book via Bark Magazine. Living with my own 14 year old "Old Friend" and reading this was the first book for a local Bay Area artist, brought me to buy it.
This book touches every emotion and you would be missing out if you don't buy this book.
I carry the book with me to share and show people how special are "Old Friends." All my human friends who have been blessed to live with and care for an "Old Friend" now have a copy of this book.

I share my life with a 10-1/2 year old yellow lab named Jessie. Mark Asher's book reminded me of how fortunate I am to have Jessie in my life. We're both getting "long in the tooth" now and share some of the same ailments. I have learned much from watching Jessie as she has grown older. She's lost her speed and can't do the stairs anymore, but she's never lost her zest for life. She still has that sparkle in her eye and her tail never stops wagging--definitely the key to living a long life. Thumbs up to the author for showing us that there is beauty in aging. The photos are so expressive. I received "Old Friends" for Christmas and plan to buy several copies to share with my other, less furry friends. Even people without dogs will appreciate this book. It's sure to bring a smile to any reader's face. I highly recommend this book. Keep it on the nightstand for a quick reminder that life was meant to be simple and enjoyed. Enjoy!!

Having just been bought "Old Friends" as a gift I feel compelled to write to let all other dog lovers how fabulous it is.

It has made me laugh out loud and cry at the same time and it is just the most amazing, heart-warming book of dogs I have ever seen.

I am sure I will be leafing it many times over from today forward and I should like to sincerely thank Mark Asher for his homage to the older dog.

As the owner of six elderly dogs, the pictures and captions in "old friends" caused the love I have for them to burn that much brighter. All of my canine companions were rescued from either shelters or abusive situations, several were old when we took them into our home. You CAN teach an old dog "new tricks" . . but one think they don't have to learn is love and loyalty for those who care for them. As seen in "old friends" their faces reflect the devotion and wisdom only gained through time. As a person involved in humane society efforts for the last decade, I would only wish that people were more open to adopting the elderly dogs . . none of us knows how much time we have here on earth. A few last years, well-lived and well-loved, are worth more than words can express . . but these pictures say it so very eloquently. On behalf of all the old "geezer" dogs out there, thank you to Mr. Asher for making them the subject of your camera . . . beauty is not only found in the young, but in the timeless depths of an old dogs eyes. They reflect the love given and it's returned ten-fold.

"Old Friends" is a wonderful book which I take pleasure in reading over and over. Mark Asher's photos of older dogs are sensitive and beautiful. He has been able to capture the character and essence of each individual dog. At the same time, I feel as if I have met these dogs before because of the enduring sense of intrinsic dog spirit captured by Mark's masterful photographs. This book puts forth it's theme clearly and simply which, in my opinion, enhances the entire visual and sentient experience. It has become my favorite gift to give friends and dog lovers.

I recently rescued 2 senior dogs from my local pound, 12 & 10 yrs. old, and received "Old Friends" from a co-worker for Christmas. I found the book very moving and thought Mark J. Asher did a great job of capturing the essence of these old dogs, both through his pictures and their "Longevity Secrets." The book brought tears to my eyes and made me smile, too.