Customer Reviews

Out on a Leash: Exploring the Nature of Reality and Love

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I've decided to write a review after perusing all the ones already written, and after reading the book myself. I want any future potential buyer to know what's what. Disregard all those comments that say Shirley MacLaine has lost it, is fuzzy-minded or too sentimental. While "Out On a Limb" remains Shirley's best book so far, this one is clear-headed as can be and deals with a different subject, a magical animal. What those other comments indicate is the readers' lack of a sense of humor.

You know some people are so darn literal, right? In truth, there are wonderful insights and wisdoms throughout the book. If you don't like animals, or if you think a dog is a dog is a dog, then you probably won't relate that well to the book, unless you recognize truth when you see it. This experience Shirley is having with a canine is rare. Her dog, Terry. is not your father's four-legged pal or your mother's cutsy, cuddly snookums. It's not about 90% of what most of us have experienced with a family dog or an adorable, sweet, or smart dog or cat that we loved and remember fondly. No, this is that rare 10% of animals that come into one's life that transcend the ordinary pooch or pussy. You have to experience it to understand it.

Shirley is NOT ga-ga in her dotage over a pet! She has been gifted with one of these transcendent animals and she is right: they do speak to their humans in many ways, and they love you like no man or woman has ever loved you (unless you're very, very lucky) before. I'm not talking about devotion. That's ordinary, expected. I'm talking about the real thing: unconditional love. We use that expression too much these days and most of us are lying about it. Frankly, we don't know what we're talking about. It's something we want to do, something we want to get, but we seldom come close. When we do, it's unforgettable whether it happens with man, woman or beast. It's a spiritual experience to be treasured and Shirley is one lucky lady.

I found this book to be charming, witty, open, intelligent and loving. It is classic Maclaine, complete with her deep interest in all things metaphysical. There is also a warmth that radiates through her writing, you can feel that she truly loves and cares for all her animal companions and especially little Terry.
I have always respected and liked Miss Maclaine, but there is a new "grace" about her life right now. She says she has found joy and peace because of her relationship with this smart and funny little dog. Who I am to argue?
Some people may shrug it all off as "eccentric fluff" and I have a feeling that would probably tickle her, but I know the "animal lovers" will get it and the spiritual readers will find some interesting wisdom to ponder.
This book and its photos share "down to earth" glimpses of a unique woman. You might not agree with her spiritual standpoint, but you can't ignore the love she feels for her home,her life and for Terry.

With life changing books like Out on a Limb and The Camino, Shirley brings us her new book with the same great inspiration.

Out on a Leash takes us into the reality of animal companionship and love. I my self have seen the soul that "fur people" can bring forth in people's lives. Shirley talks about this very topic and introduces us to her little dog Terry-and Terry talks to us to!.

This is an all-around great book about Love, Light, Pets and Shirley MacLaine! A worthy read for animal lovers and Shirley Fans alike.

Out on a Leash: Exploring the Nature of Reality and Love
Shirley MacLaine
Atria, Oct 2003, $23.95, 199 pp.
ISBN: 0743485068

When this reviewer first read the topic of unconditional love between a human and a canine, I had two thoughts: First what a bonehead topic that I refuse to gnaw on it. Second, a few days later I was thinking of something my husband jokingly said that my significant other was my now deceased dog Max. Shirley MacLaine points out that she has found may different types of love with her children, her friends, her spouse, her work, and even politics. However, perhaps the most perfect love she has discovered is that which she shares with her four legged pal Terry. Outside of chow, Terry asks little in return as she offers endless love with no demanding return on emotional investment.

Ms. MacLaine insists that she and Terry once lived in ancient Egypt and now they are together again with Terry serving as her spiritual guide through the potential end days because endless love is what it is all about. Thus at times over the edge, canine lovers will appreciate this interesting soul baring account on what is love told from two perspectives, that of the author and by Terry. Clearly written for the canine crowd (owners not pets) this is an interesting take on relationships. Though Terry's account of his beloved's lifestyle is obviously a mirror of Ms. MacLaine's biological looking glass, those who comprehend how a canine can be a significant other will appreciate this deep look into what ultimately is a truth.

Harriet Klausner

It seemed only natural to me that as far out as Shirley MacLaine has dared to go she should be drawn back into the reality of our human natures by a tiny dog that weighs only 4 to 6 pounds and has a heart as big as a lion, the grace of a gazelle and an unbounded joy in living. Shirley has captured the essence of this animal's nature and the inherent grace and understanding that refines true beauty, loyalty and love. Good girl, Shirley, you remain my absolute favorite, we are on the same wave length and our Rat Terriers must meet soon. We must be awfully good people to deserve to have such delightful creatures come into our lives at this stage.

A book far different from Out on a Limb, where her writing includes "We draw to us what we need to experience in order to grow", MacClaine comes through with this masterful book about her companion/teacher/buddy Terry. This fast moving book reads effortlessly. Terry is the spotlight... the performer/celebrity. Shirley continues to share her life experiences with the public, her trials and tribulations, joys, her continuing growth and wisdom. She even taught me several insights about dog psychology with which I was unaware. I say far different from Out on a Limb but in reality MacClaine comes Full Circle with this book. Out on a Leash is a kind reminder of the life and wonder of our four-legged pets and their unconditional love. Great to read Shirley MacClaine's books for as she evolves, she rubs that evolvement to share with others as we walk in Earth's big classroom.

I have followed Shirley's spritual path since she started writing about it. I read this book in a day and loved it. For anyone who has a spiritual connection with a 4 legged being, or any non human being, this book will touch your heart.
It is whimsical and real. It will make you smile and bring a tear.

I fell in love with Terry and Shirley's connection with him. Though she has many animals and loves them all, she has a special bond with Terry that only someone who has known that bond can understand. Keep writing Shirley!

I enjoyed this book; because being a pet owner I could definately relate to some of the things she was talking about. However there were times when it was a little hard to follow.

How could I not like this book? I love animals and am a Shirley MacLaine fan. It isn't necessary for me to ascribe to every single opinion she shares with us in the book in order to enjoy what feels like an easy-going visit and exchange of ideas (she doesn't hear mine, of course - but who cares?). I especially like taking a walk with her and her several dogs because she describes the views, activities and feelings so well. I bought the audiobook, and am glad I did. I just sit back and relax while Shirley reads to me.

Great love story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I happened to get my own puppy soon after reading this book and wow - I have experienced the love firsthand.