Through Otis' Eyes: Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy [Hardcover]

Patricia Burlin Kennedy (Author), Robert Christie (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 18, 1997

"This admirable little puppy helps us to see past our busy daily lives and to focus on what's enduring and important. Guiding Eyes for the Blind enthusiastically recommends this work…" — Richard Abbott, Vice President Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Through Otis' Eyes Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy Otis is a puppy with a very special purpose. He will one day become the beloved companion of a blind person who is seeking more independence and mobility. But, even as a young pup, Otis has already begun his service to others, opening the eyes of the family that rears him to a greater understanding of life. In a simple and heartwarming manner, Through Otis' Eyes captures the insights that can be gained from watching a puppy grow up. A sort of "daily inspiration for dog lovers," each page may be contemplated separately. When read cover to cover, the thoughts chronicle the first year in the life of a guide dog puppy. Filled with illustrations depicting the four seasons, the book imbues the experiences, joys and frustrations of bringing up a mischievous Labrador Retriever puppy. There are reflections upon the traits of dogs that humans seek to emulate, such as faithfulness and forgiveness, living life in the present and loving unconditionally. Please visit us online at http://www.mcp.com/mgr/howell

About the Author

PATRICIA BURLIN KENNEDY was born into a family that included a retired German Shepherd guide dog. Her love and admiration for these devoted animals led her to raise Otis and to write Through Otis' Eyes. Mrs. Kennedy has served for many years on the staff of the United States Senate in Washington, D.C., and as a volunteer for a variety of charities and organizations. She is also pursuing her interest in the human/animal bond. A graduate of Michigan State University, Patty lives with her husband, two children and two dogs in Northern Virginia. Since 1961, ROBERT CHRISTIE has been living in Atlanta, Georgia, and painting people and their horses and dogs. It seems an unlikely life for a boy born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, but an interest in animals and years of art study seemed to guide him right into it. Mr. Christie first studied art at Ohio Wesleyan University after which he attended and graduated from Pratt Art Institute in his hometown. While working as a designer, he did post graduate study at Pratt and the Art Students League in New York. During this time, in 1959, Robert and his wife Beth were married. They now have five children, three grandchildren and two sons-in-law, all in the Atlanta area.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Howell Book House (November 18, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0876054734
• ISBN-13: 978-0876054734
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #772,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspirational book about life., February 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Through Otis' Eyes: Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy (Hardcover)

As a former service puppy raiser, the book provides wonderful insight into the lessons learned about people and life while raising one of these special puppies. The story conveyed in the book provides meaningful inspiration to everyone, not just puppy raisers. The illustrations bring the story to life. Highly recommended!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very uplifting little book for dog-lovers and other humans!, January 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Through Otis' Eyes: Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy (Hardcover)

Watching her black lab puppy Otis grow up, the author learns a lot more about surviving life as a human -- how to appreciate each day as a special gift, to give love unconditionally, to forgive without thinking twice, and to appreciate the simple things. The lessons Otis can teach all of us are very thought-provoking. And the illustrations in this book are magical, capturing with exact precision the moods, facial expressions, body language, and trouble that puppies, particularly black lab retriever puppies, often get into. A very uplifting book for dog-lovers, and just ordinary humans, too. Highly recommended!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book!, March 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Through Otis' Eyes: Lessons from a Guide Dog Puppy (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book! I read it frequently -- whenever I want to remember what is REALLY important. Of course, my face is wet with tears by the time I'm done, but they are tears of gratitude. Read this book when you need to remind yourself that what matters in life is not fame or fortune, but love. Once again, animals show us how it is done.