Customer Reviews

What My Dog Has Taught Me about Life: Meditations for Dog Lovers

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You don't have to be a dog-lover to love this book (I prefer cats myself)! This is a book to be enjoyed at many levels. If you're looking for some belly laughs (mixed with a few tears), they're here. If you like witty one-liners, the book is filled with them. However, if you are willing to deal with spiritual insights that will challenge you to the depths of your soul, amazingly, they inhabit this little book as well. Each of the fifty stories is self-contained (but I defy anyone to stop with just one!). I've not read anything so enjoyable or stimulating in a long time! This book is a gem I'll return to again and again!

A few minutes ago, I finished Mr. Stanley's book. I had wondered if there were others who learned from those special dogs who are insightful, attentive, intelligent and totally devoted. Obviously, Gary Stanley is one of those, and he communicates so well the blessings of sharing life with another of God's creatures.

My mother is a friend of the author, and for a while in 1999, she took care of "Griffin", one of the dogs described in this book. She talked often about his remarkable face and demeanor, and raved about Mr. Stanley's stories. Twice now I have been amazed at how right she is-- Griffin is an amazing dog-- he can look at you in a way that almost goes through you. And then to see that translated into these short stories is just amazing. "The Dog Who Walk Himself" has much to teach us, even though he probably doesn't know he's doing it. As this book shows us, God has many ways of teaching us His lessons. I think even my cat-loving self can agree with that!

Mr. Stanley's beautifully presented book sent my heart soaring and occasionally put a tear in my eye. If you have ever loved a dog, I predict you will enjoy this book. It's jacket will make it right at home on your coffee table, but this book will not just be a pretty decoration; it will be read and reread. Our family especially enjoyed reading it aloud to one another because it stimulated memories of our own dog and her antics. It is full of insight and love. I gave it to several friends and relatives for Christmas and the response was unanimous--THANKS for a great book!

I began reading this before bed one night and couldn't stop...this book is riveting! Dog and animal lovers NEED this book. The incredibly heartwarming and powerful short stories read like devotionals. If you have ever given your heart to a dog, you really must buy a copy of this book and have a box of tissues ready when you begin reading. You will most certainly learn or recall life lessons too valuable to forget.

I first discovered this book about 8 years ago. At that time, I purchased several copies and quickly gave them to my closest dog-lover friends. Since then, I have given this book to three friends upon the loss of their dog. I am so impressed with this book because of the content and the format. It not only sheds new light on the faithfulness and simple inner beauty of dogs, but causes one to contemplate one's own inner self. It provides both humor and comfort. It is such a poignant book that it will touch anyone who values their dog, whether the reader is a Christian (as is the author) or not. Two of the people I gave this book to were not Christians and absolutely loved reading and receiving it. It is easy to read, and will be read repeatedly over time by any owner.What My Dog Has Taught Me About Life: Meditations for Dog Lovers

The inspiring stories and their practical applications, the delightful photos, the endearing dogs, and the vulnerability of the writer make this book a must for everyone who has every been "owned" by a dog or wishes to be. The wisdom in the "Mutterings," the meaningful thoughts and scriptures in "Paws for Prayer," the tasty "Something to Chew on" sections, the artistic pen and ink drawings, the "photos that tell a story," and the paw prints throughout the book all add up to sheer delight. This is the perfect gift for dog lovers, even those who say they don't read.

I just finished reading this book and discovered an abundance of chuckles and many insights about my own life.

We actually met the author and his wife at a Family Life Weekend to Remember conference, so reading the book has a bit more special meaning for us. The insights, compassion, reality are thought-provoking and encouraging at the same time. The journeys are wonderful for us doggie-lovers, easy to identify with and nostalgic as the author recalls simple childhood pleasures and relationships with the dogs in his life. Just delightful, with constant reminders of our Creator and His love, even through the gifts of our pets. Highly recommend as a great addition to your daily "devotionals".