Customer Reviews

A Widow, a Chihuahua, and Harry Truman: A Story of Love, Loss, and Love Again

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Is there anything good that can possibly come from the experience of grief? While most grief books often focus decidely on the grim, this author finds humor to be a healer of her heart. If you are grieving, you too will find something to smile about as you read her story of recovery from the loss of her husband through taking on a new pet and embracing the wisdom of her most-admired president, Harry Truman. This book transcends its categorization, however, as a grief recovery book. Anyone would enjoy it!

This wonderful treasure of a book will have you laughing out loud one minute and reaching for the kleenex the next. It doesn't matter if you have lost someone dear to you or not, whether you own a dog or even if you know nothing about Harry Truman, this book's universal theme of finding your way back after a loss of any kind, will stay with you long after the last page. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I really related to this story as I too, lost my husband two years ago with cancer. Also my chihuahuas and cats and birds have been my salvation. I really understand where this lady is coming from. She did an excellant job of relating the real feelings one experiences with a death of a loved one. My hat is off to Mary Beth as a really great writer and may she find the happiness she deserves. I too, believe there is a connection with dog and God.Carole

I found this book while searching for manuals on how to raise my new chihuahua "baby." He came into my life not because I had lost someone to cancer like the author, but as a last-chance effort to get over a broken heart. In the end the cause of the loss didn't matter; I could totally relate to the author, her grief and the healing power of 6 pounds of atomic puppy.

My thanks to the author for a book that was an integral part of my recovery and for validating all the feelings I thought were mine alone.

This book is not for the literary snob, or high-brow reader; however, it's pure delight for anyone who thinks they'll never love again after a loss.

I am always attracted to reading books about how "ordinary" people deal with loss and grieving, but I am also a big fan of Harry Truman, so when I saw the title of this book I bought it sight unseen which was fortunate. I really enjoyed the book and was deeply touched by the author's experience and appreciate her ability to honestly recount her painful experience. She is definitely a warm-hearted person I could see hanging out with, hence spending today with her book was quite rewarding.

An added plus is her wonderful sense of humor. When I read about Truman (the dog) in Chapter 5 and their games of "Kiss and Cuddle," etc., I truly laughed until I cried. The death of the beloved cat Angel made me weep as my dear cat Harriet died this summer. I really appreciated the author's expression that animals are to be respected for the love and support that they bring to our lives. All in all, this was a great book and I am glad I got to spend a Sunday with it! I only wish there were more pictures of Truman, especially in his party hat!!!!

Aside from being more-than-a-little horrified that she went away for the weekend knowing her cat was ouside with its lower jaw ripped off....this was a wonderful book.

It's a lovely story of how animals help heal our hearts.

But, I still have trouble resolving the woman who wrote this book as the same woman who left her maimed cat alone for the weekend. Temporary insanity is the only explanation. She really should have left that part out.

Like the author, I got a dog 3 years ago to help me through a very rough time in my life. That dog helped me more than therapy, in fact WAS my therapy every single day. Animal lovers especially will identify with this wonderful book, I've bought extra copies for Christmas gifts already!

This little book provided more help than any grief counseling session I have attended. I quickly identified with the author, and could not put the book down until I had come to the end, and then I wanted to start over. Having recently lost a husband unexpectedly, and soon after, my beloved cat, I, too, recently adopted two shelter kittens, and they have helped me tremendously. Not only do I feel needed in this big empty house, but they provide laughter and enjoyment as well.

I found myself laughing out loud on almost every page. Mary Beth Crain seems to embody the essence (and the quirks) of living through the process of being a caregiver,grieving her loss and moving across bereavement with her companion Truman. Her humor shines through, giving a light hearted overview of a serious subject. We need more books on Care Giving and the Bereavement Process that uplift our spirits and giving us a good "Belly Laugh" along the way. KUDOS !!For the Laughter!
Katherine Rosengren R.N. M.A.

An entertaining narrative of Chihuahua personality and charateristics per se, as well as an astute insight into the complexities of emotions and perceptions while restructring life after the loss of a spouse. An excellent account of canine capers and especially personal renewal, spiced with humor and tears, says it all so well!