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My Life in Dog Years: A Poodle Named Henry & Other Melodramas
Candida Pugh’s memoir is a heartfelt exploration of life through the lens of her love for dogs. Each chapter introduces a new canine companion, unveiling not only the unique bond she shares with them but also the profound lessons they impart. From moments of joy to unexpected challenges, every dog shapes Candida’s journey in ways that are as endearing as they are transformative.
One of the standout stories revolves around Henry, a poodle she was advised against adopting. Defying the warnings, Candida brings him home, embarking on a journey of mutual growth. The lessons they teach each other resonate deeply, showcasing the enduring impact of trust and resilience. Every bond she forges with her dogs radiates warmth and authenticity, leaving readers with a sense of connection to her experiences. The writing flows effortlessly, inviting readers into Candida’s world as if they were seated across from her, sharing coffee and listening to her reminisce about her furry companions. The narrative weaves seamlessly through each chapter, intertwining the stories of her dogs with pivotal moments in her life. Together, they navigate challenges and celebrate new experiences, illuminating the profound ways dogs enrich human lives. This memoir also underscores the invaluable lessons dogs teach about loyalty, patience, and love. Their personalities shine through the pages—each dog is a reflection of their environment and their bond with Candida. Acts of love, defiance, determination, and resilience define these relationships, shaping both her life and theirs. For dog enthusiasts, the book offers both emotional depth and practical insights. Readers gain glimpses into various dog sports, training activities, and the fascinating history and capabilities of breeds like the German Shepherd. Jessie, a German Shepherd featured in the memoir, emerges as a personal favorite. Her loyalty and fierce determination to protect Candida add a layer of poignancy to the narrative.
My Life in Dog Years: A Poodle Named Henry and Other Melodramas is a captivating blend of canine tales and personal reflection. Candida Pugh’s stories will make you laugh, cry, and cherish your own relationships with the dogs in your life. This memoir is a must-read for anyone who carries paw prints on their heart and fur on their clothes—a celebration of the indelible bond between humans and their four-legged friends.
Pages: 287 | ASIN : B0DKZHC385
Incredible Outcomes
The Dog Who Wanted to be a Bird follows the incredibly tragic life of Dog, who desperately wanted to be free to experience life. What was the inspiration for this fable?
In all walks of life, there is a tremendous drive to have unlimited choices in which direction one may choose. Humankind and the animal kingdom all strive for this freedom of choice to direct their own respective lives. The character of ‘Dog’ was a simple choice due to the fact that man and their canine companions are presently carrying on with thousands of years of evolution together; a symbiosis. Canines -evolved from wolves- have been able to develop a deep understanding of human behavior through millennia of observations and trained behavior. Likewise humankind has utilized this relationship as a form of protection and companionship that has proven beneficial mutually.
The Corvids (Crow, Jay & Magpie); having a higher intelligence than canines, coupled with tool making capability are far less understood due to the lack of symbiosis that canines experience. Ornithologists and the science community are researching these brainy-box birds presently, with rather incredible outcomes.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
The barter system is an antiquated method of the past. The conundrum facing Dog and her feathered friends was the concept of small rectangular pieces of paper ($money) that humankind uses to purchase objects such as automobiles, food and all types of material wealth. This puzzle (Capitalism) was finally solved by Crow as he explains to Dog-
“We see that these small papers are just a symbol of power. More paper equals more power. Men seek other likeminded men who also possess lots of paper. These become men of power. These men of power make the rules for the nation of their kind. The people with fewer or no pieces of paper are much more numerous by far, and they suffer as a consequence.”
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.) These are a couple of the multitude of organizations that protect animal rights. Many abuses exist worldwide that are too horrible to list here. On the other hand, as many of us have observed, there are pets who receive preferential treatment from doting owners who lavish top veterinary care, premium food and living conditions that surpasses at times that of many of their human companions. This is a reality.
The Corvids insight into how the original occupiers in North America, who moved into their pristine wilderness were much more respectful of their precious water, land and resources. Especially their reverence to all animal life. The new European usurpers who traveled across the great sea were witnessed exhausting the land of its wealth and wildlife. This sad truth exists to this day.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
For some satire may be a hard concept to grasp. The themes to this novelette include friendship, religion, racism and faith expressed through the art of storytelling.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
GEEZERVILLE- What Do I Do Now?
This novel (Dramatic Comedy), displays the life of a curmudgeonly ol’ geezer residing in a trailer park, who is not exactly who he seems to be…?
Dog’s new life is spent in isolation in a remote area. Dog’s only interaction in her bitter, lonely existence is with three members of the Corvid family; Crow, Jay and Magpie whom she befriends. Through oral history the birds educate Dog on mankind’s advent into the New World, describing how the indigenous occupiers were eventually usurped by the invasion of another, new, two legged species from across the great sea. Dog eventually becomes enlightened to the political intrigue, rivalry and jealousies that exist between her feathered friends who are related to one another.
Dog and her friends of flight weave a story of their insights and observations into the species human, on co-existence, faith and the essence of life.
My Personal Journey
Your Pet, Your Pill provides a hundred stories that show how our pets help us live happier and healthier lives. What inspired you to write this book?
My pets have always been rays of sunshine and hope who understood me and helped me to carry on as strong pillars of my life. I’ve also been able to overcome many seemingly insurmountable obstacles in my private and professional life through the unwavering support and unconditional love of my pets. Based on that I wanted to inspire other people to understand the incredible positive impact our pets have on our lives. But it is not just about what we think our pets can help us in our lives as everything in Your Pet, Your Pill is based on science and research. My intention was to remove any doubts of personal bias among my readership about those incredible values. For that reason I have researched hundreds of scientific articles and information to create a strong foundation for my stories as thought-provoking support. The combination of a wide variety of profound research in easily digestible way with amazing stories makes Your Pet, Your Pill so unique. My wish is that my book is a motivating and inspiring testimony that our pets can indeed enrich our lives beyond imagination and help people of all walks of life.
You are a doctor of Veterinary Medicine with more than 25 years of experience in the field. How has your experience helped you write this book?
Being an doctor of Veterinary Medicine with such a long and divers experience with lots of different animals and pet owners, this experience has opened for me a completely different way of thinking and looking at our beloved pets. My personal journey with my own pets from early childhood onwards was complimented by those beautiful stories among my relatives, friends, acquaintances and patients. This has helped me to gain a much deeper and broader understanding and reflection what our pets can do for us in so many different ways for HSH – Health, Success and Happiness. Due to my professional background as veterinarian and life coach I have witnessed firsthand the multiple blessings our pets can bring to us to heal ourselves, not just physically but also our minds and our souls.
Pet improve us in many ways. Some are obvious, like improving our mood, but other surprised me, like detecting cancer. Was there anything that surprised you when doing research for this book?
I knew a lot of things that pets can do for us to help and heal us but what completely surprised me was their tremendously positive impact on our personal and professional lives. Pets help to shape and improve our character traits to a huge extent that enables us to build strong positive relationships with other people and to advance in our personal and professional lives. They even support us in developing skills and abilities that we require for our professional success. Those findings were very amazing as it goes far beyond our common understanding of how pets can improve our lives.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have just published Your Pet, Your Pill’s accompanying companion book Your Pet, Your Pill® Workbook. A Self-Discovery Guide About How Pets Lead You to a Happy, Healthy and Successful Life. This book is a real self-discovery workbook with a lot of exercises and activities. It shall provide a guide to deeper reflection and insight for my readers who might be in a difficult time of their lives and need a structured way to dive into their feelings, hearts and souls. I am also working on the next book as part of my Your Pet, Your Pill series and hope to finish it be end of the next year. There is still so much to be said about our wonderful pets and animals that can motivate and inspire my readers. I would also like to encourage my readers to share their personal stories with me for my next book and to become a part of the Your Pet, Your Pill community because I am looking to let people learn from other people’s experience in different aspects.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The book also demonstrates how our pets can help us to find ourselves again. We can improve ourselves tremendously when we look at pets as our guide, help, support and idol. Their unconditional love and incredible joy of being present in the moment are the foundation for our lives and our relationship with others. Pets can heal us so deeply that they are our best medicines for love, for laughter, for happiness, for joy, for health, and for success.
Better Than Our Dogs
In John Murray’s latest book, Better Than Our Dogs, he uses the interesting lives and behaviors of his and his neighbor’s dogs to impart faith-based life lessons. Not only has he beautifully captured God’s love in his words but he also managed to write in a non-judgemental way that would attract even those outside the faith.
This story follows the lives of five dogs; Socrates, Chloe, Darby, Young Pup, and Old Vet, so deeply explaining their mannerisms and temperaments that you would be forgiven for mistaking them for actual people. Truly, character development doesn’t get better than this.
By drawing parallels between his relationship with his dogs and our relationship with God, he brings life to Biblical principles, clearly laying out lessons that we can all apply in our lives. I also like that the author draws on Greek mythology as well to bring more clarity to his points.
Moreover, the way he manages to draw the same message from different stories and weaves them together is something to behold. He also does the reverse quite efficiently, fetching different lessons from a single story.
I truly appreciate about the simple and whimsical delivery. Needless to say, this is one of the easiest books to read. It’s not too wordy and there aren’t any long paragraphs of meaningless information.
It is captivating and straight to the point, yet still giving you enough to leave a long-lasting impression. It is clear that John really put his heart and soul into this. As this book is written in his voice and is actually about real-life experiences, it feels very personal, as if we are peeking into his innermost musings. Coupled with its gut-wrenching epilogue, it is this that I believe makes this book so relatable. Some of the running themes in this book include the fragility of life and the importance of loyalty and serving others.
Pages: 122 | ASIN: B08FWBRF1L
Did Jesus Die For Dogs?
![Did Jesus Die For Dogs?: What does the Bible say? by [Steven Boint]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/410Z9+-jmTL.jpg)
Rev Steven J. Boint helps readers understand the Supreme Being that is God and how humans relate to him in his book, Did Jesus Die For Dogs? In the book the author analyzes different theological narratives and how they have shaped the lives of Christians around the world. The tone of the text is neutral and the author is objective with the points that he shares. Along the way the reverend uses bible scriptures to help the reader comprehend the creation story, sin and how Christ loves his people.
As a follower of Christ, one is assured of God’s unending love and mercy. The author writes about God’s love and why every creature on earth exists because of his grace. There are multiple lessons on salvation and how broad Christianity is. Did Jesus Die For Dogs? is a a surprisingly thought-provoking book, considering the title. This book enlightens the reader on the role of Christianity and living righteously. The discussions are sober and the author is impartial in his analysis. Rev. Steven Boint has written a short but deep book that explores Christian salvation, and if it applies to dogs.
Pages: 29 | ASIN: B0867FSZY5
I’ve Got You (Captain Fantastic Book 1)
![I've Got You (Captain Fantastic Book 1) by [Tommy Balaam]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41iJ1DRGBaL.jpg)
I’ve Got You is a fun space adventure for young readers. Captain Fantastic and his best friend Winston sail through the galaxy when they encounter a scary looking galaxy. When Winston gets frightened Captain Fantastic’s mission is to reassure his best friend and let him know that he’ll never be alone. Together, they can face anything.
Tommy Balaam has created a charming children’s story that is filled with colorful images that give life to this simple but effective story. I don’t often come across children’s picture books that fall within the science fiction genre. This is a welcome surprise as the story embraces it with a unique charisma that is reminiscent of early science fiction TV shows like Flash Gordon.
The story begins with the duo departing on an adventure. Before long we’re given a peek into their various exciting adventures on diverse planets and against many cute monsters. All relayed through rhyme. I loved the story but what I enjoyed most about this book, much like a comic book, was the fantastic art and imagery throughout the story. A fantastic start to what promises to be an amazing intergalactic children’s series.
Pages: 32 | ASIN: B08BKSBHSN
The Adventurous Life of Dogs
Julia Seaborn Author Interview
Butterball Gets Lost follows a fun-loving poodle who gets lost while looking for fun and can’t find her way home. What were some influences that guided this books development?
All of my books have a general theme about the adventurous life of dogs. My aim is to incorporate a fun and happy story with some learning opportunities.
My favorite scene from the book is when Butterball gets stuck in the rabbit hole and the lizards are watching. What is your favorite scene from the book?
My favourite scene is when Barny the Owl helps Butterball find her way home because it gives the book a happy ending.
What were some educational themes you wanted to focus on with this book?
The story gives young children information about the characteristics and behaviours of some animals. Also basic number skills.
What can readers expect in book three in your Butterball the Poodle series?
Book three in the Butterball series will be a Christmas book.
Author Links: Website | Goodreads
![BUTTERBALL Gets Lost (Butterball the Poodle Book 2) by [Julia Seaborn]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Qdgga3RhL._SX260_.jpg)
Butterball is a curious fun-loving poodle who doesn’t like being left home alone. She is looking for fun and digs her way out under a fence, but Butterball wanders too far.
How will Butterball find her way home?
Join Butterball on her adventure and meet Binky the bunny, JillaRoo the kangaroo and Barny the owl. This easy-to-read picture book features cute illustrations, supports the development of literacy and numeracy skills, and includes some fun activity pages.
My Name Is Bacci Bogie: Frequent Flyer Extraordinaire
![My Name Is Bacci Bogie: Frequent Flyer Extraordinaire by [Glosser, Sandra]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41E00jvwRXL.jpg)
My Name is Bacci Bogie, by Sandra Glosser, is a story of travel, of life’s ups and downs, and above all, of love and acceptance. However, unlike many other stories, this one is told from the perspective of a small, but boisterous, Maltese dog.
Bacci tells us the story of his adoption by his doggie mom, Sandra, and their lives together as traveling companions. By accompanying Sandra on her travels as a motivational speaker, Bacci becomes an expert at flying in planes, staying in hotels, and making friends. He gets to live a doggie life full of adventure while bringing joy not only to Sandra’s life, but to many other people’s lives as well. Through Bacci’s own voice we learn about the real love and companionship that is shared between animals and humans.
I think Glosser’s choice to write this book from the perspective of her dog works really well to convey her story in an interesting way. Many pet owners can attest to wondering what their pet is thinking from time to time, and this attempt by the author to reveal her dog’s interpretation of events can appeal to pet lovers everywhere. Even those who are not doggie parents will enjoy hearing about the world from a fresh perspective. By imagining what Bacci is thinking, Glosser reveals her story to us a lighthearted way that is fun to listen to.
While the overall approach to the book is compelling, I think the structure of the story itself could use some fine tuning. Frequently, one anecdote seems to lead into another without much transition, making it hard to follow where one idea ends and another begins. The text is not always divided into chapters in an effective manner, leading me to feel at times like I may have missed something in the plot. In addition, while the stories that Bacci tells are endearing I felt that they were underdeveloped. I think the book would benefit from elaboration on these stories to develop their significance a bit more. Without this, the book at times feels like it is a string of thoughts rather than a fleshed out story.
With that being said, the book is a fairly enjoyable read overall. The author’s message in the preface and epilogue turn what may just be another story into something with a more personal meaning as they reveal the author’s real feelings and motivation for sharing her story with her audience. Grosser’s heartfelt story pays tribute to the life of her beloved pet in a way that is touching to hear.
Pages: 51 | ASIN: B07R9Z76LC
LITERARY TITAN 