Book Review: Maggie, the dog who changed my life

As I turned the pages of Maggie, the dog who changed my life, I felt a powerful kindred spirit connection with Dawn and Maggie.  Their story is so similar to my own, and the path I am now on because of my own lab, Cassie Jo, who I lost to cancer in 2005.

What I love about Dawn Kairn is the fact that she opens her heart wide to the world in sharing Maggie’s story and their journey. She took an extremely difficult situation of realizing she should have followed her intuition, turned it into a positive, and now shares her truth in this deeply profound book.

We can probably all say that at least once in our life we have wished we followed our own intuition.  Dawn’s intuition of cancer in Maggie, along with her vivid dreams, which she recalled and wrote in exquisite detail after each dream, brought to light what her gut was telling her all along.

Even though there was a time Dawn could not forgive herself for not trusting what she believed was wrong with Maggie, she took a tough life changing lesson and turned into a blessing.  The blessing of helping others understand that if our intuition is telling us something about our beloved animal, to follow it, no matter what anyone else says.  She also takes all the heartache (and much joy) of her life with Maggie and shares it in this deeply moving memoir that I found very hard to put down. 

I laughed, reminisced, forgave myself for my own guilt with Cassie Jo, and cried for the loss of Maggie, who was a beautiful, knowing soul.  At times I felt as if Maggie and Cassie Jo were twins because of the amazing spiritual lessons they taught Dawn and I.

Dawn captures the essence and spirituality of dogs, as well as, eloquently gives us her heart by sharing Maggie with all of us, and I for one, am a better person for reading their story.

To learn more about Dawn and Maggie and to purchase a copy of her book visit her on her website

Does Your Dog Have a Story to Tell?

 

What story would your dog tell if he/she could?  Well now they can!

Happy Tails Books collects thought-provoking stories from people who have participated in dog rescue or dog adoption, and compiles them into books that educate and entertain readers! These books also raise awareness about people working to end animal cruelty and provide a source of funding for dog rescue groups.

You can share your “tail!”

You can submit information for one of several sections in our books. Longer stories (600-1200 words, please!) will be considered for features. Shorter stories, preferably no more than a paragraph in length, will be considered for our “Even Shorter Stories” section. This section either tell a funny or heartwarming anecdote about your dog, or describe a challenge you had with your dog and how you overcame it. We are also open to poems, recipes and of course, great photos!

You can join their mailing list, buy a book (where most of the proceeds go to dog rescue groups), or follow along on their blog

Will You Care for Me?

Author/friend, Natalie Tucker Miller shared a moving video on her Facebook page and I just had to share it with you.  Natalie's book, Lavender Ladies is a first of its kind picture book for elders.  I have the book and it is absolutely beautiful.

When I watched this video it reminded me of the volunteer work Frankie and I do visiting Libby's House once a month.  We stay for an hour and just listen, offer a hug, time to pet Frankie, or Frankie takes turns sitting on laps, or she lays down in her wheelchair while we visit with the residents.  A few weeks ago a woman I'll call Jane, pet Frankie for the first time in six months.  She has always been very afraid of dogs… but Frankie finally grew on her.  :)  She couldn't stop laughing as Frankie licked and licked her hand.  It was awesome.