In The Wonderful World Of Dogs Candid Baker captures the heart and soul of the dog world. Full of short stories of the love between human and his best friend, The Wonderful World of Dogs shows a side of the animal we often over look. With each chapter being divided by a dog quote and with poems gracing the content, this book allows for easy bedtime reading, and is great for those moments when you have a lull in your day that you wish to uplift.
There were times within this book that my eyes filled with tears and other times that I laughed so hard I cried. The courage and dedication of some of these amazing canines amazed me. As an animal lover and owner of many different species over the years I am accustomed to the wonders of the animal world but still found this book a refreshing reminder of the need for dogs within our lives and the blessing that they bring. It brought home the amount of times I have taken my beloved canine for granted and how important it is that I show her, each and every day, how special she is to my family.
For many years animals have been shown to act as a large part of the healing process of humans. In The Wonderful World Of Dogs we read of Skippy who was found by her owner when they were both going through hard times, Skippy being ill and her new owner receiving treatment at an alcohol rehabilitation centre. The attention and will to live that Skippy showed gave her owner the love and courage needed to get through the tough road ahead. Together they bonded to provide each other with unconditional love that heals.
There is also the story of Beckett, a rescue dog, who approached a man who was visibly upset as his dog was being given CPR. Beckett approached the man as he sat in the waiting room of the vets surgery and slowly slid his head under his hands and hid his face in the man's lap, showing the much needed compassion and understanding.
And then there are the messages our dogs give us that are to often misinterpreted or not listen to.
The Wonderful World of Dogs introduces us to Nenkin, a Collie mix, who warned her owner of the intentions of wrongdoing by a man who knocked on her door. Requesting to use the phone, as his car had broken down, Nenkin's owner was about to open the door when Nenkin threw herself at it barking and growling ferociously. This was not normal for her nature. Seeing this as a warning her owner did not permit the man to enter. The man moved on to the neighbours up the road who he gagged, tied to their chair and stole their car. By being in tune to Nenkin and listening to her message her owner was spared a terrible fate.
Within The Wonderful World Of Dogs there are many quotes and poems that rang true in my heart but none more than “Rules From The Dog Universe'
“When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Enjoy every moment of every day!
Everything is always ok in the end; if it's not, then it's not the end.”
Anonymous
The Wonderful World of Dogs by Candida Baker is a refreshing book that is devoted to the companionship of dog and owner. It tells of the positivity within our relationships and the compassion and devotion that some humans can show for another species. The unity and respect of human and animal, which is often tainted by the disrepect and hurtful nature of some, is show the recognition that it deserves.
Recommended as a feel good, uplifting book that celebrates life at its greatest, The Wonderful World Of Dogs by Candida Baker is a personal journey into the lives of owners and their dogs. You need not be a lover of dogs in order to enjoy this feel good book but will surely be considering your relationship with the canine species by the time you turn the last page.
Available from Allen and Unwin: www.allenandunwin.com
ISBN: 9781742374253
No comments:
Post a Comment